newsletter 3-10

Though most of them are disguised to some extent, scattered throughout the north end of Parkersburg are several 1930's era homes of a most unique design. The homes were built by H.C. Trout. Those who knew of Mr. Trout and his business might suspect why these houses are different; Mr. Trout was in the concrete and concrete block business. We first learned of Mr. Trout's unique building technique when assisting with the story about the "millstones" along Murdoch Avenue. We were told then that in the 1930's Mr. Trout had built what appeared to be a "stucco" service station on Murdoch Avenue, below Lincoln School. His style of building involved much more than
just a stucco exterior. A standard block wall basement is about the only normal item of the houses. The first floor is concrete, supported by concrete beams. The roof is of concrete roofing tile and even the gutters are made of concrete; the exterior of the homes were virtually maintenance free. In many cases, a matching single-car garage enhances the rear of the lots. Many of these homes were built on what used to be part of the Trout farm in the Sand Plains area of north end. Driving around that area, one can see several homes with the concrete roof tiles. This is a good indication that there is more concrete underneath.

The Historic District Association is offering the public a chance to memorialize friends and family by purchasing text bricks which will wrap the pillars at the entrances to the Historic District. Association members have worked for the past nine years to raise funds for improvements outlined in the Preservation and Restoration Master Plan done by West Virginia University. The funds they raised, combined with several grants and donations, made the period lighting, light post banners, entrance arches and park benches a realities.
The purchasers of memorial bricks may select the pillar they prefer. The cost for each memorial brick is $50.00 . Hurry, because the deadline is July 1! For information and orders call 422-2687.

The Julia-Ann Square Historic District has often been a passing attraction for bus tours. On Friday, June 6, the residents entertained a bus load of folks from Massillon, Ohio. The fifty tourists spent seven hours in the district. Julia-Ann Square was, for the first time, the destination! June 6 was the day before the annual Victorian Home and Garden Tour, so taking them for an early peek in the homes and gardens was one of their activities. They had lunch at the First United
Methodist Church with live music and a historic portrayal by Patty Cooper, a presenter for the West Virginia Humanities Council. There was also a tour of the Riverview/Cook Cemetery. Residents Lillian McCrary and Jessica
Blankenship portrayed past residents who are interred
in the cemetery. The First Presbyterian and First United Methodist Churches provided a lecture on their stainedglass
windows. Other homes tours were given by homeowners in period dress, ending with the Caswell-Smith House at 1024 Juliana. There the folks from Ohio had their choice of lovely desserts. Our day culminated with a wine tasting at the home of Rick and Ruami Dyke.
The guests rated the first "destination" tour as
very enjoyable. Another bus tours is scheduled for
July and another in October.