12 West End Avenue

12 West End Avenue, Stamford
By Karen Cuccinello
The house was built 1920 by Eugene “Gene” and William Govern, contractor brothers, for their nephew Leonard Augustus Govern (1881-1965) and sits across from another Govern built house. A garage was added later. Leonard “Len” Jr. told me his father and uncles said the house was built of local virgin lumber, never been harvested before. He also told me it was a great place to grow up with cousins across the street and his Grandma Mary L. Moore and Aunt Rita living down the street at 22 West End.
Leonard married Angela Begley (1890-1942) in NYC June 5, 1916 and they had two daughters: Angela Miriam (Mrs Bill Dinndorf 1918-2019) and Constance/Connie (Fowler Eklund 1921-1995). Leonard married Mary Moore (1911-1995) November 23, 1949 and they had a son Leonard “Len” Jr., who grew up in 12 West End. Leonard Sr. was an attorney since 1909 and had his office in the house for a time. During his lifetime he was a member of: Stamford school board, Board of Trade, Maynard Hose Co., Country Club, Citizens Club, Delaware County Bar Association, Civil Defense and Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He was also village clerk, postmaster, election commissioner, and director of Catskill Craftsman.
Leonard Jr. sold the house in the early 1980’s to Lowell E. (1916-2003) and Grace (Conklin 1917-2004) Lewis, co-owners of the Red Carpet Inn and Restaurant. The Lewises lived in the house until the end of their time. Colette Destefano was the owner in 2019 and it was recently purchased in 2020.
Photo from Stamford Village Library history room.