Hawthorne Place Neighborhood Association Official Website
1317 Whittier
The first photo is from the 1940s and the next photo is from 2025.
1317 Whittier
RESIDENTS
FIRST LISTED IN CITY DIRECTORY : 1905
1905-1906 H. C. Perry
1907-1931 William G. Smith
1932-1937 William G. Smith & Wilbur G. Barnes
1938 William G. Smith
1939 Wilbur J. Barnes
1940-1951 Francis J. O’Brien
1953-1958 Louis D. McHenry
1959-2005 Charles E. & Corazon Clark
2006 – Benjamin & Lindsey Trojahn
Francis O’Brien (1903-2001) and his son Tom in front of 1317 Whittier (circa May 1940). Francis studied advertising and marketing at New York University. He started a career with Franklin Life Insurance in Springfield in 1940. In 1947, he was elected vice-president of the company and then 1950, he became a member of the Board of Directors. It was during this time that he commissioned the statue of Benjamin Franklin that adorns the west side of the building. He also authored the history of the company in The Fabulous Franklin Story that was published in 1972.
On Easter 1944 – Margaret O’Brien with her 3 children – Charles, Peggy and Tom
This photo is from 1941. Tom and Charles O’Brien are pictured beside the family car. In the background is the original brick garage next door at 1319 Whittier.
May 1946: Tom O’Brien, Charles O’Brien, Richard Triebel of 440 South Grand West and Peggy O’Brien are sitting between 1317 and 1319 Whittier.
For more information on this house, see the December 1, 2008 newsletter.
