Regrouting poorly regrouted areas?

Given the amount of tile in the bathrooms and the age of the house, inevitably some of the grout has failed. While some of the tile hangs in, tenuously, some of it has been regrouted. These areas are often quite obvious - the grout is white instead of gray, and the tiles sit unevenly on the wall. This is not a project that I will be dealing with in the immediate future, but right now, I'd like to gather information as to the most appropriate solution to this problem.

Given the number of tiles that are already broken, I'm afraid that in the process of removing the replacement grout, I'll damage even more of them. However, at the same time, the unevenness of the finish really bothers me, as does the disparity in color.

Any thoughts as to a reasonable course of action, or how I might redo the existing grout work without causing a major disaster?

Toilets!

Because I know that disgusting old toilets are just the perfect conversation topic on a Saturday morning. Yes, we have five toilets. Just think about this as though the house was built today, and it won't seem quite so excessive. Three of these toilets are original or originalish.

The toilet photographed above is Trenton Potteries (TePeCo) Si-Wel-Clo model, which was top of the line at the time that it was produced. In 1926, it cost $97.50. This toilet is in the non-master bathroom. I assume that the master bathroom originally contained an identical model. I am searching for a replacement for the toilet in the master bath that will fit inside my budget. I know that I can find one, but I'm waiting until I can find one at a reasonable price point. It's just a matter of time, and as I keep saying, I have 40 years.



The interior of the toilet is not as awful as it could be. The condition of the rubber at the base of the tank is a bit disconcerting. Also, I'm afraid to learn what function the plastic bag serves.



The third floor bathroom appears to have been completed in the early to mid 1930s. The tub and sink were both manufactured by Standard, so I think we can safely assume that the toilet would have been manufactured by Standard, too, which is what I will be looking for in a replacement.



I am unsure as to the maker of the toilet in the half bathroom on the first floor. I think that it may have been Trenton Potteries, due to the presence of their products in the bathrooms on the second floor and the presence of a sink of their manufacture in this bathroom. The internals of this toilet have been replaced in the relatively recent past, so I'm not too concerned about the availability of universal repair parts.



The major problem with this toilet is that the bowl sticks out so far from the wall. I cannot sit down on it properly because my knees hit the wall. Fortunately, my wife, who tends to be more practical about such things, can sit there without any trouble. People certainly are taller than they used to be. Or, maybe it's just that I'm taller than people used to be.



This toilet resides in the basement. It is a cast iron model made by Kohler in the 1920s. One might question whether cast iron is a good material for something that will be continuously filled with water. This would be an excellent question.



This is the interior of the tank. It has been flushed recently (and flushes clear!) - all the iron oxide visible here is built up in the tank - I can't even see through the water. This photograph also illustrates clearly just how far back the tank sits relative to the bowl. I'm not sure whether this is a standard pipe connecting the tank to the bowl or what.

I need plumbing help

First of all, we're seriously considering a new hot water heater. The one we have at present is a ten year model that is 14 years old. The faucets in our showers seem to yield warm water at best. This morning, I turned up the temperature on the tank, and hope that will help, but I expect to have to buy a new hot water heater in the immediate future. Given how difficult it can be to find someone to install a tankless hot water heater, this is something I hope to address sooner rather than later - before it becomes a real problem.

I'm inclined toward the Rheem models at present simply because they only require a single vent line, something that I think can be accomplished more easily given the current set up in the basement - I have a small window that a single vent line could be run through. Alternately, I'd like to run the vent through the chimney, as is the case with the current hot water heater, but this doesn't seem to be an option. I'd be interested to hear any thoughts, feelings, or recommendations on the subject.

Another plumbing related issue - three of the five toilets in our house are original, 1926 vintage TePeCo (Trenton Potteries) models. I'd like to replace the guts, as they all seem to be starting to fail, but I can't seem to find a good source for parts, especially for the rubber bits. If you have a source for such things, I'd love to hear about it.

Finally, in my search for the perfect stove, I found this incredible 1920s or 1930s Magic Chef in Pittsburgh, for a mere $250. While it won't fit our kitchen, I know that someone out there must need it.

[Edit:

Perhaps I should clarify my question. Given that there are several window wells in the basement, a chimney that is presently used by the boiler and hot water heater, and that the exterior walls of the house are brick, is there a non-ugly way to vent a hot water heater? ]

Anyone want a Crown stove?

I wrote about our Crown gas range a while ago. The stove appears to have been made in the 1960s.

