Silas S.C. + Esther R. Gaskell

1809 Cleveland Avenue NW [unconfirmed], Canton, OH

1891-92 | Residence | Probably not built

“Minerva Parker, architect, 14 S. Broad street, has prepared plans for…a house to be erected at Canton, Ohio, for Mrs. E.R. Gaskill.” (November 18, 1891)

“Parker has also drawn plans for a magnificent home to be erected at Canton, Ohio, for Mrs. E.R. Gaskill…” (Philadelphia Times, November 20, 1891)

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Esther Gaskell (1862-1936) was the daughter of a successful furniture maker, John Danner, who made his fortune on patents for revolving bookcases (sold through the John Danner Manufacturing Company). Her husband, Silas S.C. Gaskell (1859-1929), began his career as a salesman for her father’s company. Together, Silas and Esther Gaskell established an art supply store in Canton under the name Dresden Color Company (later changed to Gaskell Art Shop). City directories note Esther’s work as a “China artist.”

What motivated Esther to commission Minerva remains unclear. Esther Gaskell acquired the property in May 1891; it was part of a large subdivision then under development by her parents. While the Gaskells ultimately built on that site, it’s unclear if they built from Minerva’s designs, as the couple did not move to that address until 1895. Regardless, Esther and Silas Gaskell lived in the house until their deaths in 1929 and 1936, respectively.