History takes shape at local restoration
Joe Sheppard and Joann Mathers with Hondo. The back extension is pulling the dream together for this hometown classic makeover. (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
Architectural originals like the stained glass window are just some pieces Joe and Joann aim to keep. (Erin Jusseaume/Clark Fork Valley Press)
The fire was contained thanks to Joe’s quick thinking and fire-fighting knowledge. (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
The extension of the old house is now taking shape. (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
Work never ends for Joe Sheppard and Joann Mathers as they continue to restore the old yellow house on Garber Street in Plains.
“There’s something special about this house and to keep as much history as possible is the name of the game,” said Sheppard.
With a summer full of hard work both inside and outside of the old Victorian-style house, it was nearly lost when a side of the home caught fire recently.
“Joe was up in the attic when then trailer next to the house caught fire from a lit cigarette,” said Mathers.
“We caught it really quickly, and we were fortunate that we had just updated the water lines, so we had hoses running from all over. Even though we called the fire department, it was very fortunate that Joe has fire-fighting experience and was able to put it out quickly,” she said.
“I reckon we were just minutes from losing the whole place, we were very fortunate it didn’t go that way,” added Sheppard.
THE HOUSE restoration has been an uphill slog, as they both want to keep as much history as possible.
“We’ve continued to research the home and the history, even with the add on extensions we want to do the home justice,” said Mathers.
The extensions that are taking shape are best seen from the back of the old yellow house. The back porch was taken down, and once the foundation was brought back to code they extended the kitchen downstairs for more room.
On the second floor an old closet was extended to now be used as a hallway to get to a newer larger bathroom. The other side will work as bedroom for the owners as they will spend a lot of time at the future bed and breakfast.
Hidden upstairs in the attic, Sheppard had to extend the roof, and with that comes a possible sitting/sewing room for Mathers as well as an art studio for Sheppard.
One of the greatest benefits of the uniquely built house is how large the three bedrooms are. With room for two single/ full size beds in each, Mathers is itching to get to the stage where the decorating can really begin.
“Even though we are wanting to keep as much ‘Victorian’ history to the house, we are also aware that being an old house it can get quite hot in the summers and quite cold in the winter. So we will be looking for some new-age conveniences for each room so guests can be comfortable no matter what the season,” said Mathers.
THE OLD yellow house is known to have a number of creaks about the place, so in good spirits both Sheppard and Mathers may have some fun this coming Halloween for the town.
“It’s funny how when I [Sheppard] was a kid I was so spooked by the house, even now we’ve had kids ask if it is haunted. So I tell them, yeah, we have a few ghosts here,” said Sheppard. “It is one of those great town stories, and I have to say I do enjoy continuing our small town folk tale alive.”
No matter what the story, there are more than a few tales the old yellow house has to tell. From family history, to those many years just sitting on the lot; future visitors will be able to embrace all it has to tell.
“We have a lot of furniture that was left here when the old tenants finally moved on, so we will restore it all the best we can. It truly amazes both of us as to how good a condition it all is still in,” said Mathers.
The project itself isn’t one that will be quick — both Sheppard and Mathers will continue to restore and renovate the whole house over the coming months.
“We estimate it will take another 18 to 24 months for us to complete. We are doing it all on our own so we can really put the money into the renovation,” said Sheppard.
“We will bring as much of the house back to the original as we can, but I have to admit I am already thinking of the great things I can do with the outside gardens and future gardens,” said Mathers.