It is not in good operating condition, although the PO claims that it was the last time she tried to use it. When we tried to use it, we were only able to get one burner to light and one half of the oven to light. According to the repair person that came out today, the complete burner units need to be replaced, and they are hard to come by. Additionally, some part in the oven (I'm unsure which one, though I suspect A. may be able to tell me) also needs to be replaced.

We're going to look at a great looking stove we found on Craigslist tomorrow evening. If you know of a source for the parts that we need and can let us know before that time, I'd appreciate it. Alternately, if you want the stove, or want some parts off of it, I'd be more happy to accomodate. I can hold onto it for a while, but not too long...

The stove we hope to get looks like it should be fun. It's another double oven stove, and has a griddle in the center, too! As is often the case, the clock doesn't work, but I don't see that as a real issue.

Stripping wallpaper

Last night, A. asked me how to go about stripping the ugly ugly wallpaper in the entry hall and second floor hallway. I used the scorer and some chemical stripper and let it sit for the required 20 minutes. Once I was able to get an edge started, it pulled off without too much trouble. I wondered if the stripper was really necessary. So I pulled off the adjacent section, and the section adjacent to that. In about an hour, I'd pulled off all the wallpaper from the first and second floor hallway, including removing and reattaching the various switchplates.

Now, let the scrubbing of glue begin!

And we're in!

Yesterday, we got the keys. This weekend, we begin cleaning and moving in.

FINALLY!

Researching the history of your house

Many homeowners are interested in learning the history of their house. The following will be a general description of some of the routes one can take in this research. As with many things relating to old houses, it takes a fair amount of time or money, more of one almost always making up for a lack of the other. The following resources wil be presented in the general order one might take. Keep in mind that, in many places, street names may change over time, so it may be necessary to consult additional resources to determine this.

Talk to the current owners and to the neighbors. While they may be somewhat sketchy on the exact details of the ownership of the house, they'll likely have photographs and other history not available elsewhere. Also look at the physical records attached to the heating and other mechanical systems, which will often have a name attached to them, usually with a date, which should provide some idea as to who owned the house and when.

Real estate transfers are a matter of public record. In Ohio, these records are kept at a county level, but elsewhere they may be recorded at a city level. In some places, like Cleveland, the County Recorder or equivalent will have an online database of all real estate transfers, which, in the case of Cleveland, goes back to the early 19th century. Keep in mind that the quality of the search results is entirely dependent upon the quality of the original documents, and that variants in names can make things more time consuming, for instance, someone might be John Smith in one instance and Jno. Smith in another.

If the real estate records are not available online, they can probably be search at the place of record either in person or as part of a fee-based service. This will generally require knowledge of the individual parcel number for your residence, which should be listed on the title transfer paperwork and the mortgage. This is usually very time consuming, and methods discussed below should probably be attempted first.

See if your city hall keeps building records. They may, for instance, have documentation as to when the building was built, the architect, builder, and cost. They may even have copies of the blueprints. Even if they don't have these, they may have records of building permits taken out on a property, which will help determine what work has actually been done on a residence and by whom.

Look at city directories and Criss-Cross directories, both of which list the resident or residents of a given address. A detailed ownership history might be learned by looking at these directories, year by year, and seeing who the listed residents were that year.

Fire insurance maps, sometimes called Sanborn maps after one of the major publishers of them, can sometimes provide clues as to when a structure was built and added to. Plat maps can also be useful, if available. These, as well as the directories metioned above should be available at the closest major public library.

Your local public library or historical society may have other types of information not mentioned here - before you begin researching the history of your house, it is probably adivsable to contact them and see if they might have other useful resources.

Once you have a general ownership history, start looking at local genealogical resources. Many public libraries have indices of obituaries from local newspapers. These often include the survivors of the deceased, and sometimes even their address, which helps to confirm the information that you've already located. The library may also have other resources that can help you learn about the history of an individual or family.

Ancestry.com can provide a wealth of information, but it requires a subscription - it is also available at many public libraries. When searching for a name, it really helps to limit by approximate date of birth and death, if known. The most useful records, in my research, are those relating to immigration and the WWI and WWII draft cards, which in addition to name and address will often list profession and location of business, as well as other history. Census records can also be useful, though the quality of the microfilms from which the scans were made is very hit-or-miss. Census records will list the names of all the residents of a given address, which can be useful when searching for other records - often things will come up for one name that might not come up for another, again due to the quality of the original documents.

