Great Houses of Summit Avenue and the Hill District

Wonderful book

Garrison Keillor shows his trademark humor in his Forward to this lovely coffee table book: "The mansions of Summit were intended to declare the owners' status in St Paul society – you could drive by and see the porte cochere, the colonnade, the turret, and you knew that the owner had not just fallen off the turnip wagon."Unfortunately for the houses, succeeding generations weren't always able or willing to keep them up. By the 1960s, according to Paul Clifford's Introduction, ¾ of the houses in the area were renter-occupied, often with the large houses split into apartments. The drive to restore and preserve houses started in the late 60s, and now a big area of Summit Ave is listed on the National Historic Register.All of the 24 houses shown in "Great Houses" are in top condition and have been restored to their former glory where needed. As all 24 houses are privately owned, a book with full-sized photos is probably the only way I'll get to see their beauty. Each house has a short write-up and picture captions. There are several pictures for each house, many full page. That makes them large photos, because a page is almost 9" x 12". There are no people in the photos, it is the architecture and decoration that are the stars. Except for when the owner's pet is in the frame.There are many wonderful rooms shown, in many different styles. One of my favorites is the Music Room in the Frederick A. Fogg House. This extraordinary room has a European light & airy feel. With its delicate plaster-work and high ceiling, it is an oasis of beauty. The customer image I've attached shows its arched windows and painted ceiling round.Another favorite of mine was the wonderfully carved wood in the Samuel & Madeline Dittenhofer House. Darker woods like theirs is out of style now, but it has a sturdy beauty and creativity to be admired. In particular, I got a kick out of the green man carved on the staircase, see the photo attached.The last chapter in the book is titled "Landmarks", and these are short blurbs on 24 houses or points of interest that are more public, such as the Governor's House, the Cathedral of St Paul, and the James J Hill House (which I've toured).As a last treat, there is a Glossary at the end. Check on terms used throughout the book, such as "lozenge", which has nothing to do with cough drops. Also, as a non-fiction book, "Great Houses" has a very complete list of Sources, including the interviews with the house owners.This is a lovely coffee-table book!Happy Reader

Enjoying reading about the history of Summit Avenue and some of its grand homes. The photography quality is very good. I bought a couple for gifts and one for myself.

Bought a coffee table book. Box and edge of book damaged. Book wasn’t wrapped or protected. My mom really wanted the book so didn’t return it.

Even though we don't live in St Paul, we are aware of Summit Avenue and truly enjoyed the book. This summer we plan to drive on Summit and see the actual houses that are pictured in the book, and the other hill areas also. It was a very neat book and really gave an insight into these homes to want a person to know more!!! It was well written and the pictures were fabulous!!! These are such beautiful homes. It is wonderful that the original woodwork, etc. was kept and preserved in these homes. Also, that the actual homes were preserved in this unique neighborhood.

My daughter and I spent a delightful morning and partial afternoon touring these beautiful structures on Summit Avenue in St. Paul, Minnesota and some others on adjacent streets. Having done that, and now having enjoyed this book has given both of us, and my wife, a desire to tour some of the houses the next time we're in the Twin Cities.

It was an anniversary gift for my husband. We had shared a large apartment in a mansion on Summit when we were first married. He has enjoyed the bounty of exceptional, colored photographs depicting various interiors of the mansions. However, more written historical content on the subjects would have been welcomed.

Probably the best book ever. The photos are THE very best and clear, the pages are of the highest quality, the layout is the best. Even if you don't know much about Summit Ave (I didn't, I live in WI), the mansions/houses and stories behind each will really entertain you. A+++