Former owners of 4930 Morehead Ave. were lovers of blooms and St. Mary's
On the 25th anniversary of its relocation, 4930 Morehead Avenue is back on the market. It last changed hands during the Fall of 2023. I toured the home last weekend and was struck by its old-world charm, modern updates and incredible landscaping, although the yard and sharp profile of the home could benefit from the backdrop of 150-year-old maple or oak tree, especially given the home’s historical roots in White Bear Lake.
4930 Morehead Ave. was originally located on Lake Avenue near Highway 61.
I’ve often wondered about the Dougherty sisters who lived in the house from childhood until the death of last sister at the turn of the century. With the help of the Realtor’s flyer, which included the first names of two of the Dougherty sisters, I was able to learn more about them, including that there were three sisters who lived there into adulthood.
The house was originally situated at 4565 Lake Avenue (on the north side near Highway 61). It was moved by local contractor Doug Kraemer during the winter of 2001. The process of moving homes in White Bear Lake was unique, but not unheard of – several other homes in the city have also been moved. In this case, the home was moved to make room for the townhome complex now located there.
I wrote a blog a few years ago on the kinds of architecture featured on Lake Avenue. This home is the only example of Italianate on the historic walkway. For more information, here is the blog on Lake Avenue architecture, including a bit of background on this home: https://www.lakeavenuewbl.com/post/lake-avenue-s-variety-of-architecture-adds-to-its-charm
Who were the Dougherty sisters?
During the fall of 2001, Margaret was the last of the sisters to pass away. According to a St. Mary of the Lake alumni publication, she was the second of four sisters who all graduated from St. Mary of the Lake School, which offered grades K-8 in the 1900s: Grace in 1917, Margaret in 1920, Mary in 1924, and Anne in1927.
Margaret was the executive secretary to the director of Family Services of St. Paul for over 30 years. “She was highly respected and loved for her professional skills and great warmth,” says the alumni publication.
For most of the 1900s, Margaret, Grace and Anne (Mary married and raised a family.) lived in the family home. The older sisters and parents are in the 1910 village census compiled by the White Bear Lake Historical Society.
The Dougherty yard became a “veritable showcase horticultural extravaganza” for all to enjoy. Many school children toured the Dougherty gardens and were treated to a plate of homemade cookies at the end of the tour.
In addition, the three sisters graciously supplied and cared for the church’s altar flowers each week for approximately 50 years.
One of the current gardens of 4930 Morehead Ave.
Anne died in 1974. In 1985 because of their devotion and years of outstanding service to the people of St. Mary of the Lake, Grace and Margaret were specially honored. Grace and Mary passed in 1997. This honor has become an annual tradition of recognizing extraordinary service to St. Mary of the Lake and is known as the “Dougherty Award”.
I’m not sure whether the current owners of 4930 Morehead Ave. are aware of Dougherty sisters’ love for flowers or not, but it seems fitting that the home, which is now almost 150 years old, continues to be surrounded by beautiful landscaping.
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