I hope that this provides some assistance to the casual researcher. Most of all, I want to emphasize how helpful the local history department at your library can be, as they surely have resources and methods available that I have not mentioned here.

Ownership history for our house

This is the ownership history of our house (and lot, before the house was built), to the extent that I have been able to research it. I'm still trying to determine when the Van Sweringen Co. purchased the lot, as well as the ownership history before that date. All dates listed are the dates that the documents were filed with the county recorder.

I'm posting this now that we've closed on the house and are just waiting for the current owner to sign the documents and for them to be filed. Then, at some time tomorrow, we'll get the keys!

I expect for this to be an ongoing research effort, which I will update as I am able. I hope to be able to post more on some of the individuals involved, as well as the architect and builder.

Names noted in bold were residents. Notation is for first use in this document only.

3 September 1925
Sold by the Van Sweringen Co. to Florence Cicelia Garbison (29 January 1887, Cleveland, Ohio - 30 August 1962, Overbrook, PA) (Florence Cicelia Roether) and John Clyde Garbison (21 September 1880 (or 1883 or 1885), Mt. Gilead, OH - 17 December 1946).

The house was designed by architect William A. Bingham (14 July 1896 - 22 April 1979) and built by Richard U. Collier (30 May 1889 - 2 June 1966), in 1926, for $25,000. I will address what little I've been able to learn about the architect and builder at a later date.

John Garbison is listed as a resident at this address in the 1926 Cleveland City Directory.

Children:
Virginia (Ginny) Garbison (6 October 1913 - 26 January 2002)
Alice Jane (A.J.) Garbison (4 November 1916, Cleveland, Ohio - 6 May 2001, Maryland)
Nancy Ellen Garbison

John C. Garbison and Florence C. Roether married on January 28, 1909. Before moving to this house, the family lived at 8907 Empire Avenue, Cleveland, OH. They moved out of this house into the house that was previously owned by the next residents, 3816 Montevista Drive, Cleveland Heights, OH. Their next address appears to have been 400 Roslyn Avenue, Akron, Ohio, according to John C. Garbison's WWII draft card.

The Cleveland Necrology File, date 17 December 1946, provides this obituary:

Garbison: John Clyde, of 400 Roslyn Ave., Akron, O., formerly of Cleveland, passed away Dec. 17; survived by widow, Florence C., and daughter Mrs. Elsworth Morse jr., Mrs. Byron Mann and Mrs. Mark Fisher. Services Friday, 10 a. m., at the McCafferty. MeCormick Funeral Home, Akron. Interment at Cardington, O.

Cardington, Ohio, is a couple miles southeast of Mt. Gilead, John C. Garbison's birthplace, so it seems likely that the burial is in a family plot there. This is most likely in Glendale Union Cemetery, which occupies a significant portion of the land in that town.

November 12, 1931
Sold to Harold V. Hahn (H. V. Hahn) (9 August 1895 - 29 June 1954) and Ina (Ida?) M. Hahn. Their four children, listed below, were likely residents, at least until the end of 1935, and probably from 1941-1942 as well.

Children:
Harold M. Hahn (born March 1920 in California)
Barbara Ann Nenonen (born March 1927 in Ohio)
Daniel Frederick Hahn (born 1929 in Ohio)
Lois J. Mickey (16 July 1931 - 21 October 1998)

The transfer between the Garbisons and Hahns is curious - it seems that they traded houses, the Garbison's receiving the Hahn's residence at 3816 Montevista Drive, in Cleveland Heights. It is unclear what additional financial considerations were involved. Further, on 23 February 1934, the Hahns bought (or otherwise had conveyed) the house back to them by the Garbisons. The Hahns sold 3816 Montevista again on 15 November 1940.

Harold Vinton Hahn was born in Bourbon, Indiana on 9 August 1895. His father was a German immigrant, and his mother was from Indiana. As of 1910 (U.S. Census), he was attending a boarding school (XXXXX XXXX Training School - I can't read the full name) in Noble, Wabash County, Indiana. As of 1917 (WWI Draft Card), he was employed as an electrician by the Gen'l Chemical Co. of Bay Point, California. By this time, he was married with a dependent wife, and is described as being white, of medium height, slender build, with blue eyes and blonde hair. The California Voter Registrations for Alameda County, 1918 lists one Harold Vinton Hahn, an electrician and registered Democrat, residing at 1411 Castro Street, Oakland.

