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The house I call home was built in 1911. That makes it 100 years old this year. There's a photo of it in my photo album here. Earl Shaw built it (and known as the Shaw house when I moved in). His name and date is etched into the basement wall.
Two barns were torn down 35-6 years ago. Surrounding the house is a 79 acre field. With the house, the original farm was a measly (by today's standards) 80 acres. The house and one shed remain. I replaced the garage 14 years ago.
I moved in, with two young children in tow, in 1977--34 years in one place. I bought it for only $25,000. It's worth 10 times that now (in this weak market).
In those 34 years, I've redone the kitchen twice and converted the attic into a 2 bedroom plus bath addition. Of course, I've painted, patched, reroofed, removed/added/updated, etc. one thing or another. It's a constant "battle". I've enjoyed the challenge for the most part.
The four children (plus 3 step) and two "exes" are gone. No more pets (just wild critters). I'm the only one left--the lone surviver! So you might ask why I would remain here in a monstrous house (6 bdrms, 3 baths) all by myself. Well, for one reason, I love it!
I love the spaciousness (maybe not the housecleaning). Burning wood keeps the heating costs down. The place is paid for (twice over with divorce settlements!). The house sits alone on the "prairie" with indescribable views and sunsets. I never tire of looking out the window or sitting in a lawn chair staring into the distance. I'm forever pondering the future of the life on the homestead.........
What and where do I plant things in the garden? What needs pruned or clipped or cleaned? How can I improve the place? It's a challenge--one I relish and enjoy. And I do it for no one else but myself.
I figure that if I can survive another 34 years, and remain in this house all that time, I will become the longest living resident--from a third to a half of its age. Why not? (Well, for one, I'd be 102!)
In the meantime, I have cause for celebration. 100 years old (the house) and still going strong. Any ideas? By the way, I've never "monikered" my house. Perhaps it's time. Happy birthday, home!
