The names of the Mateers are still well known in the area, although the persons they represent probably are not. On campus the Mateer Building is the home of the School of Hospitality Management and Café Laura is the home of its dining facility. The Mateers were long-time benefactors of the School.
For many years before, Mattie was the locally well known owner-operator of The Corner Room of the Hotel State College at the foot of the Mall at College and Allen Streets. The restaurant is still a highly popular eatery, both with town and with gown.
The Mateers love for entertaining carries over into their home, from the large parking area for guests at the rear to the spacious public living areas. The large open great room flows into a screened porch which in turn flows into an open terrace, which is off of the kitchen.
Brick and stone walls lead up the hill to the parking and entry areas in the rear.
The main entry door to the house is to the right of the wreath in the center of the photo.
Hallock varied entry locations, but this is probably his most hidden.
The large parking area for guests can be seen by looking back from the entry porch.
Hallock’s original sketch for the house is shown. The only major change was to relocate the fireplace.
The original floor plan for the house is shown. The fireplace was moved from the east wall of the living room to the north. This change opened up the living room to the screened-in porch. The double garage (not shown) is above the entry porch.
The fireplace easily dominates the living room area. Notice the impressive cantilevered hearth, a favorite design of Phil.
The south wall of the living area looks out to the Tussey Mountains. The lighted tray ceiling is inspired by Fallingwater.
The foyer floor is the same slate as used on the porch.
The area behind the fireplace is now used for TV viewing.
The kitchen can be closed off with its accordion door.
The dining area features a built-in buffet and hutch.
The screened porch looks almost like a regular room as viewed from the street.
Phil’s “pattern of squares” is repeated in the porch’s brick wall.
A third “pattern of squares” is seen in the upper screening to the East.
The screened porch flows into an open terrace to fully enjoy the outdoors.
With today’s lush surroundings, it is hard to believe that the area was once treeless fields. The builder was neighbor E. D. Frost, reputedly the best in the region.
Phil often used wing walls to enhance the apparent size of the house; this may be his largest. With only two bedrooms, the house is not overly large.
A built-in bureau between matching closets is a typical Hallock bedroom touch.
The generous walk-in shower features a handy pull bar and a sitting platform.