The 1920 Census gives us a bit more background, and a new address: 357 51st St., Oakland, CA. Harold V. was employed at the time as an electrician in a repair shop. This is the first mention that we have of him with Ina Hahn (Maxwell) . Ina (May 1897 - 30 July 1971) was born in Neihart, Montana the third child of Fred Maxwell and Annie Maxwell. Fred Maxwell (May 1862 - ?), a miner, immigrated from Denmark in 1878. Annie (Anna) G. Maxwell (May 1863 - ?) immigrated from Finland in 1891. Their address was 243 Spring Street, Neihart, Montana - the road does not appear on recent maps.

By 1930 (U.S. Census), the Hahn family had moved to 3816 Montevista Road, in Cleveland Heights, OH, which was then valued at $12,000. Harold was employed manufacturing automobile parts. Ina had had three children: Harold, born c. 1920 in California; Barbara Ann, born c. 1927 in Ohio; and Daniel Frederick, born c. 1930 in Ohio. Ina's sister, Anna Maxwell (September 1895 - ?) resided with them at the time.

The Cleveland Necrology File provides this obituary for Harold V. Hahn, dated 29 June 1954.

Hahn, Harold V., husband of Dorothy; father of Harold M., Barbara Nenonen, Daniel F. Hahn and Lois J. Mickey; son of Idella S. Hahn, brother of Donald S. Hahn; grandfather of 6; June 25. Friends may call at the Fairhill Home of the Millard Son & Raper Co., Fairhill at East Blvd., where services will be held Tuesday, June 29, at 3 p. m.

This obituary for Ida M. Hahn was published in the Cleveland Press on 30 July 1971:

Hahn, Ida M. Hahn (nee Maxwell), wife of the late Harold V., mother of Harold M. of Lyndhurst, Barbara Nenonen (Mrs. Tolvo) of Garfield Hts., Daniel F. of Wayne, Pa. and Lois Mickey (Mrs. John) of Olmsted Falls, grandmother of 13. Private family services will be held Saturday, Brown-Forward service.

Biographical information on Harold M. Hahn is contained in Who Was Who in American Art, Edited by Peter Hastings Falk. Madison, CT: Sound View Press, 1985 and Who Was Who in American Art. 400 years of artists in America. Second edition. Three volumes. Edited by Peter Hastings Falk. Madison, CT: Sound View Press, 1999.

An obituary for Lois Mickey was published in the Cleveland Plain Dealer on 24 October, 1998 (section B, page 6).

Householders, as listed in the Cleveland City Directory:
1936 - Isadore B. Silber
1937 - Carl H. Brown
1939 - Carl H. Brown
1940 - Vacant
1941 - Harold V. Hahn
1942 - Harold V. Hahn
1943 - Paul Mears
1944 - Paul Mears

Isadore Bert Silber (5 November 1895, Cleveland, OH - 14 October 1964, Cleveland, OH) and Dorothy W. Silber (22 April 1906, Cleveland, OH - 5 July 1987, Cleveland, OH) lived in the house 1936, as per the Cleveland City Directory for that year. Given the ages of their children, Avery Silber and Nancy Pickus, it seems virtually certain they lived in the house at that time, too.

As of 1920, Isadore B. Silber was a physician, with his address listed as 1800 E. 105th Street. Dorothy, daughter of Mary Haas and Samuel Weitz, married Isadore B. Silber on 26 November 1924 in a wedding officiated by one A. Nowak, according to US, Ohio, Cuyahoga County, Jewish Marriage Record Extracts, 1837-1934 Biographical information regarding Isadore Silber may be found in Biography Index, Volume 8: September, 1967-August, 1970. New York: H.W. Wilson Co., 1971. and The National Cyclopaedia of American Biography, Volume 51. New York: James T. White & Co., 1969.

The 1930 Census lists the address for the Silbers as 2915 Ludlow Road, Cleveland, Ohio. They were renting the residence for $128 a month. At the time, they had one child, Avery Silber, who was ten months old (born 4 June 1929). They employed a servant, Anna Stuber, who was 20 years old. Dr. Silber was listed as being a physician. His parents were born in Czechoslovokia, her father in Russia, her mother, Hungary.

Children:
Avery Silber (born 4 June 1929)
Nancy Pickus (born September 1934)

Isadore and Dorothy Silber are both listed on a New York passenger manifest for the French M/S "Lafayette" dated 25 February 1936. Their address is listed as 3205 South Moreland Boulevard, Shaker Heights, Ohio.

