Maryland Historical Trust
Maryland Inventory of
Historic Properties Form
1. Name of Property
Inventory No. PG: 70-088
(indicate preferred name)
Wells House
historic
other
2. Location
street and number
9012 Stevens Lane
not for publication
city, town
Lanham
vicinity
county
Prince George's
3. Owner of Property
(give names and mailing addresses of all owners)
name
David O. McCaskill
street and number
9012 Stevens Lane
city, town
Lanham
telephone
MD
state
zip code
20706-2508
4. Location of Legal Description
courthouse, registry of deeds, etc. Prince George's County Courthouse
Upper Marlboro
city, town
tax map 44
tax parcel
liber
13500 folio 357
57
tax ID number
20 2233757
5. Primary Location of Additional Data
X
Contributing Resource in National Register District
Contributing Resource in Local Historic District
Determined Eligible for the National Register/Maryland Register
Determined Ineligible for the National Register/Maryland Register
Recorded by HABS/HAER
Historic Structure Report or Research Report at MHT
Other: Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Prince George's County Planning Department
6. Classification
Category
district
X building(s)
structure
site
object
Ownership
public
X private
both
Current Function
agriculture
commerce/trade
defense
X domestic
education
funerary
government
health care
industry
Resource Count
landscape
recreation/culture
religion
social
transportation
work in progress
unknown
vacant/not in use
other:
Contributing
2
2
Noncontributing
1
buildings
sites
structures
objects
1
Total
Number of Contributing Resources
previously listed in the Inventory
n/a
7. Description
Inventory No. PG: 70-088
Condition
excellent
X good
fair
deteriorated
ruins
altered
Prepare both a one paragraph summary and a comprehensive description of the resource and its various elements as it exists today.
The Wells House is located at 9012 Stevens Lane in Lanham, Maryland. The property is situated on the north
side of Stevens Lane, at the end of the roadway. Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor is adjacent to the property,
running along the northern boundary. Mature trees and shrubs line the level, grassy lot. Dense woodlands are
located west and north of the property. A gravel driveway extends north from Stevens Lane. The eastern
boundary of the property is lined by a chain-link fence. A garage is located along the eastern property line.
DWELLING
This two-story, three-bay vernacular dwelling, constructed c. 1890, has a T-shape plan. The dwelling is set on a
solid, poured concrete foundation according to the current owner. This wood-frame structure has been reclad in
asbestos siding. The cross-gable roof is covered with asphalt shingles. Ornamental elements have been applied
to the roof line; these included: overhanging eaves, a raking wood cornice with circular reliefs, and scrolled
rafter ends exposed due to the open cornice that lacks a fascia board. The Wells House has an interior brick
chimney as well as an exterior-end brick chimney, both with corbeled caps. All of the windows have been
replaced with 1/1, double-hung, vinyl-sash and are set in square-edge, vinyl-clad surrounds.
The façade (southwest elevation) is three bays wide and features a two-story, one-bay wide, front-facing gable
as well as two-story, one-bay wide, shed-roof projection. The front-facing gable is fenestrated by an opening on
the second story and a 2-light, awning window located in the upper-gable end. The shed-roof projection
contains a window opening on the second story. The southernmost bay of the second story contains a window
opening. The first story of the façade is dominated by a one-story, full-width enclosed porch addition. Based on
its form and materials, it appears that this porch was constructed c. 1920. This date is substantiated by the rockfaced, concrete-block foundation. Rock-faced concrete blocks were formed by machines that could be operated
by local builders. The affordability of the machines and the ease of making the block led to the “backyard,” or
“woodshed,” phase of the concrete-block industry. Many people bought the machines and made block for their
own use.1 The popularity of rock-faced concrete block is attributable to many factors, primarily though it was
the inexpensive, quick, and easy alternative to more traditional building materials. Rock-faced concrete block
enjoyed another advantage, its ornamental possibilities.2 The porch probably replaced a wood-frame porch
original to the dwelling. The two southernmost bays of the porch were enclosed with vinyl siding c. 2000 by the
current owners. The northernmost bay is enclosed with asbestos siding, suggesting that it was enclosed or
altered when the asbestos siding was applied. The shed roof is covered with asphalt shingles and features
narrow overhanging eaves along the façade. Fenestration consists of paired windows flanking a single-leaf,
glass door accessed via concrete steps.
The northeast (side) elevation features an exposed foundation as well as a two-story, one-bay projection. The
exposed foundation contains a single-leaf, metal door below grade. This opening is accessed via concrete steps
and was installed by the current owners c. 2000. This opening provides access to a small cellar. The two-story
bump-out projects approximately one foot from the main block and is capped by a front-gable roof. The roof
shares some of the ornamental finishes as the main block such as the raking wood cornice with circular reliefs.
