The Cross House

The Great Column Adventure! Part 3.

The front porch, June 2014.
The front porch, June 2014. The four columns on each side of the stairs have been AWOL since 1999. And three of those columns have been AWOL since at least 1960.


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The errant columns, home again! January 19, 2015.


The columns being painted. Two down; two more to go. January 21, 2015. The columns were primed yesterday. The primer dries clear.


Ta-da!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The columns painted. January 21, 2015.



Me very excited. Me breathless. Me delighted beyond words.

Me happy.


15 Responses to The Great Column Adventure! Part 3.

  1. Me, very excited too. I really don’t know why I feel so filled with joy. After all it is just a couple of very old columns. What’s the big deal; I just know that it really made my day. Do press on Ross.

  2. Hi Ross:
    Spectacular as always. Some thoughts.

    You often mention the people who are helping in the Cross House’s restoration. Perhaps you could get their thoughts on what it’s like to bring such a beautiful lady back to life? I’m a designer and writer, so my skills will never directly contribute to her restoration, but when I journal about her original colors being discovered or mess around in my design software, adjusting and tweaking what she might have looked like or what she could be, it’s cathartic. I wonder what it’s like for someone who actually does carve her columns, fix her stained glass windows or sand her doors?

    Also, maybe you could eventually get an update from Bob Rodak regarding his thoughts on how the house is blossoming. I remember finding his website on the Cross House so endearing. (Hint: Perhaps you could create a post about his website. I hope he never takes it down. Every time I visit it, my eyes get misty.) The Rodak’s effort was herculean, especially under the circumstances (protecting their children from lead paint and the house itself from crooked contractors). While it must have been heartbreaking to close a chapter on something he loved for so long, I imagine he must also be so grateful and relieved that he found someone with your skills, talent and background to take up the reins. I read an article about you and the house shortly after you bought her. It’s too bad they didn’t interview Bob as well.


    • The small crew working on the house seems to enjoy, greatly, bringing the grand ol’ lady back to life. And the house seems to infect everybody with a happy feeling! Scott comes up to me about once a month and whispers in my ear: “I really LOVE this house.”

      With Bob’s permission, I did a post on when he owned the house, and mention him often in my posts. He also has a VIP pass to the house! The local newspaper has done two articles on the house since I purchased it, and both acknowledge Bob’s huge contribution.

      One never really owns a big old house. We are all but temporary caretakers!

  3. Absolutely gorgeous, Ross!! I find myself very excited about the new columns too. I am so happy that the Cross House found you. 🙂

  4. Thanks everybody for your supportive comments! it is a delight knowing that I am not the only person who gets excited by (as Marjorie put it) just a couple of ol’ columns!

  5. Hi, Ross. I’m curious to know is there a name for the emblem over the porch? It looks sort of like a Christmas ornament. Do you know what it is? Maybe it’s just a design but I was wondering if it is a thing. Also, how did you get your limestone so clean? It looks much cleaner than in the old 1990’s photos. I am enchanted with your work. You are very inspiring.

    Thank you,

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