This obituary was published for Dr. Isadore B. Silber in the Cleveland Plain Dealer of 16 October 1964.

Dr. Isadore B. Silber, residence, 13900 Shaker Blvd., beloved husband of Dorothy (nee Weitz), father of Avery, of New York City, and Mrs. Nancy Pickus, grandfather of three, brother of Joseph S. Silber, Mrs. Fannie Phillipson, of Washington, D.C., and Mrs. Yetta Andalman, of Chicago. Services at The Temple, E. 105 and Silver Park. Friday, Oct. 16, at 1 p. m. Interment Mayfield, Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Dr. I. B. Silber Library Fund of Mt. Sinai Hospital, or the Temple. Arrangements by Cleveland Temple Memorial.

Obituaries were published for Dorothy Silber in the Cleveland Plain Dealer on 7 July 1987 and in the Cleveland Jewish News on 7 October 1987. Ohio Deaths, 1908-1932, 1938-1944, and 1958-2002 tells us that Ms. Silber died at Mount Sinai Medical Center, in Cleveland, Ohio. It lists her industry as "Real estate, including real estate -insurance-law offices" and her occupation as "Real estate sales occupations". Finally, it states the she lived in Census Tract 1835.

---

Carl H. Brown (10 April 1880 - 4 June 1959) and Frances T. Brown (25 September 1892 (Sharon, PA) - ) lived in the house from 1937-1939, as per the Cleveland City Directory, cited above for those years. It seems unlikely, given the ages of their children, listed below, that they too were residents during those years, however, I do not yet have any evidence to support or deny this possibility.

Children:
Carl H. Brown, Jr. (c. 1907- 1 October 1959)
Frances Hoerble (c. 1903-)
William Pierce (c. 1917)

The Cleveland Press printed this obituary for Carl H. Brown on 6 June 1959:

Brown, Carl H., husband of Frances T., father of Carl H. Jr., Mrs. Frances Hoerble of Philadelphia, Pa., and William T. of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., grandfather and great-grandfather, late residence, Garklisville, O. Friends may call at the Shaker home of Brown-Forward, 17022 Kinsman, 3-5 And 7-9 P. M. Saturday And Sunday. Services will be held at 2 p. m. Monday, June 8, at Wade Chapel, Lake View Cemetery.

An obituary for Carl H. Brown, Jr., in the Cleveland Plain Dealer of 2 October 1959:

Carl H. Brown Jr., an expert of real estate and corporation law and for the last seven years ?n associate of Harold E. Clark, attorney here, died in Hanna House of University Hospitals yesterday after a long illness, He was 53. His chief business interest, side from the law, was as a director and secretary of the Cleveland Quarries Co. Mr. Brown was born in East Cleveland. He was the son of Carl H. Brown, formerly of Garrettsville, and the former ?lay Clements of Cleveland Heights. His primary education was in the East Cleveland Schools; he attended University School from 1921 to 1925. Surviving him are his wife, the former Mae Patrick, and a sister. The family home is at 3232 Ormond Road, Cleveland Heights. Services will be at 2 p.m. tomorrow in St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Cleveland Heights. Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery. Friends may call at the Brown-Forward funeral home, 17022 Kinsman Road, Shaker Heights, this evening. His family would appreciate memorial contributions to the General Fund of University School.

---

Paul Mears and (possibly) Edith Mears lived in the house from 1943-1944. I have not yet been able to locate enough information about Paul Mears to be certain of these relations.

Children (possibly):
Robert Mears
Richard Paul Mears (c. January 1946)

The Cleveland Necrology File records this undated obituary:

Mears, Paul, suddenly at New York, N. Y.; beloved husband of Edith; father of Robert and Richard; brother of Alvin Emerson. Friends received at the De Vand Funeral Home, 11130 Euclid Ave. Services Monday at 3 p. m. Burial private.

February 7, 1945
Sold to Israel W. Kohn and Idele M. Kohn. It seems unlikely given their ages, though certainly not impossible, that their children resided in the house.

Children:
Irma K. Blum (27 June 1904 - 13 December 1992)
Robert I. Kohn (c.1913 - 22 October 1981)
Marvin G. Alexander (29 April 1921 - 4 April 2003)

Israel W. Kohn is listed as the householder in the 1947 Cleveland City Directory.

