Fireside in Flannel—2026 Winter Fundraiser for Historic Preservation

The Springfield Preservation Trust’s 2025 Winter Fundraiser—with the theme “Fireside in Flannel”—will be held at the circa 1899 Edward Coats House, the stately Tudor Revival mansion at 1090 Worthington Street, courtesy of homeowners and hosts Jesse and Emila Lederman. 

The event, taking place on February 1, 2025, at 1:00pm, will feature music, hors d’oeuvres, wine, beverages, a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and a historic home tour of the mansion.

Step inside the Edward Coats House and settle into a scene straight out of the late Victorian era—where the glow of the hearth dances across dark wood paneling and leaded glass. Guests are invited to cozy up by the crackling fire in their warmest flannels, woolen scarves, and soft knitwear, blending modern comfort with turn-of-the-century charm. Imagine the gentle hum of conversation mingling with the pop of the fireplace, much as it might have in 1899 when the home first welcomed winter callers. Whether wrapped in plaid, fleece, tweed, or velvet, attendees can bask in the home’s historic warmth and enjoy a fireside respite befitting a grand Tudor Revival winter gathering.

Support the Springfield Preservation Trust in its mission to preserve and protect properties in Springfield, Massachusetts which have architectural, historic, educational, or general cultural significance—including properties such as this one!—by attending our Annual Winter Fundraiser this year!

Home History

This house with Tudor Revival and Colonial Revival details was designed by architect G. Wood Taylor, son-in-law of William McKnight, who developed much of the neighborhood with his brother John. Taylor designed houses also in Forest Park Heights and Ridgewood. The first owner of this home was E. M. Coats, a liquor distributor.

About the Architect

The Edward Coats House was designed by G. Wood Taylor, a prominent Springfield architect around the turn of the 20th century. Taylor was active in designing many upscale residences in Springfield—especially in the Forest Park and McKnight neighborhoods—often blending popular revival styles like Tudor Revival and Colonial Revival that were fashionable among well-to-do clients of the era.

Taylor’s work was recognized regionally, with some of his designs appearing in period architectural publications, reflecting the craftsmanship and stylistic trends of the late Victorian into early Edwardian periods.

About the Neighborhood

The house sits within the McKnight National Historic District, one of America’s first planned residential neighborhoods, developed beginning in the 1870s. McKnight, and the adjacent Forest Park Heights area, became a showcase for high-style homes in a variety of architectural languages—Colonial, Tudor, Queen Anne, Shingle, and more—constructed for influential local professionals during Springfield’s economic growth around the turn of the century.

Architectural Significance

As a residence with both Tudor Revival and Colonial Revival details, the Edward Coats House exemplifies the eclectic approach of the period, when architects combined historic European influences (steep gables, half-timbering of Tudor style) with refined classical elements (symmetry, columns, and classical ornament from Colonial Revival sources). These stylistic choices were meant to convey both historic pedigree and modern fashionable taste at the time the home was built.

Original Owner

The first owner, E. M. Coats, was a successful liquor distributor—a profession that, at the time, would have placed him well among Springfield’s thriving commercial class who commissioned distinguished homes as social and economic symbols in growing neighborhoods like McKnight. While specific details of Coats’s life and activities are less documented online than larger public figures of the era, his ability to commission such a residence underscores the prosperity of certain trades in late 19th-century Springfield.

Join Us at the Winter Fundraiser!

The Trust looks forward to hosting its annual winter fundraiser at this home and is grateful for Angelene Huang for opening it up to us in support of our mission to protect, preserve, and promote historic properties of Springfield.

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