In 1892, Dr. Salfield leased this house to the James and Marie Rosena Flood. It was when they lived in this house they took in Constance at three months old. Eudora Forde, Constance’s mother, claimed her father was James Cannon at first, a property man at the old Grove Street Theater. Destitute after Constance's birth, Eudora and her mother appealed for help from Mrs. Rose Flood, wife of James L. Flood. Childless herself, Mrs. Flood provided financial aid over time and eventually suggested that Constance join the Flood household, though she was never formally adopted. Initially, James Flood resisted, but he relented at his wife’s request, and Constance joined their family as an infant. The Floods had a cook named Miss Beffa who worked at the Floods’ homes on Page Street and Pacific Avenue. Beffa shared fond memories of young Constance, and the affection Mr. Flood showed for her. Eudora later claimed she only met James Flood once in August 1893, though others speculated that Flood himself was Constance's father following an affair with Eudora. It's important to remember the Floods, were well-known and influential, questions about Constance’s parentage became a topic of gossip. While there is no definitive answer, some sources have suggested potential figures:

• James Flood – Many speculated that Flood himself might have been her biological father, and the adoption served as a way to legitimize her place in the family.
• William Sharon – A close associate of Flood and another powerful figure in California's high society, Sharon was sometimes rumored to be connected to the situation.
• George D. Roberts—Though recognized as Constance’s biological father, rumors suggested he might have been concealing the identity of a more prominent figure, possibly Flood or another member of their social circle. Additionally, Eudora initially named James Cannon as the father, casting her in a disingenuous light and fueling further speculation.

These theories, however, are based on speculation from the time and were never substantiated by any concrete evidence.

Looking into the windows of historic homes, it’s easy to admire the furnishings, architecture, and details within while making assumptions about the lives of those who once lived there. Yet, discovering the stories that filled these rooms reveals that the people of the past experienced joys, conflicts, passions, love affairs, and even scandals—not so different from us today. As we examine photos from this era, it’s important to set aside rose-colored views and one-dimensional portrayals from textbooks, the internet, or TV, and instead, appreciate a more authentic vision of the past.

Note: I'm unclear if this was a side-by-side duplex or apartment flats as an entire floor setup. All room locations are purely speculative.