528 So. Plymouth Boulevard, Windsor Square

This house was built in 1926 for Lee Mantle.  David F. Picker served as both the architect and contractor.  The building permit states an estimated construction value of $20,000 for the 11-room residence.

Unfortunately, not much is known about Mr. Picker or his client.  However, research indicates that in 1926, Mr. Mantle purchased the land to build his home from A. Hayes Busch, son of Albert Hamilton Busch.  Albert was a prominent businessman who lived in Los Angeles in the 1880s and founded Busch Pipe and Supply company.  After building the home, Mr. Mantle lived there for three years then sold the property to R.E. Filcher (Ralph).  The Filchers kept the home for three decades making additions to the property over the years.

During 1932, Mrs. Kathryn Filcher added a sewing room and balcony.  In 1962 the home was purchased by Patricia A. Barham.  She was the daughter of Dr. Frank Forest Barham, president, treasurer, and publisher of the “Los Angeles Evening Herald.”  In the summer of 1963, Miss Barham added a swimming pool.  In 1975 Ms. Barham sold the property to the Di Roma family who added an accessory living building (guest house) in 1987.  Ms. Barham still resides nearby.  Over the next few years, the house was sold again several times.  The current owners acquired the house in 2001 and have extensively remodeled and restored the home to reflect its southern Italian style.

built in 1926
David F. Picker served as both the architect and contractor

Research by Fluff McLean and Sue Landay; text by Patty Lombard (2002) Transcribed by Barbara Coad (4/2021); edited by Bret Parsons (1/2022)