The House Tour Committee asked Karen and George Brown to describe working on their complete renovation Of this 4 bedroom, 1 bath home . . . their words describe the spirit that has moved many residents to join in the rehab movement.
“What we have done to 5841 Pershing is a complete response. We were responding to the obvious neighborhood detriment of a “boarded-up house”. Rather than look at it we decided to do something about it. We felt that a boarded-up house was a boarded-up reflection upon our home. It was this feeling that spurred us to take a chance.
When we looked at the house we discovered that this house had not only suffered recent deterioration and vandalism but had decayed through many years of neglect and lack of maintenance. The roof was gone; the plastering was 50% gone; there were irreparable holes in the staircase; the back porch was destroyed; the house was filthy. It was apparent that much effort and money were necessary to save this house. To begin with, we would have to do without heating; the radiators and stained glass windows had been stolen. We felt that this pitiful structure of decadence needed something noticeable, yes, special, to promote its future. We chose the woodwork. A little scratching showed that very little paint covered a longstained and varnished undersurface. Much of the winter 74-75, was spent freeing that beauty. Even that endeavor was hampered by broken workwork, a beam pulled down, and obvious previous removals of those pieces that were once part of the house’s charm.
The woodwork has been only one effort of many designed to salvage the original and to add modern attractions. The bathroom was retiled. The back porch was replaced by an attractive deck, the kitchen modernized.
We can only imagine what the house once looked like. However, we can guess what kind of people lived there. There is a 3-way mirror in the master bedroom to indicate a conscientious lady who would not be seen in less than the most attractive dress. We know by the size that the house was for a small family. But, whatever it was, the house is now intended to be a monument to old values and beauty with emphasis on modern comfort and leisure.”
Three partner-groups purchased the house, the Smiths, the Browns and Joe Mensing. Joe has done the contracting of major work. The Smiths have helped in windows, carpentry, tree trimming, and some painting. The Browns did the woodwork and painting among other things. Bruce Smith is a Research Analyst at the Division of Family Services and Chris Smith a social worker at the neighborhood Clinic. George Brown is a Traffic Engineer for the City of St. Louis and Karen a Research Analyst for the Division of Family Services.
Originally published in The Paper, May 1975.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: Heading prints5826Pershing; quoted text says5841Pershing. Both preserved; no address inferred.
Original source: SD_Times1975_05.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 6.
