1405 East 7th Street, once the home of Phyllis Mason.
Plainfielders who remember Phyllis Mason, the feisty political and community activist and commentator who passed away two years ago this week will have a special opportunity to renew their memories of Phyllis with a peek at Maison Mason this afternoon.
The custom Cape Cod at 1405 East 7th Street, which I sold to Phyllis when she was moving back to Plainfield -- her childhood home -- after years of working and teaching in New York City, recalls the days when smaller homes could have real individuality and character.
The home she fell in love with was built -- handcrafted, really -- before the end of World War II and the changes wrought by Levitt-ized construction methods altered suburban housing patterns forever.
With hardwood floors (no linoleum over plywood here), custom doors and windows, a working fireplace and a REAL DINING ROOM (not the postwar dining 'ell'), this is a home that exudes character.
In addition, there is a wonderfully deep lot, perfect for a gardening enthusiast. Phyllis always talked about doing some gardening, but I just don't think it was in her genes, really.
(In fact, one of my quintessential Phyllis memories was driving by early one Fall afternoon to see her out blowing the leaves with her electric leafblower -- in her flannel nightgown and bedroom slippers, puffing on a cigarette held in her free hand, which she would extend between puffs at arm's length to knock off its ashes.)
The real individuality and character of Phyllis were a perfect match with this inviting home. My hope is that its next owner will be able to keep up the tradition.
For some bizarre reason, one of her lawn signs from a failed City Council bid popped up at the corner of West 7th and Central Avenue a couple of months ago -- from where, I have no idea.
But it did remind me that I have archived some essential Phyllisiana -- a flyer from that Council run (see here - click on image to enlarge) and an OpEd piece on politicians' needing to mind their P's and Q's (see here - click on image to enlarge).
The closing of that 1997 OpEd is just as applicable today as then --
". . .to achieve real quality in Plainfield the residents as well as the government need to mind these 'Ps' and 'Qs.' To paraphrase President Kennedy: Ask what you can do for your city, not what your city can do for you. Suggest ideas for improvements, do what you can to keep things moving, don't waste time on negative thoughts and actions, and don't settle for second best from yourselves or your government. We all need to pull together to make Plainfield the Queen City again."We can only hope we get a new neighbor as good as Phyllis was.
OPEN HOUSE TODAY: MAISON MASON
1405 East 7th Street
1:00 - 4:00 PM
-- Dan Damon
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1 comments:
I was in the 1955 Plainfield High School Class with Phyllis Mason. We were friends then and it was so pleasant to encounter her in later years. This recollection and salute to her is most appropriate and appreciated. Thank you!
Edwin A. Turner Jr., MD, "Ted"
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