Our House

Ken’s Story
In August, 1963, we moved into a new home at 607 13th street. The house was started by a man who, with his family, lived in the basement while he continued to build the rest. Unfortunately, he had a stroke and died so was unable to finish the project. The upstairs was finished by a local carpenter known for his excellent work. He was financed, however, by two men. One of them was a local plumber so we figured that part of the work would be top notch. That was not the case. Over the years we found the plumber had used mostly his unwanted overstock from his business and eventually most of the plumbing in the house had to be replaced. Otherwise, the home has held up well and we have enjoyed it for nearly 45 years at this point.

We paid $14,250 for the house, borrowing $13,000 for 30 years at five and a quarter per cent interest. Our monthly payments were between $72 and $73 per month for principal and interest.

Sam’s Version
The Warnicks were the family in the basement. Their son, George, was my age and we went to school and Sunday school together. For a long time in grade school he was my best friend. I guess that was good enough to get my dad named as a pallbearer for George’s dad’s funeral. Other than that, I didn’t even know they were acquainted.

George and his mom moved to a rental house a few blocks away, down by the grain elevator and railroad tracks. The house had an old chicken coop in the backyard that made a wonderful space ship, fort, spy den, what ever. I was not the most out-going kid, and it was kind of nice to have someone call up on a Saturday morning and ask, “Can you come down and play?”