Historical May 1978 house-tour profile. Printed signature: TRH. Full author identity is unconfirmed; no individual is inferred from the initials. Buildings, occupants and renovations describe the source issue.
“You’d be surprised how many things you can cook on a hotplate,” is the way Jan Kuhl describes the first six months that she and her husband, Bill, lived in their house at 6170 McPherson. Jan and Bill are ex-suburbanites, having moved to Skinker-DeBaliviere in March, 1977. They felt that in addition to being part of a neighborhood they could purchase a nicer home at a lower price than the house they had owned in the country.
When you tour the Kuhl’s home you won’t see a finished house with a storybook decor. What you will see is a home which is still undergoing renovation. Notice the contrast as you walk from “before” to “after” rooms. (Actually, it’d be kind of hard not to notice!) Jan and Bill have done almost all of the work: Bill is responsible for installing central air conditioning and plumbing; Jan is responsible for stripping woodwork, painting, wallpapering, and being very creative with the hotplate. Ah, togetherness!
Adhering to the axiom that “A renovator travels on his stomach,” the Kuhls decided to do the kitchen first. It’s almost done and you’ll note that they removed the radiator and changed the location of the basement door in order to provide more cabinet space. They had to jack up and brace the butler’s pantry which was separating itself from the house; notice the still-evident gap at the top SW corner of the dining room wall. The fireplaces in the living room and second floor bedroom have been rebuilt.
The second floor has had not major work done — yet. However, if you’re of a mind to try your hand at this type of rehabbing, the walk up the stairs may prove worth your while. If you’re lucky you may catch a glimpse of the now-infamous Kuhl hotplate! TRH
Original photograph caption
6170 McPherson. Photo by Suzanne Johnson. The Paper, May 1978, page 9.
Originally published in The Paper, May 1978.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: Please confirm the writer identified by the printed initials TRH.
Original source: SD_Times1978_05.pdf, printed page(s) 9; PDF page(s) 9.
