The Washington times., 1904-10-30
Mysterious Alley House
of the Late Dr.. Leroy
M. Taylor.
SplendOr Concealed in
a NeighbOrhOOd of
Mean Exterior.
Here Millionaire Lived
Secluded Life That
Pleased Him.

Z n the heart of a network Of alleys
FAR removed from the fashionable
residential section OF Washington
there stands one OF the most unique
buildings OF modern times. Commenced
on Jhe plans Tor store house that pro-
Fided primarily Tor an absolute prOtec-
lion for valuable collections of literature
and art. il was concluded as a place Of
retirement from the pryiug eyes OF the
busy world where the owner was lost
10 ala but his most intimate friends.
This strange abode was selected by Dr.
Leroy Mortimer Taylor. millionaire.
scientist. dlleJJaute fiji the mysterious
cults OF the East. and enthusiastic
sportsman. Iu the western end OF
Browns Court, between Fourth and
Firth and J. and NJ Streets. he occupied
an imDregnabIe fortress whose fortified
interior guaranteed the seclusi0n he
sought after the death oL his wife
RumoTs Of Hidden Splendor.
Strange stories have circulated among
the negro Inhabitants Of the section
about the mysterious man who APP
preached and left his hidden home in q
closed carriage. The exterior of the
dwelling told them nothing beyond thl
fact that it was a place into which tho5
could not pry- But gradually there grew
whispered tale of the wonderful in
terror utted up with a luxury beyoH-
their widest dreams. From Levi. Dr
Iaylors faithful man servant thet
could secure only uon-cCmmittaI an
sWers 10 their Inquiries, but iu som,
manner Jhey learned OF the skulls ana
bones that adorned the doctors cabi-
net. heard with reverent awe OF won
oerlul mirrors that would show the fu-
ture. and GOT "a distorted idea of his
study of 0ccuItism that became IN.
ground OF fantastic UumoTs OF his su
perualuraI abilities and dabbliugs in
black magic
For more than three years DIT. TayIol
occupied his castle completely sue
cassful in his efforts % avoid the pub.
lie. a small cCrlrie OF Lis most inli
mate friends were admitted and enter
tanned ODD the most hospitabIe manner.
al stated intervals private carriage
would convey the TWO little grand
daughters Of the master OF The house
40 the alley home. but 10 people ON IN,
outside there was no opportunity given
TO invade the jealousy guarded privacy
Presents Frowning Interior.
The dwelling invites curious spscu.a-
liou from its exterior appearance d.
IS Two stories high and built of solid
stone brick and masonry. The doors
ana twelve windows are bo.t=d and
barred 10 an extent that defines IN.
best efforts OF competent craftsman
The double doors ere of heavy WOO.
plated with sheet iron ana fitted with
numerous locks and bolts. la addition
10 the ordinary locks there arc haaF5
chains and padlocEs for the outside
Every window is protected with sui-l
iron bars as additional protection
shutters of wrought Eou swing acr0s
three heavy bars that slide into tasteu
ing5 built ilto the walls. ON the iH
side Of each window is screen o.
closely woven copper wire, imperyIous @
fire and water d. permits anyone on
the inside to SAFE out bat absolutely
cuts or au. view of the interior from
the outside
Above the main entrance is gas Je
shielded by lerse glass frame.
wrought iron awning protects the en-
trance from SNOW and rain. Immel-
ateIy 40 the right of the entrance
printed iu large black letters Uu th
yellow background of the wan Taylor
Warehouse and above the number. IDS.
The house IS built next 90 "a stable. au
Che outlook is upon smaI buildings OC
euufed bg negroes While the court 3
not sauaIid as are many Of the SOut
Washington courts and alleys. it is Cd
last place one would suppose man %
wealth and refinement would choose q
size for dwelling
Maguidcence OF Interior.
at,t once inside the aspect is change,
.rr.. castle ir0m TOD ~ bottom ls hltc
u1 with great luXury and taste In
f.-r-ft,,r. IS lhe best that money cal
bav. and turkish ana Persian rugs ar
seattered about the hardwood hoors