McKenzie, Mary Phifer, House
a.k.a. See Also:Southeast Gainesville Residential District
617 E. University Ave., Gainesville, FLThe Mary Phifer McKenzie House is significant for its architectural style, its reflection of the general prosperity, that Gainesville, the political and mercantile center of Alachua County, experienced during the 1890s and for its continuous associations with several prominent Gainesville families, the Lamberths, the Colsons, the Pounds, and Phifers and McKenzies.
The enthusiasm of the late nineteenth-century builders and architects for the Queen Anne style is clearly expressed in the picturesque massing and inventive detailing used on this 2 story frame residence. The size of the dwelling and demonstrated craftsmanship attest to the prosperity of the builder John E. Lamberth, and the abilities of the local labor force. It is also an indication of the general economic expansion and population growth that Gainesville experienced at the turn of the century. The development of nearby phosphate resources and accompanying population increases (from 2,790 to 3,633) between 1890 and 1900 resulted in the town's becoming the seventh largest in the state. As the future location of the University of Florida and as the county seat of Alachua County, Gainesville was assured a consistent and comfortable economic base for the future.
The McKenzie House seems to exemplify that assured comfort. It was built about 18952 by John Lamberth, a native of Savannah, Georgia, who moved to Gainesville in 1881." He was admitted to the Florida bar in 1887 and became a prosperous attorney having been associated with Hampton & Hampton, a prominent Gainesville law firm of the time. Lamberth built his new residence on East University Avenue, one of the principal east-west streets within a neighborhood of similar quality residences very close to the center of town. The Lamberth family owned the house until 19034 when it was purchased by Perry M. Colson, who, along with a brother, Barney R. Colson, established and operated the Alachua County Abstract Company."
From 1909, until 1975, interlocking family connections gave the house an unusually long association with several prosperous mercantile families. The Colsons sold the house in 19096 to William Turner Pound and his wife Mary Phifer Pound. Both W. Turner and his brother c. Addison Pound held responsible positions with the Baird Hardware Company, a local firm that by 1904 had become the largest hardware wholesaler in the state. At his untimely death at 33 in 1917, W. Turner Pound was the Secretary for the Baird firm. His brother Addison Pound served as president of the Baird Hardware Company for some thirty years as well. It was during the first years of the Pound ownership (sometime between 1909 and 1913) that several important alterations were made to the house and grounds: the three-story semi-octagonal tower on the northeast corner was added; the second-story covered balcony over the main entrance on the north facade was added, and the bay windows on the north and east sides of the first story were added. Several outbuildings were also changed or moved. An existing frame, one-story, double-pen dwelling (servants' quarters) is the earliest remaining outbuilding. It appears to have been moved sometime between 1913 and 19229 from the southeast corner of the property to its current location near the center of the lot along the east property line. Given the family business and the prosperity which the community experienced through the location and development of the University facilities, it is not unlikely that alterations or additions would have been made to the property.
Mary Phifer Pound remarried by 1925 to Reid Hill McKenzie of Moultrie, Georgia."0 Her father, W.B. Phifer, was president of both the Phifer State Bank and the W.B. Phifer Company a naval store business. Also, in conjunction with his brothers, he owned the Phifer Brothers Department Store and the Wilson Company, another Gainesville Department store. Her second husband, R.H. McKenzie had organized the McKenzie Motor Company; however, in 1931, he, too, died prematurely at the age of 35. The house remained Mary Phifer McKenzie's residence until her death in 1975.12 It stood vacant for several years but was eventually sold in 1978 when it was acquired by the present owner (1981).
Local significance of the building:
The enthusiasm of the late nineteenth-century builders and architects for the Queen Anne style is clearly expressed in the picturesque massing and inventive detailing used on this 2 story frame residence. The size of the dwelling and demonstrated craftsmanship attest to the prosperity of the builder John E. Lamberth, and the abilities of the local labor force. It is also an indication of the general economic expansion and population growth that Gainesville experienced at the turn of the century. The development of nearby phosphate resources and accompanying population increases (from 2,790 to 3,633) between 1890 and 1900 resulted in the town's becoming the seventh largest in the state. As the future location of the University of Florida and as the county seat of Alachua County, Gainesville was assured a consistent and comfortable economic base for the future.
The McKenzie House seems to exemplify that assured comfort. It was built about 18952 by John Lamberth, a native of Savannah, Georgia, who moved to Gainesville in 1881." He was admitted to the Florida bar in 1887 and became a prosperous attorney having been associated with Hampton & Hampton, a prominent Gainesville law firm of the time. Lamberth built his new residence on East University Avenue, one of the principal east-west streets within a neighborhood of similar quality residences very close to the center of town. The Lamberth family owned the house until 19034 when it was purchased by Perry M. Colson, who, along with a brother, Barney R. Colson, established and operated the Alachua County Abstract Company."