Maryland Historical Trust
Maryland Inventory of
Historic Properties Form
Inventory No. PG: 70-088
Wells House
Continuation Sheet
Number 7
Page 2
It also has a boxed cornice. The projection has been reclad in asbestos siding and is fenestrated by a single
window on the first story and two narrow windows on the second story. The main block is fenestrated by a
window flanking the projection on the first and second stories.
The northeast (rear) elevation features a two-story projection that is one bay wide with a front-gable roof. This
projection is fenestrated by a window on the first and second stories as well as a small, 2-light window in the
upper-gable end. The south side of the projection contains a window opening on the second story. The main
block is two bays wide and fenestrated by a basement window and a window on the first and second stories. A
small window opening is located mid-way to the north of the first- and second-story openings, suggesting the
presence of a staircase along this wall.
The southeast (side) elevation features two narrow window openings flanking the exterior brick chimney on the
second story. The stack is slightly off-centered to the west. A portion of the second story has been reclad in
vinyl siding. The first story of this elevation has a one-story, one-bay addition. Based on information from the
current owners, this addition was constructed c. 1975. The addition is set on a solid parged foundation. The
wood-frame structure is clad in asbestos siding (same as the main block) and capped by a side-gable roof
covered with asphalt shingles. The roof features exposed rafter ends, overhanging eaves, and a raking wood
cornice. The stack of the exterior-end chimney extends through the addition. Fenestration of the addition
consists of 1/1, double-hung, vinyl-sash windows set in vinyl-clad surrounds on the façade (southwest
elevation) and southeast (side) elevation. The northeast (rear) elevation has a single-leaf, paneled wood door
with a single light set in a narrow, square-edge wood surround. This door opening is accessed via a large poured
concrete slab located between the dwelling and the garage.
GARAGE
This one-and-one-half-story, one-bay garage is located in the southeast corner of the property. Based on its form
and materials, it is probable that this resource was constructed in the mid-twentieth century. Set on a solid,
poured concrete foundation, this wood-frame structure is clad in asbestos siding. The front-gable roof is covered
with asphalt shingles and includes overhanging eaves, an open cornice with no fascia board, and a gutter system
along the secondary elevations. The façade (southeast elevation) is pierced by a centrally located garage
opening. This single-bay opening has a paneled, roll-up wooden door with six lights. The garage door was
partially off its tracks and deteriorating. The upper-gable end of the garage contains a 6-light, wood-sash,
awning window set in a square-edge wood surround with a wood sill. The southwest (side) elevation is pierced
by a single-leaf, paneled wood door set in a square-edge wood surround. The northeast (side) elevation is
pierced by a 1/6, double-hung, wood-sash window set in a square-edge wood surround. The northwest (rear)
elevation contains a 6-light, wood-sash, awning window in the upper-gable end. This opening has a square-edge
wood surround. The rear elevation features a one-story, full-width projection set on a solid, poured concrete
Maryland Historical Trust
Maryland Inventory of
Historic Properties Form
Inventory No. PG: 70-088
Wells House
Continuation Sheet
Number 7
Page 3
foundation. This projection is clad in asbestos siding and capped by a shed roof with overhanging eaves covered
with asphalt shingles. This projection has no fenestration.
On the rear of the projection is a small, c. 1960 addition. This one-story addition is narrower than the main
block. The addition is clad in plywood and capped by a shed roof with exposed rafter tails and overhanging
eaves. Fenestration of the addition consists of a single-light, wood-sash casement window on the northeast
(side) elevation.
PREFABRICATED SHED
This one-story, one-bay prefabricated shed is located along the northeast boundary of the property. Based on its
form and materials, it appears that this resource was constructed c. 1990. This molded-plastic shed has a frontgabled roof. The façade (southeast elevation) contains a double-leaf, paneled plastic door with lights. The lights
have been covered with plywood.
INTEGRITY
The Wells House maintains a moderate level of integrity of design, materials, feeling and workmanship. The
application of asbestos and vinyl siding and vinyl-sash windows has affected the building’s integrity. Further,
the southeast (side) addition, although complimentary to the main block in massing and materials, is visible
from the public right-of-way. It was added in 1975, and therefore does not contribute to the architectural
significance of the house. The dwelling maintains its integrity of location, setting, and association as a singlefamily dwelling located in Lanham, adjacent to railroad tracks.
