Sat Nov 21 2009
A 106-year-old home located on a tree-lined street in the Latty's Grove area has been chosen as the Historic Home of the Month by Historic Homes of Defiance.
The home, which is owned by Tim and Rita Schortgen, is located at 1056 Grove Street.
The land that the house sits on was originally owned by Michael Schultz in the late 1800s. The best the Schortgens could discover was that the house was built in 1903 by William H. Kleinhen. Owners after that were Estella Newton, Ralph Baringer, Norm Gecowets, Brett Keller and Lisa Hornish.
The Schortgens bought the house in November 2001.
The house has two bedrooms, one bath, a 3/4 size basement, gas fireplace, built-in shelves and drawers in the living room and one bedroom, a hardwood floor in the dining room and kitchen, and central air and heat.
Many updates were done by the Schortgens including a new roof, doors, windows, shutters, columns and rail on the porch, refinishing and sealing the front porch, replumbing the house, updating the electrical wiring, waterproofing in the basement, vinyl siding, painting and wallpapering throughout the house and new landscaping.
Rita said, "We love the tree-lined streets of the neighborhood. It's a place where many come to jog or take a walk. It's a great neighborhood. It has such a cozy feel to it.
"The neighborhood has so much history. We are glad we could help preserve a house that has seen many families pass through it. Newer houses are nice, but nothing compares to the character of older homes that have stood the test of time.
"They are the foundation of this town. We should do our best to preserve them for future generations."
Historic Homes of Defiance is accepting nominations for its program that recognizes older homes or commercial/public buildings in the city of Defiance. To qualify for recognition, these buildings will have had improvements to the exterior which resulted in preservation of the structure.
Structures to be nominated must be at least 50 years old and located in the Defiance city limits.
Nominations can be sent to Shirley Rosebrock at 866 S. Clinton St., Defiance; Ralph Hahn, 901 Wilhelm St., Defiance; or Linda O'Donnell, 8651 Fox Chase Lane, Defiance.
Be sure to include a brief history of the building, the owner and location of the property and the name and phone number of the nominating person.
Winning nominees will have the organization's sign placed on their property for about one month.
(Rita Schortgen contributed to this article. )
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