Tempe Historic Property Survey

The house at 821 S. Farmer Avenue is significant for its historic association with Hugh Laird, one of Tempe‘s best known citizens. It is noteworthy as well for its architectural value as one of the best-preserved remaining frame dwellings dating from the first decade of the twentieth century. Designed in a subtle Neo-Colonial format, the house with its box-like massing, hipped roof, clapboard siding, and modest exterior detailing, provides a good example of the pre-bungalow style in local residential construction.

Hugh Laird came to Tempe with his family in 1888 at the age of 5 years. His residency in Tempe continued until his death in 1970. During that time his business and public service career included 60 years as a registered pharmacist, 66 years as owner of Laird and Dines Drug Store (HPS-196), twelve years as Tempe postmaster and two terms as a representative in the state legislature. Perhaps his most outstanding contribution to the local politics was his 32 years of service on the Tempe City Council, including 14 of those years as Mayor. During that period, from 1930 to1962, Tempe’s population rose from 2,500 to 25,000 and the town saw substantial growth far beyond its anticipated boundaries, especially after the close of World War II. Policies generated during Laird’s lengthy tenure on the City Council did much to shape the present environment and image of modern Tempe.

It is composed of two parts, both constructed during the same time period. The major portion of the house is rectangular in plan, 25 ft. deep by 30 ft. wide, and covered with a hipped roof. A 10-foot by 15-foot extension to the north is constructed of matching clapboard siding and supports its own scrimped gable, hipped roof. Enclosed eave and plainboard facia detailing is in the same on both, as are the door and double-hung sash windows. An original pitched-roof screen porch extends the length of the front of the house, and access is through a central entry. The house shows the influence of the Neo-Colonial style in a very modest format. Symmetrical plan hipped roof, eave details and clapboard siding are all characteristics of this popular residential style during the turn of the century. The house has been well maintained and still conveys its association with a particular place in Tempe’s architectural development.

The Hugh Laird House was built about 1908 and was continuously occupied by Laird for almost 30 years.

For more details see Excerpts from Newspaper Articles and Documents about the Hugh Laird House

Go to Tempe Historic Property Survey