National and State Registers of Historic Places
Farmer, J. E., House
1301 Cleveland
Wichita (Sedgwick County)
Listed in National Register
Jun 28, 2011
Architect: F. H. Garrett, builder; G. W. Ewing, mason
Category: single dwelling
Thematic Nomination: African American Resources in Wichita, KS
Frank Garrett and stonemason George Ewing built the house at 1301 Cleveland in 1942 for Dr. James E. Farmer and his wife Gertrude, who were both prominent African American professionals in Wichita. It is located in the McAdams neighborhood, and, like the McClinton Market, is representative of population changes during the first half of the twentieth century, when the area changed from primarily white residents to over ninety percent African Americans by the end of World War II. The house is an excellent example of a folk interpretation of the Tudor Revival style. It embodies the distinct characteristics of the style while also reflecting the personality and craftsmanship of the African American builder and mason. Not only did this property serve as the Farmers' residence, but it played host to prominent visiting African Americans, such as singer Marian Anderson and boxer Joe Lewis, until segregation in public accommodations was outlawed in Kansas in 1963. The property was nominated as part of the "African American Resources of Wichita" multiple property submission for its local significance in the areas of African American heritage and architecture.
