A huge, stunning Victorian home once sat well back from the road at 140 N. Artizan Street. The large brick residence with a blue slate roof was five bays wide and five bays deep, surrounded by park-like grounds inhabited by venerable trees and mature gardens. A two-story semi-hexagonal window occupied the south two bays on the façade with a Palladian window set in the third-story gable. The façade was accented with a full-length porch, crowned by a massive cornice and supported by white columns, and surrounded by a substantial wooden railing. This home was elegant and large, built using quality craftsmanship and an ornament to not only Artizan Street but the town itself.
Isaac T. Beard was born in Williamsport in 1850 to William Henry Beard and Susan K. Byers Beard. William was mayor or “burgess” of Williamsport from 1873-1875, he was a master butcher from at least 1850 according to census records, and owned a butcher shop in Williamsport. Their son Isaac, a teacher in Williamsport purchased land at 140 N. Artizan from the Ardinger and Spielman families in 1876 and 1879.
In 1880, the census shows he was still living at home with his parents. Isaac must have either received a loan from or worked with his parents to build the stately home in about 1880. Regretfully, in 1888 at the age of only 38, Isaac passed away unexpectedly. The home passed to his parents where they resided. William in his later years was a lime merchant and bailiff. William passed in 1896, and Susan purchased the home at public sale for $1300. It is unclear why she had to purchase the home, perhaps it was a will stipulation. Susan sold the house for $2100 in 1898 to her surviving son William Jr. and his wife Eliza. The stunning home stayed in the Beard Family, passed from generation to generation until 1965 when it was sold to Nelson and Norma Deal.
Nelson Deal was heavily involved in civic matters here in Williamsport. Nelson and his wife Norma or “Betsy” had seven children, Bernard their youngest was born while they lived in the house. For many years, the Deal’s owned the N&W Train Shed here in Williamsport. Nelson was a US Marine who served as a Drill Instructor at Parris Island, finally becoming one of the first guided-missile specialists. Nelson was also the treasurer of the Improved Order of the Redman.
He was a founding member of the Conococheague Little League of Williamsport and began the River City Classic, the first 9-10 All-Star Tournament in the nation. The Little League Park is named for him. Mr. Deal also was the founding member of the Williamsport Community Band known as “The Voice” and played a large role in the revitalization of the community pool. The Deals owned many properties in both Williamsport, and Hagerstown. Nelson and Norma owned the grand old home until 2009 when it was sold to the Brooke Grove Foundation for $295,000. This sale price confirms the home was in fine shape.
Once again, a demolition permit was applied for and approved. Today, Williamsport has a vacant lot with parking for seven vehicles where once stood an elegant Victorian mansion. This home had a legacy, both past and more recently. The owners made an impact on our town that still thrives today. Requests for demolition of our historic structures should be carefully reviewed. Williamsport still has many wonderful old buildings, but none to spare. Williamsport’s history is important and needs to be protected.