The garage maintains a moderate integrity of design, materials, and workmanship. The rear addition is not
highly visible from the public right-of-way and is smaller than the main block and original rear projection. This
resource maintains its original wood-sash windows. The garage’s integrity of feeling, setting, location, and
association are intact. This garage is a functioning resource associated with the Wells House.
Based on its recent construction date, the prefabricated shed is considered a non-contributing resource.
Overall, the Wells House and associated garage present a moderate level of integrity.
8. Significance
Period
Areas of Significance
1600-1699
1700-1799
1800-1899
X 1900-1999
2000-
agriculture
archeology
X architecture
art
commerce
communications
community planning
conservation
Specific dates
c. 1890
Construction dates
c. 1890, c. 1975, c. 2000
Inventory No. PG: 70-088
Check and justify below
economics
education
engineering
entertainment/
recreation
ethnic heritage
exploration/
settlement
health/medicine
industry
invention
landscape architecture
law
literature
maritime history
military
X
Architect/Builder
performing arts
philosophy
politics/government
religion
science
social history
transportation
other: Local History
unknown
Evaluation for:
National Register
Maryland Register
not evaluated
Prepare a one-paragraph summary statement of significance addressing applicable criteria, followed by a narrative discussion of the
history of the resource and its context. (For compliance projects, complete evaluation on a DOE Form – see manual.)
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
The Wells House was constructed c. 1890 at 9012 Stevens Lane in Lanham. The house was built by clerk
Edward Stevens, who purchased the property from Benjamin D. Stephen for investment purposes. The Tshaped dwelling is a good example of the many vernacular houses built in Prince George’s County during the
late nineteenth century. The property was owned from 1896 to 1951 by Frank N. Wells, who was responsible
for the addition of the front porch. After 55 years of ownership, the Wells family sold the property in 1951 to
Edward and Mazel Gertsch. The Gertsch family owned the property until 1956, when they sold to Stuart and
Wilma Russell. In 1970, the property was conveyed to Joseph and Norma McCann, Jr, who were responsible
for the construction of the southeast (side) elevation addition. The current owner, David Omar McCaskill and
Peggy Louise Branch-McCaskill, have owned and occupied the dwelling since 1999. Although the dwelling has
a small side addition, has been reclad with synthetic siding, and has replacement vinyl-sash windows, the Wells
House retains sufficient integrity to convey its significance as a late-nineteenth-century vernacular house with a
T-shaped plan constructed in the northeastern suburbs of Prince George’s County.
HISTORIC CONTEXT
The Wells House is located in the unincorporated community of Lanham, Maryland. Located in western Prince
George’s County, Lanham became established as a result of the construction of the Washington Branch of the
Pennsylvania Railroad in 1872. This branch provided service from Washington, DC to Huntington City, later
known as Bowie. Eventually it became the main line into the City of Washington, and as such, Lanham was
established as a railroad community.3 The Wells House’s proximity to Lanham Station made it an attractive
location to live. Amtrak passenger trains now utilize the Washington Branch. As Washington, DC grew from its
federal city beginnings, it began to spill over into the adjoining counties. The train station at Lanham provided
impetus for the growth of suburban Washington, D.C. communities and small neighborhoods established during
the first-half of the twentieth century.
Maryland Historical Trust
Maryland Inventory of
Historic Properties Form
Inventory No. PG: 70-088
Wells House
Continuation Sheet
Number 8
Page 2
The Wells House, like many dwellings dating from the late nineteenth century, was built in proximity to
Lanham Station, which was serviced by the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad. This railroad was part of the
Pennsylvania Railroad’s main line running from Baltimore southwest to Washington, DC. It is now part of
Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor.
One of the prominent landowners in the Lanham area at the end of the nineteenth century was Benjamin D.
Stephen. Stephen became a founding incorporator of the Maryland and Washington Railway Corporation.4 The
company was authorized to run from the District of Columbia, across Maryland into Pennsylvania. In 1890,
Stephen conveyed 2.14 acres, part of a tract known as “Warrens Lot,” to Edward C. and Mary L. Stevens.5
Based on the Wells House’s form and materials, which reflect a c. 1890 construction date, it is likely that
Edward C. Stevens was responsible for its construction. The census documents that Stevens and his wife lived
in Prince George’s County, further supporting the construction of the house prior to 1900. Edward Stevens,
born in 1845, was employed as a general clerk in 1900. Born in 1852, Mary Stevens was not employed
according to the census; presumably she stayed at home with the couple’s young daughter, Olive E. Stevens.