Previous address: 2929 Washington Blvd., Cleveland Heights, OH

Israel W. Kohn (26 June 1877 - 1953) was born in Ohio to Czechoslovakian parents.
Idele (Alexander) (Miller) (c. 1894 - c. 25 November 1979) was born in Cleveland to Esther Cohn and Marks Miller. Idele, a widow, married Israel on 22 July 1924 in a ceremony officiated by Walter G. Peiser. They had three children: Robert (born c. 1914); Marvin (born c. 1922); and Irma. As of 1930 (U.S. Census), Israel was a secretary in a furniture store. Their house at the time, on Washington Blvd was worth $30,000. As of 1942, Israel was employed at S. Kohn & Sons, St. Clair and E. 105, Cleveland, OH.

The WWII draft card describes Israel as being white, of light complexion, 5'6", 170 pounds, with brown eyes and gray hair.

A 1953 obituary in the Cleveland Press reads as follows:

Kohn, I. W. (Israel), residence, 13800 Fairhill Rd., beloved husband of Idele, father of Robert I., Mrs. Irma K. Blum and Marvin G. Alexander, brother of William and the late Joseph and David Kohn and Mary Corday, and grandfather. Services at Cleveland Temple Memorial, Euclid at E. 90 St. Sunday, Apr. 26 at 1 p. m. Interment Mayfield Cemetery. Kindly omit flowers.

An obituary was published for Idele M. Kohn ("Wife of late Israel W.") in the Cleveland Plain Dealer on 25 November 1979, section AA, page 6.

Robert I. Kohn enlisted in the Army on 21 January 1943. He had four years of college. He listed his civilian occupation as "Purchasing agents and buyers, n.e.c." The Cleveland Jewish News published an obituary for Robert I. Kohn on 30 October 1981. He had remained in Shaker Heights.

Marvin G. Alexander enlisted in the Army in Cleveland on 29 June 1943. Two obituaries for Marvin G. Alexander were published in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, one on 6 April 2003 (section B, page 8) and one on 27 April 2003 (section B, page 6).

The Cleveland Jewish News published an obituary for Irma K. Blum on 18 December 1992. Blum was still a resident of Shaker Heights at the time.

May 27, 1948
Sold to Richard C. (Campen?) Friedman (31 July 1921 - 29 April 2009) and Charlotte W. Friedman (20 December 1922 - 5 September 1989).

Previous address: 3569 Ingleside Rd, Shaker Heights, OH
Next address: 20020 Marchmont, Shaker Heights, OH

Children:
James R. Friedman (26 Sepember 1947 - 13 September 2007)
Donna Wasserstrom (born May 1942 (or perhaps December 1944))

An obituary was published for Charlotte Friedman [Charlotte Weiner] in the Cleveland Jewish News on 9 August 1989. One was also published in the Cleveland Plain Dealer on 10 September 1989, section B, page 15. The Social Security Death Index lists her last residence as Saint Petersburg, FL.

An obituary was published for James R. Friedman in the Cleveland Plain Dealer on 14 September 2007, section B, page 6.

An obituary for Richard C. Friedman was published in the Cleveland Plain Dealer on 11 May 2009. It reads:

Richard C. Friedman, 87, known as "R.C.", passed away April 29, at his home, in St. Petersburg, FL. Mr. Friedman was from Shaker Heights, OH. He and his brother, Jack, owned Comsumers Plumbing and Heating Supply Co., which was started by their father. Mr. Friedman was predeceased by his parents, Nathan and Lee Osteryoung Friedman; his brother, Jack; his devoted wife, of 48 years, Charlotte Weiner and his son James. He is survived by his daughter, Donna and Rodney Wasserstrom of Columbus, OH, his grandchildren, Bradley and Julie Wasserstrom of Columbus, OH, and Kelli and Jeffrey Gellis, of Cleveland, OH. Mr. Friedman has three great granddaughters and a sister, Eunice Rich Schiffman, of CA. He will aso be missed by his special friend, Betty Synenberg of St. Petersburg, FL. A graveside service was held Tuesday, May 5th, at Woodlawn Memory Gardens, St. Petersburg. Contributions may be made either to to the James Cancer Hospital, at the Ohio State University, 300 W. 10th Ave., Columbus, OH, 43210, or the Richard Ross Heart Hospital, at the Ohio State University, 452 W. 10th Ave., Columbus, OH, 43210. Friends and family will be recieved at the home of Donna and Rodney Wasserton in Columbus, on Tuesday evening, may 12th, after 6:30 p.m. Online Guestbook at davidcgross.com.

