The House Through the Years
One of the things that struck me most when I first went through the slides was how much our house changed over time.
Dad touched on this in the opening paragraph of his letter:
John:
“I endeavor to walk downtown at least twice per week. A regular route—12th to ‘P,’ left on ‘P’ to 9th. 9th along the Park Strip to ‘G’ to 5th. East on 5th to Cook Inlet Book Company. Cross 5th Avenue to the Penney Mall. Walk up two flights and then one flight via escalator to the Food Court. Have a cup of coffee while perusing the New York Times I have picked up at the Book Company. I take the same general route home.”
I’ve always loved this block-by-block description of Dad’s downtown walk. It’s so him—precise, observational, and rooted in routine.
He walked to work most days when I was growing up, often stopping for a bite at the Woolworth counter while it was still open.
First summer
First winter
Almost a lawn
The picket fence
DIY, One Room at a Time
My parents tackled most of the house projects themselves—no contractors, no blueprints, just determination and a lot of nights and weekends with tools in hand.
Over the years, they added two bedrooms on the main floor and a bedroom, bathroom, and workroom in the basement. Later came a kitchen and dining room addition, and they even bumped the living room out five feet to make space for a fireplace.
It felt like something was always under construction—but that’s just how it went when your home was built one project at a time.
Back yard
Starting to look like the burbs
Grandparents visiting and the neighborhood gang
Ruthie in Her Element
My mother, Ruthie, loved her flowers and her garden. She took real joy in nurturing life—plants and people.
Our house was a neighborhood gathering spot, and she was the reason. Ruthie welcomed everyone. She was the heart of our home.
Another addition – new kitchen/dining area
Changing the location of the front door
Added the front porch
Bumping out the living room 5′ and adding a fireplace
House becomes a home
1968
1956
