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One year to remodel 100 years
Many generations lived in the house after my great-grandmother bought it in 1897. It was a house of love, fun, fellowship and food. In 2000, my family began remodeling the house. What we expected to be a 6-week job became a year-long project. The kitchen became our horror story when the linoleum covering the countertops and floor would not come up. This 1950s flooring was durable material, made of cork and wood and glued with black-gum backing. We tried to remove it with floor cleaners, hoes, picks and shovels, to no avail. Our "do-it-yourself" project became a job for a professional (underneath appeared hardwood, perfectly preserved). The cabinets would not come off of the walls, having been built in place, so we had to saw them out. New cabinets were installed and new plumbing since we had moved the sink. The appearance changed, but the charm and warmth of the house remained. This once 1890s kitchen, remodeled again, has been restored to a new grandeur. It will be used by our family for cooking, canning, working, and sharing and serving food with family and friends. The old has not passed away; it has been refined with hard work. Our kitchen horrors have been forgotten and turned into joy--now it's time to ring the old dinner bell. Kathryn A. Wise |
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