Historic Property #9: Max & Edith Baer House

Address: 2910 Coloma Street

Year Built: Circa 1904

Architect: Unknown

Builder: Unknown

Architectural Style: Flemish Colonial

Built in 1904 by M.Q. Meehan, former owner of the Placerville Hardware Store, this two story Flemish Colonial rests upon deep historic roots. Prior to its construction, an earlier 19th century residence built by pioneers Alfred and Mary Briggs and later occupied by Caroline and Frederick Hunger stood on the site. Portions of this original foundation are believed to still survive within the full basement of the home. The 1904 square plan structure features a striking bellcast hip roof with a shed dormer, two chimneys, and an exterior clad in shiplap and shingles. A welcoming full width front porch and a centered door complete the symmetrical facade.

In 1912, the property was purchased by newlyweds Max and Edith Baer. Born in Germany in 1873, Max emigrated to the United States at age 19. He arrived in Placerville in 1909, eventually taking full ownership of a popular menswear store at 327 Main Street. Edith, the daughter of El Dorado County Superior Court Judge Marcus Percival Bennett and his wife Molly, grew up just around the block on Bee Street. A dedicated pillar of the community, Max served two terms on the Placerville City Council and held presidencies with both the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce and the Placerville Lions Club. He even enjoyed a brief moment of international amusement in 1938 when Canadian reporters tracked him down, mistakenly believing he was the famous heavyweight boxing champion of the same name. Max humorously noted he had been christened long before the boxer was even born.

Following the passing of Max in 1941, Edith honored his civic legacy by donating a memorial drinking fountain to the City Park in Placerville. She remained in the home until 1951, selling the property to Bertha Tracy, who added much of the fine interior woodwork seen today. The residence was subsequently owned for many years by Placerville pediatrician Dr. Earl Washburn and his wife Marian Washburn, a former Mayor of Placerville. In the early 2000s, the home was purchased and fully renovated by Bruce and Laurie Maclin. A descendant of the Gold Rush era Engesser family, Bruce was a dedicated collector of El Dorado County historical artifacts, books, and ephemera, adding another layer of deep local heritage to this cherished property.