David C. Gross Funeral Homes, St. Petersburg, FL. (727) 381-4911.

October 14, 1958
Sold to Harold P. Roth (2 August 1915 - 14 November 2000, Baltimore, MD) and Kelly C. Roth

Children:
Anita (Barry) Bercovitz (Anita A. Roth)(born January, 1958)
Edward Roth of Los Angeles, CA.; (need more information)

The U.S. Public Records Index lists one Kelly C. Roth in Rockville, MD, with a birthdate of either August 1915 or March 1925. The 1925 birthdate is more believable, though only slightly so, if the birtdate for Anita is correct.

Next address: 81 Manning Drive, Berea, OH

This obituary for Harold P. Roth was published in the Plain Dealer on 16 November 2000:

Dr. Harold P. Roth on Tuesday, Nov. 14. Loving husband of Kelly Roth; lovin father of Anita (Barry) Bercovitz of Baltimore, MD. and Edward Roth of Los Angeles, CA.; devoted brother of Benjamin and David Roth, Patricia Howard and Shirley Bernon; adored granfather of Genia and Rachel Bercovitz. Funeral services and internment will be held on Thursday, Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. in Baltimore, MD. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Sol Levinson & Bros, Inc. (800-338-1701)

One was also published in the Cleveland Jewish News on 12 January 2000. (2001?)

See also bios in:
Biographical Directory of the American College of Physicians. 1979 edition. New York: R.R. Bowker, 1979.

Who's Who in America. 42nd - 52nd editions, 1982-1997. Wilmette, IL: Marquis Who's Who.

American Men & Women of Science. A biographical directory of today's leaders in physical, biological, and related sciences. 12th - 21st editions. New York: R.R. Bowker, 1971-2003.

Who Was Who in America. With world notables. Volume 14, 2000-2002. New Providence, NJ: Marquis Who's Who, 2002.

Who's Who in the East. 23rd edition, 1991-1992. Wilmette, IL: Marquis Who's Who, 1990.

December 1, 1959
Sold to Thelma B. Goldstein and Leo Goldstein (28 August 1905, Hungary - 26 April 1968, Shaker Heights, OH)

Children:
Michael S. Goldstein
Kenneth A. Goldstein

Leo Goldstein is listed as the householder in the 1965 and 1967 Cleveland City Directory. He died at his home (our home!) on 26 April 1968. According to the Cleveland Jewish News, 5 October 1968, he is buried in Zion Memorial Cemetery. However, according to the obituary from the Plain Dealer, below, he was buried at Park Synagogue Cemetery.

This obituary for Leo Goldstein was published in the Cleveland Plain Dealer on 28 April 1968:

Goldstein. Leo Goldstein, beloved husband of Thelma, devoted father of Michael S. and Kenneth A., dear brother of Bernard, John, Emery, Ernest, Esther and Betty, all of New York. Services at Berkowitz-Kumin Inc. Memorial Chapel, 1985 S. Taylor Rd., Cleveland Heights, Monday, April 29. Call funeral home for time. Interment Park Synagogue Cemetery. Family at the residence, 3205 Van Aken Blvd. Family suggests contributions to the Heart Fund.

Thelma Goldstein's obituary was published in the Cleveland Plain Dealer on 30 March 1988, section C, page 11. I am reasonably certain that this is the correct Thelma Goldstein.

The 1968 Cleveland City Directory lists the house as vacant.

April 23, 1968
Sold to Anne F. Miller and Luke P. Miller

Luke Miller is listed as the householder in the 1969-70, 1971, 1972, and 1976 Cleveland City Directory.

Previous address: 3326 Stockholm Road, Shaker Heights, OH

Anne F. Miller (2 December 1903 - 23 October 1992).

October 27, 1978
Sold to Jerold C. Heiken (1933 -) and Nadine M. Heiken for $72,000.

Robert G. Kennedy is listed as the householder in the 1978-1979 Cleveland City Directory. He was born 2 April 1922 in Pennsylvania. He died 14 December 1995 at Hillcrest Hospital in Mayfield Heights. Obituaries were published in the Cleveland Plain Dealer on 16 and 17 December, 1995, section B, page 8. Kennedy had served in the Navy. His industry was listed as "Hospitals", his occupation, "Managers, medicine and health". At the time of his death, he was living in Beachwood, Ohio.

See bios (for Heiken) in:
Who's Who in the East. 16th - 18th editions, 1977-1982. Wilmette, IL: Marquis Who's Who.

