PLACENTIA : Founder’s House Is Still Home

In a neighborhood of large two-story houses, one house on Palm Circle stands out.

Built in 1902, the Queen Anne-style house, which once belonged to Placentia founding father A.S. Bradford, has a three-sided porch, raised foundation and several dormer windows poking out of the attic.

For the past 20 years, the house and surrounding land have belonged to the city. And while it has become a popular site for weddings and receptions and is frequently toured by schools and other community groups, it has remained a residence.

The current tenant, Jim Thompson, 25, has lived in a second-floor, 600-square-foot apartment for three years. He also rents a 200-square-foot studio where he plays the cello and bass.

The experience of living in a historic house more than makes up for the occasional Brownie troop wandering through, Thompson said.

“It does make it complicated when there’s an event going on, but I’ve never been bothered by it,” he said.

Visitors to the Bradford house are often surprised by the high ceilings, ruby-glass window and intricate carvings in the main staircase.

“I’ve never been able to describe it well enough for people to not be surprised when they first see the house,” Thompson said.

Previous renters have included a couple who lived in the house for nine years and raised two children among the antiques and period furnishings.

When the descendants of A.S. Bradford donated the Bradford House and surrounding 2 1/2 acres to the city in 1973, their gift was received somewhat grudgingly.

Although Bradford played a predominant role in establishing the city of Placentia (he helped bring rail service to the city and was among the residents who filed township papers), the burden of renovating and maintaining the two-story, 15-room house was more than the city wanted. In the agreement with the Bradford family, it was stipulated that the city would be required to renovate the house.

For several years, the city remained undecided about what to do with the house. Then, in 1976, the issue was put before voters, who were asked if the city should spend tax money to restore the house. The Placentia Founders Society, formed to help preserve the house, held open houses every weekend for five weeks before the election to persuade citizens of the house’s historical significance.

Although nearly 1,600 residents toured the house, the advisory measure failed to pass.

While some residents saw the lack of support as a mandate to tear the house down and use the land for a park, the city agreed to lease the house to the Founders Society for $1 a year, if it could raise the money for an insurance policy.

After a fire in 1977 destroyed the house’s roof, the Founders Society spent nearly $165,000 to repair and restore the building. In 1978, the Bradford House had its grand opening.

Today, the Founders Society is responsible for all costs of maintaining and running the house. The city reimburses the society for fire insurance, but the organization must maintain a liability policy for the property.

Weddings and other parties are the society’s main source of income, according to Clairee Tynes, who is on the society’s board of directors. The group also receives $700 monthly rent from Thompson and has 100 members who pay annual dues of $10 each.

Tours are held the first Sunday of the month from 2 to 4 p.m. Group tours can be arranged.

The Founders Society also plays host to a chamber music series, with concerts scheduled for Feb. 28, March 21 and April 25. All concerts are at 3 p.m. at the Bradford House, 136 Palm Circle. Admission is free, but seating is limited.