The Owners of the Livingston House

In March of 1887, Theodore J. Wrampelmeier sold to Mrs. Harriet M. Livingston lots 25-34, Block 10 of Kimball’s Subdivision for $6,500. This block of land is located in the Sherman Heights area of San Diego, CA.

The Golden Era, in its building survey for 1887, reported that Mrs. Livingston was building a residence at 24th and J Streets. Edward Booker was listed as architect and builder and the cost would be $5,000.

In 1979, the Livington House was purchased from Rev. Robert L. Stevens by Chris and Francie Mortenson. The Livington House was listed in the San Diego Historical Site ad #58. The area around the home had deteriorated and the home had been broken into on several occasions and graffiti was becoming a real problem. After scouting several locations, Chris and Francie found the perfect little slice of Eden by the sea on Coronado Island. The home was transported in the sheath of darkness in the fall of 1983. Though still officially titled the Livingston House, once in Coronado it was affectionately dubbed “The Baby Del” for its resemblance to the Hotel del Coronado.

In 2007, the Baby Del will celebrate her 120th birthday. Listed below are the families who have had the honor to live in the Queen Anne Victorian since her construction. This list was compiled by Clare Crane in February 1972.

List of Owners of the Livingston House 1887-2006

 

IN	OUT	YEARS	OWNER(S)
1887	1892	5	Harriet Morris Livingston
1892	1896	4	Harriet M. Whitney
1896	1908	12	Margaret Kincade
1908	1916	8	Margaret Kincade Fitzgerald
1916	1916	months	Martha M. Whaley
1916	1920	4	Mary J. Chauncy
1920	1921	1	Clara Laybourn
1921	1933	12	James J. Galyon
1933	1969	36	Flora M. Galyon
1969	1979	10	Rev. Robert L. Stevens
1979	1995	16	Chris & Francie Mortenson
1995	Present	-	Private Owners