About

Duplex.

History:

M. M. Welch owned Welch’s Uniforms and Laundry Service, located near the present-day Pasadena Freeway. In May, 1953, Dr. Henry L. Drake purchased the house. He was reputed to be the founder of The Philosophical Research Society. On May 10, 1962, Dr. Drake applied to build a swimming pool. Subsequent owners were Henry Drake, Orvin Colman, Rex and Janet Botengan, Wilbur Sacoy, and Ronald and Carla Millman. (Source: Barry & Beverly Winkelman, owners’ research)

Harry L. Pierce, architect.

1930 census:
3241 Lowry Road (Value: $25,000): 1) Michael Welch, owner and head of household; 58 year old white married male; married at age 27; born in Illinois; father born in Ireland, mother in Illinois; proprietor of a laundry. 2) Ollie A. Welch, wife; 47 year old white married female; married at age 18; born in Illinois; parents born in Maryland; not working. 3) Florence Jackson, servant; 27 year old married Negro female; married at age 26; born in Tennessee; father born in Tennessee, mother in Alabama; general housework for a private family.

1940 Census:
3241 Lowry Road (Value $13,000): 1) Michael M. Welch, head of household; white married male 68 years of age; born in Illinois; president/manager of an overall cleaning business; earns more than $5,000. 2) Ollie A. Welch wife; white married female 49 years of age; born in Illinois; not working. 3) Neva K. Moreland, maid; white divorced female 46 years of age; born in Kansas; housework/domestic; earns $770. 4) Susan Hanmer, maid’s mother; white widow 83 years of age; born in Pennsylvania; not working.