The Melville's purchased the house in 1916 and hired E. E. Roberts to remodel it. Roberts enclosed the front porch, placing a gray brick fireplace with a red tile hearth in the center of the outside wall, and it became the living room. There is an oriel bay over the entrance; dark gray curved trim over the front entry emphasizes the curved glass door. The dark red chimney with limestone accents is a prominent, though asymmetrical feature on the front façade.
Melville had commissioned the house next door from Roberts in 1904. He was an attorney with Chicago Title & Trust and was apparently involved with local politics after the separation of Oak Park from Cicero Township. His wife, Belle Watson Melville was well known in local circles and beyond; she gave dramatic readings and her presentations were quite popular. The Melville's lived at 427 Forest until Belle died in 1923; the house was then put up for sale.
Thanks to Peg Zak for her detailed research on this house and the Melville family.