In 1895, the Stephens conveyed the property to Edward J. and Caroline Elizabeth Anderson. 6 Edward
Anderson, born 1842 in Pennsylvania, was employed as a watchman at a warehouse. His wife, Caroline, was
born in 1871 in England. Based on the census documentation, it is presumed she stayed at home and cared for
the couple’s five children. The property was purchased by the Andersons as an investment, as the family lived
in Washington, DC. The Andersons further supplemented their income by housing a boarder.7
In 1896, the Andersons sold 2.03 acres of the property, including the c. 1890 house, to Frank N. Wells.8 Wells
was born in Iowa, in 1864. His wife, Eleanor, was born in 1867 in the District of Columbia. Wells was
employed from 1920 until at least 1930 at the United States Navy Yard, where he served as a machinists and
supervisor. The Wells resided in the Wells House for 55 years, and were responsible for the front porch c. 1920
(enclosed c. 2000).
In 1951, the property was conveyed to Edward Gertsch and his wife, Mazel M. Gertsch.9 Born in 1897, Gertsch
was employed as a proof reader by the federal government, although it is not known for which agency he
worked.10 The couple lived in the house at 9012 Stevens Lane in Lanham for only five years, selling in 1956 to
Stuart P. and Wilma C. Russell.11 The Russells resided at 5104 West Lanham Drive in West Lanham Hills
before moving to the Wells House. The Russells had two sons, one of whom died tragically in a drowning
accident at Classic Shore, near Colonial Beach, Virginia, in 1951.12
In 1970, Wilma C. Russell, now a widow, conveyed the property to Joseph H. McCann, Jr. and his wife, Norma
H. McCann.13 No information about the McCanns, who enlarged the dwelling by constructing the side addition
in c. 1975, could be located. In 1999, the McCanns sold the property to the current owners, David Omar
McCaskill and his wife, Peggy Louise Branch-McCaskill, who currently live in the Wells House.14
Maryland Historical Trust
Maryland Inventory of
Historic Properties Form
Inventory No. PG: 70-088
Wells House
Continuation Sheet
Number 8
1
Page 3
Pamela H. Simpson, Cheap, Quick, & Easy (Knoxville: The University of Tennessee Press, 1999), 14.
Pamela H. Simpson, Cheap, Quick, & Easy (Knoxville: The University of Tennessee Press, 1999), 14.
3
Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Planning Department, Historic Contexts in Prince George’s County
(1991), 43.
4
"Maryland and Washington Railway." The Washington Post (1877-1954), February 19, 1892,
http://www.proquest.com.proxy.library.cornell.edu/ (accessed February 2, 2009).
5
Benjamin D. Stephen and Charlotte M. Stephen to Mary L. Stevens, Prince George's County Land Records, JWB 14:756.
6
Edward and Mary Stevens to Caroline Elizabeth Anderson, Prince George's County Land Records, JWB 30:578.
7
1880 U.S. Federal Census, District of Columbia, District of Columbia, Series T9, Roll 121, Family History Film 1254121,
Page 116.2000, Enumeration District 17, Image 0717, Edward J. Anderson.
8
Edward J. Anderson and Caroline Elizabeth Anderson to Frank N. Wells, Prince George's County Land Records, JWB 34:721.
9
John F. Lillard, Trustee for Frank and Eleanor Wells to Edward and Mazel Gertsch, Prince George's County Land Records, WWW
1431:324.
10
1930 U.S. Federal Census, District of Columbia, Series 302, Page 19B, Enumeration District 353, Image 892, Edward Gertsch.
11
Edward and Mazel Gertsch to Stuart and Wilma C. Russell, Prince George's County Land Records, 1976:11.
12
"Maryland Woman Sees Son Drown At Ocean Resort." The Washington Post (18771954), June 19, 1951, http://www.proquest.com.proxy.library.cornell.edu/ (accessed January 30, 2009).
13
Wilma C. Russell to Joseph H. McCann, Jr. and Norma H. McCann, Prince George's County Land Records, WWW 3865:375.
14
Joseph H. McCann, Jr. and Norma H. McCann to David McCaskill and Peggy Louise Branch-McCaskill, Prince George's County
Land Records, VJ 13500:357
2
9. Major Bibliographical References
Inventory No. PG: 70-088
1880, 1930 U.S. Federal Census (Population Schedule). Online: The Generations Network, Inc., 2007. Subscription database.
Digital scan of original records in the National Archives, Washington, DC. http://www.ancestry.com.
Hopkins, G.M. Prince George’s County, from Atlas of Fifteen Miles Around Washington. Philadelphia: G.M. Hopkins, C.E., 1878.
Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Prince George’s County Planning Department, Historic Sites and
Districts Plan, 1992.
Prince George’s County Land Records.
10. Geographical Data
Acreage of surveyed property
Acreage of historical setting
Quadrangle name
1.7278
2.03
Lanham
Quadrangle scale: 1:24,000
Verbal boundary description and justification
The Wells House is located in Lanham on a 1.7278-acre parcel. Stevens Lane borders the property to the south. The
northern boundary follows the Amtrak railroad line. The eastern boundary of the property follows a metal chain-link
fence and an allee of immature trees. The western boundary is deliniated by a stand of mature hardwood trees. The
Wells House has been associated with Parcel 57 as noted on Tax Map 44 since its construction c. 1890.
11. Form Prepared by
name/title
Paul Weishar, Architectural Historian
organization
EHT Traceries, Inc. for M-NCPPC
date
March 2009
street & number
1121 Fifth Street, NW
telephone
(202) 393-1199
city or town
Washington
state
DC
The Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties was officially created by an Act of the Maryland Legislature
to be found in the Annotated Code of Maryland, Article 41, Section 181 KA,
1974 supplement.
The survey and inventory are being prepared for information and record purposes only
and do not constitute any infringement of individual property rights.
return to:
Maryland Historical Trust
Maryland Department of Planning
100 Community Place
Crownsville, MD 21032-2023
410-514-7600
Maryland Historical Trust
Maryland Inventory of
Historic Properties Form
Inventory No. PG: 70-088
Wells House
Continuation Sheet
Number 9
Page 1
CHAIN OF TITLE
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY LAND RECORDS
Deed
JWB 14:756
March 28, 1890
Benjamin D. Stephen and Charlotte M. Stephen to Mary L. Stevens.
(2.14 acres; Part of tract of land known as “Warrens Lot”)
Deed
JWB 30:578
February 17, 1895
Edward C. Stevens and Mary L. Stevens to Caroline Elizabeth Anderson.
(2.03 acres)
Deed
JWB 34:721
February 6, 1896
Edward J. Anderson and Caroline Elizabeth Anderson to Frank N. Wells.
(2.03 acres)
Deed
WWW 1431:324
October 31, 1951
John F. Lillard, Trustee for Frank N. Wells (incompetent) and Eleanor A. Wells
to Edward Gertsch and Mazel M. Gertsch. (1.7278 acres)
Deed
WWW 1976:11
April 6, 1956
Edward Gertsch and Mazel M. Gertsch to Stuart P. Russell and Wilma C.
Russell.
Deed
WWW 3865:375
September 1, 1970
Wilma C. Russell, widow, to Joseph H. McCann, Jr. and Norma H. McCann.
Deed
VJ 13500:357
November 19, 1999
Joseph H. McCann, Jr. and Norma H. McCann to David Omar McCaskill and
Peggy Louise Branch-McCaskill.
Maryland Historical Trust
Maryland Inventory of
Historic Properties Form
Inventory No. PG: 70-088
Wells House
Continuation Sheet
Number 9
Page 2
Photo: Wells House, Lanham, view of the façade (west elevation), looking southeast. (February 2009)
Maryland Historical Trust
Maryland Inventory of
Historic Properties Form
Inventory No. PG: 70-088
Wells House
Continuation Sheet
Number 9
Page 3
Photo: Wells House, Lanham, view of the façade (west elevation), looking northeast. (February 2009)
Maryland Historical Trust
Maryland Inventory of
Historic Properties Form
Inventory No. PG: 70-088
Wells House
Continuation Sheet
Number 9
Page 4
Photo: Wells House, Lanham, view of the south (side) elevation, looking northwest. (February 2009)
Maryland Historical Trust
Maryland Inventory of
Historic Properties Form
Inventory No. PG: 70-088
Wells House
Continuation Sheet
Number 9
Page 5
Photo: Wells House, Lanham, view of the side (north elevation), looking southwest. (February 2009)
Maryland Historical Trust
Maryland Inventory of
Historic Properties Form
Inventory No. PG: 70-088
Wells House
Continuation Sheet
Number 9
Page 6
Photo: Garage, Lanham, view of the façade (south elevation), looking northeast. (February 2009)
Maryland Historical Trust
Maryland Inventory of
Historic Properties Form
Inventory No. PG: 70-088
Wells House
Continuation Sheet
Number 9
Page 7
Photo: Prefabricated Shed, Lanham, view of the façade (south elevation), looking northeast. (February 2009)