1645

This home, in the Mount Pleasant Subdivision, was built in 1907 and shows the influence of Queen Anne styling. The owner and builder was Henry Dierks and the permit number was 9204. From the street you can see that this is a tall home with two bay windows on the façade. At the second floor level the bay window is centered with a decorative railing on both sides. Above the windows are moldings that accentuate the design. At the attic level there is also a centered window.

The porch is a full front porch that has been restored. The columns are original with composite design capitals. This is a combination of the Ionic and Corinthian column. At the ground level the wood screening is new and probably replaces some kind of lattice. The leaded glass in the first floor bay window is original. The front door and side lights are original with replacement glass.

Entrance to the home is through a small vestibule with an original ceramic tile floor. There is space for hooks to hang coats and a large stained glass window which is a replacement. Over the 30 years this owner has lived here the home has undergone restoration and improvements. The previous owners only lived in the home for a year. Prior to them the Zemek family lived in the home for many years. One child, a daughter was married here.

The reception hall with staircase shows the beautiful oak woodwork. All the floors are oak and the original window moldings are in place with the crown moldings at the top. The home has both a front parlor and a family parlor. In the front parlor is a replacement of the original fireplace surround which had been removed. This fireplace with beautiful wood mantel also includes a new chimney which can be seen from outside. The original was probably gas. The marble is Brescia Pernice. Above the picture rail in this room and the next, the owner has hand painted a Beaux Arts design with curving flowers and leaves. In the second parlor, note the bay window which brings more light into the room.

Connected to this parlor is the dining room, which is at the back of the house. The ceiling has oak beams and the built in buffet has the original wavy glass on the doors. From this room you can go to the kitchen or to the back porch, which was once screened in and is now enclosed with a beautiful view of the garden.

The door to the kitchen is the original swinging door. The kitchen has been redone to enhance the vintage home. The floors are oak and the space has been configured for a work area along one wall. The stained glass in the room is custom design glass by Harmony Glass. The powder room is a conversion of the original pantry with additional custom stained glass. Through the hallway you return to the front and ascend the staircase to the second floor. Along the stairs is the heavy embossed wallpaper that was in fashion when this home was built.

The doors in the hallway are all five panel doors. Note the low installation of the original door hardware. The floors are maple. The master bedroom is towards the front of the house to take advantage of the light from the bay window. In this bedroom there were two closets. One has been made into a study under the eaves of the roof. It is a cozy space.

The bathroom has all replacement fixtures, but the focal point of the room is the stained glass window. Another special detail is the ceiling fixture from Cavalier Glass. The second bedroom is set up as a sitting room with hand painted designs on the ceiling. The owner designed these to create a focal point on the ceiling. Here too, the closet is under the eaves with a window. The designs on the walls and ceiling in the closet are stenciled.

At the back is a room that goes across the width of the house. It has been turned into a recreation/TV room that opens onto a second floor deck. This deck was once the tin roof of the open porch below. From this room you will return to the staircase and see another beautiful stained glass as you go down. It is from the Frank Drehobl Company in Chicago.

The home has been expanded with a bedroom suite in the basement. It serves as a guest room for returning family and grandchildren. After viewing the lower floor you will return to the garden and enjoy the sculptures and fountain. The yard has been enclosed by a beautiful brick and stone wall which lends an elegance to the garden area.