The northeast corner of Lowell and Ritter Avenues will soon look dramatically different as workers are busy removing the vinyl siding from 5502 Lowell Avenue. Each generation of homeowners in the US seem to think that they have the solution for a permanent siding that will last for decades. In the 1930s and 40s, some Irvingtonians sheathed their homes in Insulbrick (an imitation brick composed of tar) or asbestos tiles. The next generation fell in love with aluminum siding. By the 1980s, the vinyl siding phase swept the state of Indiana. With dreams of never having to paint, well-meaning homeowners removed key architectural features along rooflines, at the corners, and around window and door openings. They too thought that plastic siding would last forever; however, it does not.
One of the joys that I have noticed after having lived in this neighborhood for several years is that some folks are removing those unsympathetic materials and restoring the clapboard siding covered for decades. It is a brave act as one never knows what is looming underneath. In the case of 5502 Lowell Avenue, the siding appears to be in fine condition although some restoration will be required. Kudos to these homeowners as they are role models for all of us.
The contemporary photos show the home in 2014 while the historic photo, taken c1938, shows the house behind the children. The Lowish family moved into this dwelling in 1909. Martin Lowish ran a coal company in Brazil, Indiana. He and his wife Emma lived in the home well into the 1920s. They do not appear to have had children. Perhaps the current residents will find the original paint chips on the siding dating to the Lowish era. Stay tuned as we focus on this wonderful restoration!
 |
| 5502 Lowell Avenue in September of 2014 |
 |
| 5502 Lowell Avenue in September of 2014 |
 |
| Behind the Danner Family, you can see 5502 Lowell Avenue and houses along North Ritter Avenue c1938 |
The historic photo is courtesy of the Danner family.
I was so excited to see the siding removed! I can't wait to see this beauty restored - well done, homeowners!!!
ReplyDelete