2007 Decorators' Show House & Garden Walk
4201 Washington Boulevard
Built in 1914, the home was designed by architect Herbert L. Bass, who also designed the Allison Mansion and the Fletcher Manor Home. It was constructed for Ferdinand Hollweg, Jr., who at the time was president of the Mutual China Company.
Paul Diebold, author of the book The History and Architecture of Meridian-Kessler, states that the home was originally built in the Arts and Crafts style, complete with a large front porch. In the late 1920's the house was remodeled to reflect an English Tudor style. Added later were the indoor pool, believed to have been one of the first in the city, and the guest wing. Today the residence has over 5,400 square feet. Along with the three-story home, the grounds include a greenhouse, a three-car garage, and an outdoor pool.
Richard M. Fairbanks, Sr. and his second wife, Robertine (Buchanan) resided in the house under the current street address. Richard was the son of Vice President Charles W. and Mrs. Cornelia Cole Fairbanks. He was an attorney and with his brother, Fred, published The Indianapolis News in the 1940s. In 1986 Richard M. Fairbanks, Jr. created the Fairbanks Foundation, which has provided funds for such worthy projects as the Wishard Burn Center.
After the death of her first husband, Robertine Fairbanks married Joseph J. Daniels in 1945 and they lived in the house for many years. The home has had numerous owners since the Daniels, including Dr. Richard and Mrs. Susan Graffis and Drs. Randall and Bonnie Strate.
The house was also owned by Indianapolis pediatrician Dr. George V. Teter and his wife, Mrs. Mildred "Mitzie" Teter. Dr. and Mrs. Teter lived there
with their five children in the 60's and 70's. It was during this time that the Teters refurbished the house and the grounds.
Dr. Charles and Mrs. Debra Hasbrook purchased the property in 2003. Dr. Hasbrook grew up in the Meridian-Kessler neighborhood and fondly remembers hurrying to the home on Halloween, hoping to be a recipient of one of the silver dollars handed out by Robertine Daniels to the evening's first lucky callers.
