614 Lafayette Ave NE
360 N Lafayette before 1912
Demolished early 1960's, lot split between neighbors.
Lot 50 of Sweet's Subdivision
The witch's house. An old lady lived here, a recluse. The yard was overgrown and the house was decaying. We'd sneak in the yard and peep through the windows of the garage which was filled with junk. One time I saw a wicker baby carriage. We'd dare each other to run up to her back porch to peak inside the house but I never got farther than a quick step on the porch before running away. After she died, the house was torn down.
Permit History
April 22, 1924 R. Kohlhepp Build
frame garage
Oct 11, 1924 R. Kohlhepp Furnace
Dec 10, 1959 John Kalmback Gas furnace
The Residents:
1900 - Census Page 59 Henry Kohlhepp
1912 - Mrs. R H Kohlhepp
In 1930 it was owned by Regina K. Kohlhepp. Her daughter Caroline, an unmarried artist, was the recluse. Caroline died in 1960.
The 1900 census shows Harry Kohlhepp and family living at 360 (pre-1912 address) North Lafayette Ave NE.
In 1880 they were living on Jefferson Street. I wonder if they built this house or were the first owners. This house was built about 1900 according to the Assessor's office. Interpret this as "best guess". It had a full basement with a stone foundation, pine floors and trim, converted hot air furnace, a bath and a half, five rooms on the first floor and 3 on the second, over 2000 square feet living area. The garage was built about 1924.
From article My neighborhood
From Heading History and the City of GrandRapids
From web site: MyCityofGrandRapids.info