Hi All,
I just came across this forum this morning while looking up Sears Homes. My father was raised in this house and I believe my grandparents bought it from the original owners. I have lived here 14 years. There is a date on the window stay spring bolt- Dec. 14 1906. There isn't any decorative gingerbread inside but, the outside front peak has some nice detail work.
My grandmothers father is quite famous in this area for his fine wood-working craftsmanship and I feel that he hand made all the doors and windows in this house which are still original.
Anyway, I am considering having some work done But...before I do anything, I'd like to know if this house qualifies as an historic building and if there is any grant money available for restoration.
Thank you for any help you have to offer.
Sandy

Hello Sandycane,
Sorry to be so long noticing your post and here is my comment on the house.
It is of the Federal style as one can see by the frieze boards under the over hang as well as the Federal posts on the porches.

What ever you are going to do with the remodeling I suggest that you try to put everything back to as close to the original as possible as this home does have value and, you would not want to devalue it in any way.

Respectfully,

Ralph Jones

Thank you for your reply, Mr. Jones.
Can you suggest a few web sites where I can read more information on the 'Federal' style homes?
Thank you,
Sandy

Hello Sandycane,
Just google with the keywords Federal home construction and you should get all kinds of sources.

Respectfully,

Ralph Jones

Dear Sandy,

I found something for you. This is a magazine called: "EARLY HOMES", published by "Old House Interiors". It covers houses from 1690 to 1850--which might be a bit early for you.

It looks like just the kind of information that you need. I saw some gingerbread decoration in your second photo that could make it Victorian. It is possible that a portion of the house is older than the section with the window that dates to 1906. You could also check your county tax records for information about the date the house was built. This is the blurb describing their magazine.

"Early Homes"
Our special edition devoted to houses built 1690-1850! Discover the architecture, interiors, and gardens of houses rural and urban, from a first-period salt-box to a classical plantation, recently restored. Amazing kitchens, stencils & murals, unfussy textiles, lighting, and more: a lavish and accessible issue showcasing early homes, people, and products.

Check out the parent magazine, too. It covers houses from 1700 to 1940.

"Old-House Interiors"
Now in its eleventh year, our flagship publication is the bimonthly magazine. It covers American period design from 1700 to 1940, with articles on restorations, interpretive use of period decorating, sensitive kitchens and baths, furnishings, color, textiles, and more. Coverage extends to architectural styles and gardens. It's a truly beautiful magazine with intelligent writing.

This is the web page for the magazine:
http://www.oldhouseinteriors.com/

Good luck.

Bev.