From 1909, until 1975, interlocking family connections gave the house an unusually long association with several prosperous mercantile families. The Colsons sold the house in 19096 to William Turner Pound and his wife Mary Phifer Pound. Both W. Turner and his brother c. Addison Pound held responsible positions with the Baird Hardware Company, a local firm that by 1904 had become the largest hardware wholesaler in the state. At his untimely death at 33 in 1917, W. Turner Pound was the Secretary for the Baird firm. His brother Addison Pound served as president of the Baird Hardware Company for some thirty years as well. It was during the first years of the Pound ownership (sometime between 1909 and 1913) that several important alterations were made to the house and grounds: the three-story semi-octagonal tower on the northeast corner was added; the second-story covered balcony over the main entrance on the north facade was added, and the bay windows on the north and east sides of the first story were added. Several outbuildings were also changed or moved. An existing frame, one-story, double-pen dwelling (servants' quarters) is the earliest remaining outbuilding. It appears to have been moved sometime between 1913 and 19229 from the southeast corner of the property to its current location near the center of the lot along the east property line. Given the family business and the prosperity which the community experienced through the location and development of the University facilities, it is not unlikely that alterations or additions would have been made to the property.
Mary Phifer Pound remarried by 1925 to Reid Hill McKenzie of Moultrie, Georgia."0 Her father, W.B. Phifer, was president of both the Phifer State Bank and the W.B. Phifer Company a naval store business. Also, in conjunction with his brothers, he owned the Phifer Brothers Department Store and the Wilson Company, another Gainesville Department store. Her second husband, R.H. McKenzie had organized the McKenzie Motor Company; however, in 1931, he, too, died prematurely at the age of 35. The house remained Mary Phifer McKenzie's residence until her death in 1975.12 It stood vacant for several years but was eventually sold in 1978 when it was acquired by the present owner (1981).
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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The Florida Keys, a chain of islands off the southern coast of Florida, were once a notorious pirate haven. Many famous pirates, including Blackbeard and Captain Kidd, are said to have frequented the area.
About Alachua County
Alachua County Timeline
Alachua County, located in northern Florida, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Timucua and Seminole people. They relied on the fertile soil and abundant water sources for their sustenance and developed intricate cultural practices.
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers ventured into the region, establishing missions and attempting to colonize the area. However, conflicts with the Native Americans and the lack of resources hindered their efforts. The territory eventually came under British control in the late 18th century, followed by transfer to the United States after the Revolutionary War.
During the mid-19th century, Alachua County experienced a boom as many settlers arrived, drawn by the promise of fertile lands for farming and the expanding railroad system. The city of Gainesville, Alachua County's seat, was established in 1854 and became an economic and cultural hub in the region.
However, the county also faced turbulent times during the Civil War, with significant impact and casualties endured. The University of Florida was founded in Gainesville in 1905, marking a turning point for education and intellectual growth in the region. Today, Alachua County continues to thrive as a diverse and dynamic community, preserving its history while embracing progress and growth.
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers ventured into the region, establishing missions and attempting to colonize the area. However, conflicts with the Native Americans and the lack of resources hindered their efforts. The territory eventually came under British control in the late 18th century, followed by transfer to the United States after the Revolutionary War.
During the mid-19th century, Alachua County experienced a boom as many settlers arrived, drawn by the promise of fertile lands for farming and the expanding railroad system. The city of Gainesville, Alachua County's seat, was established in 1854 and became an economic and cultural hub in the region.
However, the county also faced turbulent times during the Civil War, with significant impact and casualties endured. The University of Florida was founded in Gainesville in 1905, marking a turning point for education and intellectual growth in the region. Today, Alachua County continues to thrive as a diverse and dynamic community, preserving its history while embracing progress and growth.
Alachua County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Alachua County, Florida.
- 1824 - Alachua County is established on December 29, 1824, as Florida's first inland county.
- 1832 - The first courthouse in the county is constructed in Newnansville.
- 1837 - Newnansville becomes the county seat.
- 1853 - Gainesville is established as a railroad depot, leading to the decline of Newnansville.
- 1868 - Gainesville becomes the county seat.
- 1905 - The University of Florida is established in Gainesville.
- 1915 - The Seagle Building, the first skyscraper in Gainesville, is completed.
- 1930s - The Great Depression impacts the county, leading to economic struggles.
- 1950s - Growth of the University of Florida and postwar development fuel population growth.
- 1969 - Santa Fe Community College is established.
- 1990s - A period of rapid growth and urbanization begins.
- 2001 - Celebration Pointe, a major mixed-use development, breaks ground.