Germantown Then and Now: The Wallich-Heimer House

Previously in this column we have looked at many important buildings in Germantown that have been lost. It is time we look at some that have been saved and how they contribute to our community.

In 1988, Montgomery County placed several buildings and a Historic District in Germantown on the Master Plan for Historic Preservation in accordance with the County’s Historic Preservation Ordinance. These buildings are now protected from demolition and any exterior change to the structure other than ordinary maintenance must be approved by the Historic Preservation Commission. Placement on the Master Plan requires three public hearings: first before the Historic Preservation Commission, then before the Planning Board, and finally before the County Council.

The Wallich/Heimer house at 19120 Mateny Hill Road is a fine example of early 20^th century vernacular (uniquely local) architecture, borrowing some features like the corner tower and deep porch from Queen Anne Victorian style, but having distinctly unique features such as oddly placed windows, irregular outcroppings and a shingled second story exterior.

The house was built in 1913 by local carpenter John Wallich and he lived there with his family. Wallich constructed several other houses in the neighborhood. In the mid 1940s Floyd and Bett Lewis operated an antique store in the house. In 1959 Glenn and Midge Heimer purchased the House where they lived and raised their five children until moving to Hagerstown, Maryland in 1981.

The Heimers had a small apple orchard in the rear of the property, a large vegetable garden and grape arbor. The beautiful flowers along the roadside in the front of the property were the pride of the neighborhood. Midge was very active in Girl Scouts, being both a leader and a Service Unit Chairman. Glenn worked for the Navy and commuted the Washington.

The large lot, typical of homes before World War I, was to accommodate a kitchen garden, a stable or garage, and chickens. The property was divided in the 1990s and another house built on the new lot. 

Stay tuned next Sunday for another look into Germantown history.