Podcast Summary: Stuff You Missed in History Class – Episode: Spite Houses
Release Date: February 24, 2025
Hosts: Holly Fry and T.R. Tracy V. Wilson
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts
Introduction to Spite Houses
In this captivating episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, hosts Holly Fry and T.R. Tracy V. Wilson delve into the intriguing world of spite houses—structures erected not for utility or aesthetic appeal, but as acts of personal vendetta against neighbors or adversaries. Inspired by Realtor Lisa Dubois’s playful Instagram videos featuring hidden house tours, Holly sparks the conversation by pondering why spite houses haven’t been explored in-depth on the podcast. This curiosity sets the stage for an exploration of four notable spite houses across the United States, each with its unique story of contention and architectural defiance.
1. The Macabre Spite House – Rockport, Maine
Background
The first spite house discussed is the Macabre Spite House, originally constructed in Phippsburg, Maine, and later relocated to Rockport. The story begins with James Macabre, an Irish immigrant born in Londonderry in 1710, who established himself in Phippsburg’s lumber industry, amassing a thousand-acre estate and a large family.
The Revenge Plot
After James's death in 1788, his son Thomas anticipated inheriting the family home. However, due to the manipulative actions of his stepmother, Mary Langdon Storer Hill, and his stepbrother Mark, Thomas was bypassed in the inheritance. In retaliation, Thomas decided to construct a grandiose house in stark contrast to the modest four-square home he was denied.
“So perhaps maybe the most interesting part of this whole story, because by all accounts, Thomas was not angry with his stepbrother Mark. He was irate with his father's widow, Mary.”
— T.R. Tracy V. Wilson [09:13]
Construction and Design
Completed in 1806, the house is celebrated as a fine example of Federal-style architecture. Its nearly square footprint measures approximately 45 by 40 feet, featuring six windows on each side and a duplicate entrance, symbolizing its ostentatious design meant to overshadow his father’s earlier home.
Subsequent History
Tragically, Thomas Macabre did not enjoy his creation for long, passing away in 1815 without heirs. The house changed hands multiple times, eventually being moved to Rockport by Donald Dodge in 1925. Dodge expanded the house and meticulously landscaped its surroundings, earning it the status it holds today. The Thomas Macabre Spite House is now known as the 1774 Inn, celebrating its historical significance.
“The Thomas Macabre Spite House has a story that goes beyond its origin with the Macabre and Hill families.”
— Holly Fry [10:45]
2. The Alameda Spite House – Alameda, California
Common Narrative
The second house explored is the Alameda Spite House, surrounded by conflicting accounts. The popular narrative attributes the house’s existence to Charles Anton Frohling, a Swedish contractor, who built it to obstruct his neighbor Annette Westerdahl’s view after a land dispute.
“Frohling's house would have only just been finished when Mrs. Westerdahl died. So it kind of seems like the paper is just trying to defame the house that drives this agenda home.”
— Holly Fry [23:29]
The Tragic Twist
A tragic element complicates this story. In 1908, Mrs. Westerdahl died by suicide, with the haunting headline claiming the Alameda Spite House contributed to her demise. However, later accounts, including a 2024 East Bay Times article, refute this, presenting a more mundane origin: Frohling built the narrow house to maximize his limited, oddly shaped lot without any personal vendetta.
“Father was a big, easygoing Swede. That was what he could afford to build. It's just like an ordinary house.”
— T.R. Tracy V. Wilson [25:19]
Current Status
Today, the Alameda Spite House remains a unique, narrow dwelling. Current owners attest to its livability, debunking myths of its infamous past. As of 2024, it is privately owned and continues to intrigue visitors with its storied facade.
3. The Frederick Spite House – Frederick, Maryland
Dr. John Tyler’s Defiance
The third spite house is located in Frederick, Maryland, and was built by Dr. John Tyler, an esteemed ophthalmologist and community leader. In 1814, city planners sought to extend Record Street, which would have bisected Tyler’s substantial property. Determined to prevent this, Tyler leveraged a local ordinance that prohibited road expansion if a substantial structure was present.
Rapid Construction
In a strategic and swift maneuver, Dr. Tyler orchestrated the rapid construction of a three-story house overnight, effectively halting the road project. The new structure ensured his land remained untouched, cementing its status as a legitimate spite house.
“Dr. Tyler did not want to lose any of his property to this public works project. He protested the plan through official channels, but he didn't really make any headway.”
— T.R. Tracy V. Wilson [32:12]
Legacy and Current Usage
The Frederick Spite House served as a rental property and later transitioned into a bed and breakfast. Although it is no longer operating as such, the building stands as a testament to Dr. Tyler’s commitment to preserving his property against municipal encroachment.
4. The Hollensbury Spite House – Alexandria, Virginia
John Hollensbury’s Frustration
The final house discussed is the Hollensbury Spite House in Alexandria’s Old Town district. Built in the 1820s by brickmaker John Hollensbury, the seven-foot-wide, two-story structure was designed to block carriage traffic through a narrow alley adjacent to his home at 525 Queen Street. Annoyed by constant disruptions and property damage from passing carriages, Hollensbury purchased the alley and bricked it in, creating a compact abode that effectively deterred unwanted traffic.
“The resulting structure is just seven feet wide. It’s two stories tall with a reported 480 total square feet of space.”
— T.R. Tracy V. Wilson [35:56]
Enduring Evidence
Interior walls of the house still bear the marks from aggressive carriage traffic, serving as physical evidence of its spiteful origins. Despite various rumors and embellishments over the years, the primary motivation remains John Hollensbury’s desire to control his immediate environment.
Modern-Day Recognition
Today, the Hollensbury Spite House is a private residence, having evolved through multiple owners and functions, including a period as a schoolhouse. It remains a highlight on historical tours of Old Town Alexandria, admired for its quirky design and storied past.
“The bright blue house is a regular stop on historical tours of Old Town Alexandria, so though it was built by Hollensbury to keep people he didn’t like away, now it draws lots of visitors.”
— Holly Fry [38:19]
Conclusion
Holly Fry and T.R. Tracy V. Wilson expertly navigate the complex motivations and historical contexts behind each of these spite houses. From Thomas Macabre’s grand architectural retaliation in Maine to John Hollensbury’s narrow defensive structure in Virginia, each house encapsulates a unique narrative of personal vendetta manifested through construction. These stories not only highlight the lengths individuals will go to assert their autonomy but also offer a fascinating glimpse into architectural history shaped by human emotion and conflict.
“We love spite houses. We need to talk about some more behind the scenes.”
— Holly Fry [38:34]
This episode serves as a compelling reminder of how history is often built from personal stories of defiance and resilience, leaving a lasting physical legacy that continues to intrigue and educate future generations.
Notable Quotes:
- “If anyone knows this, it's me. I'm Ashlyn Harris.” — Ashlyn Harris [29:09]
- “The Thomas Macabre Spite House has a story that goes beyond its origin with the Macabre and Hill families.” — Holly Fry [10:45]
- “Father was a big, easygoing Swede. That was what he could afford to build. It's just like an ordinary house.” — T.R. Tracy V. Wilson [25:19]
- “Dr. Tyler did not want to lose any of his property to this public works project.” — T.R. Tracy V. Wilson [32:12]
- “We love spite houses. We need to talk about some more behind the scenes.” — Holly Fry [38:34]
Listen to the Episode:
For those fascinated by architectural oddities and historical tales of personal vendettas, this episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class is a must-listen. Explore the stories of these spite houses and uncover the human emotions that have left indelible marks on America’s architectural landscape.
Available on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.