Day 219

New month, October. The Halloween frenzy has already begun. The original celebration is long forgotten. Now it’s about candy and costumes. It began as a remembrance day for departed souls. Today I am installing fire extinguishers in both houses. It’s a long planned agenda item. Then off to distribute Senior News. I’m disappointed that my photo wasn’t used along with my article. I thought it was a good one of Wulf House. I’ll finish the driving course too.

October article for Senior News

Although Crescent City lost historic homes in the 1964 tsunami, and some have gone in the name of progress, there are still many old and restored homes to see and enjoy. I live on J Street and there are more older homes than contemporary ones on this street. My house is over 70 years old as are the other Craftsman style homes up and down the street. Among them are five houses over 100 years old.  They are restored and well-maintained. These old houses are made entirely of Redwood except for fir flooring. Most are full of antique furnishings that fit the age of the house.

I picked Anna Wulf House to research. It was built in 1898. The original Hansen family lived in it briefly and sold it to family friend, Anna Wulf, who was Godmother to the four little girls. She lived in it until 1963 after years of giving piano lessons and providing lodging to young women. There is no notation about when indoor plumbing and electricity were added and we know that a well and water storage tank were on the property. With all the conveniences in place, it was a comfortable home. It then belonged to another family for the next 40 years. In 1998 the Gary’s put in a foundation and filled the house with period furnishings that remain there today. An outbuilding that was originally a carriage house is now an apartment. Wulf House became a Bed and Breakfast in 2007. Mitzi Stephens and her daughter, Paula, are the hostesses. The house has also been the site of fund raising events for local non-profits such as Habitat for Humanity. Keeping the paint fresh is a constant job. The south sides of our houses take the brunt of winter storms. The paint must withstand the constant attacks to protect the integrity of the siding. Original windows have been replaced with double panes to help with heating costs and to keep out the drafts so caulking is also a regular chore. Landscaping is another constant in keeping houses healthy. Wulf House has beautifully kept gardens that complement to overall grandeur of the property.

My old house needs all that care too, just in smaller amounts. The wiring and plumbing have been replaced, modern windows installed, foundation poured, bushes cut down, modern heating added and yet it has the old fashioned comfort of years of happy living.