Seattle Historical Sites

Summary for 6533 20th AVE / Parcel ID 7518505130 / Inv #

Historic Name: Stalnaker House Common Name: Stalnaker House Style: Vernacular Neighborhood: Crown Hill/Ballard Built By: Year Built: 1904   Significance In the opinion of the survey, this property appears to meet the criteria of the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Ordinance. The Stalnaker House was constructed about 1904. In July 1904 Edward Stalnaker (ca 1867-1934) and wife Lena purchased two platted lots from Frederick E. Kleber, who had owned the entire square block of twelve vacant lots. Indiana native Edward Stalnaker with his wife and brother William arrived in Ballard earlier the same year. After the Stalnaker’s bought the lots they immediately mortgaged the property and likely constructed the house which was probably finished by the end of 1904 although construction could have stretched into 1905. By spring 1905, the two brothers and their families were living there. The Stalnakers had to walk about seven blocks to 24th Avenue NW and NW 64th Street to catch the street car line that ran from Ballard to downtown Seattle. Although they owned the house for over twenty years, the Stalnakers lived in the house for only two years before they left town. By 1909 the two brothers settled in Shelton and would remain in that town’s vicinity for the rest of their lives. While living in Ballard Edward worked as a cook. In Shelton he ran a restaurant, was head cook for numerous Simpson Lumber Company logging camps, and during the 1930s depression cooked for the Lake Cushman Civilian Conservation Corps camp. While in Ballard brother William ‘Bill’ Stalnaker (1868-1934) worked as a porter for McGuick’s hotel and then as a bartender before leaving for southern Puget Sound. They died in Mason County within weeks of each other. Later occupants. From the late 1920s through the 1930s music teacher Rudolph and his wife Sophie M. Moller occupied the house. During the 1940s George L. and Anna Genter lived in the house. George Genter employed as a feed mixer for Magnolia Milling Company. In 1954 when Seattle annexed the area from 85th to 145th Lon and Eunice L. Gray lived there. By 1961 Gale A. Peck, a draftsman for Western Gear and his wife Lorraine M. lived there. Variant addresses: Prior to 1905 the house address was 1525 2nd Ave W, Ballard. From 1905 until it was annexed to Seattle the address was 127 2nd Ave N, Ballard. The residence appears to meet City of Seattle Landmark criteria due to the age of the structure (over 100 years old) and minimal alterations. Sources: "Ed Stalnaker Passes Away at Home Here" Shelton Mason County Journal. Clipping files. Special Collections, University of Washington Library "W. Stalnaker Injured by Auto, Dies" Shelton Mason County Journal. Clipping files. Special Collections, University of Washington Library   Appearance The Queen Anne style one and a half story Stalnaker House was constructed about 1904. Unable to locate a building permit because very few City of Ballard permits survive. Two flared hip roofs with two hip dormers. Replaced columns supporting a hip porch roof. Original sashes and surrounds replaced. House reclad.

Detail for 6533 20th AVE / Parcel ID 7518505130 / Inv #

Status: Yes - Inventory Classication: Building District Status: Cladding(s): Wood - Clapboard Foundation(s): Concrete - Block Roof Type(s): Hip Roof Material(s): Asphalt/Composition Building Type: Domestic - Single Family Plan: Irregular Structural System: Balloon Frame/Platform Frame No. of Stories: one & ½ Unit Theme(s): Architecture/Landscape Architecture Integrity Changes to Plan: Slight Changes to Original Cladding: Extensive Changes to Windows: Moderate Major Bibliographic References King County Property Record Card (c. 1938-1972), Washington State Archives. Polk's Seattle Directories, 1890-1996. Sanborn Map Company. Insurance Maps of Seattle, Washington. (New York, Sanborn Map Company, 1904-1905) 4 volumes. Sanborn Map Company. Insurance Maps of Seattle, Washington. (New York, Sanborn Map Company, 1916-1919) volumes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6. Sanborn Map Company. Insurance Maps of Seattle, Washington. (New York, Sanborn Map Company, 1949-1950 update) 11 volumes.

Photo collection for 6533 20th AVE / Parcel ID 7518505130 / Inv #

Photo taken Dec 23, 2004