Homes of Famous Americans

A recurring feature in the early editions of Better Homes and Gardens was a spotlight on the homes of Famous Americans. The series was intended to highlight the architecture and landscape features of notable historic homes. My first instinct was to offer a similar exploration of a famous American’s house, until I realized I don’t know any local famous Americans well enough to request a tour of their living rooms.

Instead, I’m sharing a home I know very well: the home of my in-laws, Nolen and Elisa Dunaway. Built in 1929 and purchased by them in 2003, the house is more than 1700 sq ft, two stories and retains many Craftsman-style features that have endured for nearly a century.

In the front room, a stone-and-plaster fireplace anchors the space. Though now purely decorative, its primary purpose is to display a large photograph of Nolen and Elisa’s grandchildren, taken in 2004. French doors separate the entryway from the living room, and observant visitors may notice a hook-and-eye latch installed near the top. Family lore holds that Nolen and Elisa added it to keep little Matthew safely inside.

The staircase is carpeted, and both boys remember being instructed to sit and scoot up and down the steps when they were young. Their tendency to rush resulted in one too many trips and falls. When Paul turned ten, he grew tall enough that he had to duck his head while climbing the stairs. Matthew teased him mercilessly—until, a few years later, he reached the same milestone himself.

Upstairs, the bathroom features a large claw-foot tub. It is neither especially convenient nor likely original, but I am grateful for the countless times it was used to bathe my sons. Also upstairs is the “blue bedroom”; a room that is not blue, and does not have any visible blue features.  Built-in bookshelves in that room house the complete works of Charles Dickens, alongside a a once-beloved children book.  This forgotten favorite of the grandchildren may be waiting for the next generation of little readers.

This home may not be famous for its architecture alone, nor for the people who live within it. It is beloved because it has been filled with love for the past 22 years and, with any luck, will continue to be for many years to come.