About

Frank L. Meline, architect.

One of Franklin Avenue’s first spacious and modern residences (5137) was built in 1917 by William Eugene Graham who bought and sold real estate. By architect Frank Meline: 14 rooms, Italian Ren. style. “Extensive site will be elaborately landscaped in the Italian garden treatment with summer house, enclosing a garden court, cement terraces, walks, drives, etc. (Source: sw b&c, 07/27/17, p.15 DK)

1920 census: 5137 Franklin Avenue: 1) William C. Graham, head of household and owner; white male 55 years old, married; born in Illinois; father born in England, mother in the United States; real estate owner. 2) Mannie Graham, wife; white female 41 years old; married; born in Missouri; father born in Illinois, mother in Missouri; not working. 3) Geraldine Graham, daughter; white female 17 years of age; single; born in Arkansas; in school. 4) Earl Graham, son; white male 11 years of age; born in Arkansas, in school. 5) Eugenia graham, daughter; white female 7 years of age, single; born in Arkansas; in school. 6) Elsie Folley, servant; white female 32 years of age; born in Ohio; parents born in England; a servant in a private family.

1930 census:
5137 Franklin Avenue (value: $37,000):1) Mansil Graham: head of household and owner, white female widow 50 years old, married at age 23; born in Missouri; father born in Illinois, mother in Missouri; not working. 2) Earl K. Graham, son, white male 21 years old, single; in college; born in Arkansas. 3) Eugenia M. Graham, daughter; white female 17 years old, attending school; born in Arkansas. 4) Ethel M. Kuemer, servant; white divorced female 34 years old; born in Nebraska; father born in Nebraska, mother born in Germany.

1940 Census: 5137 Franklin Avenue (Value: $15,000): 1) Mamie (Mannie?) K. Graham, head of household; white widow 61 years of age; born in Missouri; not working. 2) Genevieve Randolph, daughter; white divorced female 36 years of age; born in Arkansas; secretary in an animal clinic; earns $780. 3) Patricia Randolph, granddaughter; white single female 16 years of age; born in California; in school;. 4) Caroline Verrest, maid; white widow 55 years of age; born in England; housekeeper in a private family; earns $480.