This lot of land, and other nearby lots, had previously been inherited by Kate and Rose Galloway, daughters of Captain Moses Galloway (1810-1881) and Henrietta Galloway. Kate and Rose sold this portion of the land in 1928 to Eldon F. Leithiser (1904-1990) and Dorothy Leithiser. They are believed to have built this white federal style house, now accented by a red front door. Eldon’s father was Richard H. Leithiser who began the well-known Richard H. Leithiser & Son menswear business on Franklin Street that Eldon joined and is represented by “& Son.” Eldon turned the store into Harford County’s largest apparel store for men and by 1963 Eldon and Dorothy bought that building. Eldon kept the Leithiser’s store in business for more than 50 years, having begun working as an errand boy when he was nine years old, and Eldon was honored in 1986 by being named a Harford County Living Treasure. In his Harford County Living Treasure interview Eldon explained that his ancestors had come here from Holland where “Leithiser” meant light house keeper, which they were.

The Leithisers appear to have lived here until 1964 when they sold the home to Robert W. Warfel (1909-1985) and his wife, Florence. (The Warfels previously had lived at 618 Green Street.) After Florence died in 1983, Robert married Helen Marie Crandall (1914-2010). When Robert died in 1985, he left the home to Helen. She lived here for another 12 years, was a member of St. John’s Church, and worked as a nurse at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Perryville.

In 1997, Helen Warfel sold the house to Harold and Kathryn Norton. Two years later, the Nortons opened their home 1999 Annual Candlelight Tour. French doors opened from the spacious foyer into the living room where ivory walls with white trim created a restful atmosphere. A surround of book shelves and lower cabinets framed the fireplace. Floor length windows and recessed lights were also features. The sun parlor with its brick floor was a haven for relaxing. Black and white were the colors that set the tone in the kitchen. The upstairs had a library and the master bedroom had a stained glass panel attached to the door.

In 2009, pursuant to a property settlement in divorce, ownership of this home was transferred to Harold D. Norton individually. He died unexpectedly at home in 2011. Harold Norton was an attorney associate at a law firm in Bel Air for more than 20 years, had served as City Attorney for Havre de Grace, and was involved in other local organizations.

Harold Norton’s estate sold this home in 2011 to James E. and Patricia Pickard who moved to this home from South Adams Street. James Pickard spent 33 years teaching in the Harford County Public Schools (HCPS), serving at Edgewood High, Edgewood Middle, Joppatowne High, Havre de Grace Middle, and Bel Air High School. He retired from teaching in 1997 and was selected into the 2001 HCPS Educators Hall of Fame based on his extraordinary contributions. This property received an award from the Havre de Grace Historic Preservation Commission in 2020.

James and Patricia Pickard sold this home, with its large lot and stone patio, in January 2022 to Mark Muzaka and his wife, Cheryl Muzaka.

County Records
Built 1945. 2364 sq ft, 2.5 stories, basement, detached garage, 1 bath, 12,000 sq ft lot.