February 26, 1980
Sold to Arnold Byron Swertloff (29 September 1939, Pennsylvania - 30 May 1993, Cleveland, OH) and Esther R. Swertloff (born November 1943).

Children:
Anthony (or Abraham) R. Swertloff (b. April 1974)
Brett J. Swertloff (b. December 1976 - 16 August 2003)
Rebecca Swertloff

Arnold B. (A. B.) Swertloff was a psychologist. His publications include:
MA Thesis, 1967: Some personality correlates of group risk taking
PhD Thesis, 1974: The composition of staff teams in a juvenile correctional institution and its relationship to delinquent's behaviors and attitudes

Work Shift, Occupational Status, and the Perception of Job Prestige
(with Ronald Bohr) (both were affiliated with Philadelphia State Hospital)
in the Journal of Applied Psychology; June 1969 Part 1, Vol. 53 Issue 3, p 227-229

Obituaries for Arnold were published in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, on 1 June 1993, section E, p. 2, and 2 June 1993, section C, p. 6, The Philadelphia Jewish Exponent (no date given) and in the Cleveland Jewish News. The date of publication in the Cleveland Jewish News is listed as 6 April 1993, which is clearly wrong.

According to The Cleveland Jewish News Obituary Index, 1964-2007, Brett Jay Swertloff was born c. 1977 in Langley Park, MD. He died 16 August 2003. He is buried in Bet Olam Cemetery. An obituary was published in the Cleveland Jewish News on 9 May 2003. One was also published in the Cleveland Plain Dealer on 18 August 2003, section B, page 5.


November 20, 2008
Sold to Audrey Busta-Peck and Christopher Busta-Peck

Pre-closing pondering

I've looked at enough books of bungalow interiors that I've started to wonder what this massive built-in in the northwest bedroom would look like with the paint stripped. Obviously, this isn't a project that I'll get to any time in the near future, but it could be marvelous. Of course, I'd have to do something to lighten up the rest of the room, because otherwise, it'd suck all the light out of the space.

Almost there!

Closing is scheduled for tomorrow at 1. Possession will be on Thursday!

I chose this image, a large switch related in some way to the boiler, because it, in some way, symbolizes change - a switch being turned on, something being activated, etc. Ok, so it's already in the "on" position, but that is beside the point. Additionally, I like the way it looks and I couldn't think of any other post I might use it in in the immediate future.

Free carpet, barely used!

We will probably (and I say probably because there's always the chance that the floor underneath the carpet is in awful condition) be getting rid of this carpet shortly after we move in. This probably means in the next couple weeks, or, at the most, by the end of the year.

The carpet appears to be relatively new, within the past couple years, and is massive - the living room measures 24 x 14. With the cut-out for the fireplace, you'd still have at least 22 x 14.

The freeness of this correlates to the amount of work that you make me do - the more work I have to do, the less free it will probably be. Additionally, I make no promises right now as to being able to give up the carpet, as I've stated above. Still, I thought it might be easier to say something now than to have to lug the carpet up to the attic to store while we wait for someone to pick it up.

Our stove

Our stove was made by Crown, probably in the 1960s. At present, it is barely functional - only one burner and one half of the oven works. I hope that it can be repaired, because we like it and there aren't many new stoves that are 40" wide. I've looked on Craigslist and eBay, and there seem to be plenty of used stoves this side within reasonable distance for around $200, which I've set as our budget for repairing this one. Either way, I think, we win.

I haven't been able to locate much information about Crown. They seem to have gone out of business in the 1960s.

Another house we didn't buy

Ages ago, I talked about a house with all sorts of beautiful pink and purple tile. The house, for the record, is 3170 Ludlow, Shaker Heights, OH. It is currently priced at $125,000, $100,000 below the value assessed by the county. I just wanted to share a few photos of the great interior.


Built-in cabinets and tile in the kitchen.


Tile hood over the stove.


The tile continues into the breakfast nook. The tile, for the record, is yellow and green - the walls are pink. I'm still not so good with the white balance.


The first floor bathroom is where the fun really starts.


A detail.


There are two bathrooms on the second floor, both with pink and green tile.


While the wallpaper in both of them could surely go, the rest of the space is quite nice, I think.

The most surprising part of all this is that the exterior of the house doesn't hint at the interior at all - on the outside, it looks like your basic late 20s brick Tudor Revival. It does take a certain sort of person for this house - either you love it or you hate it - I think we can all guess which category I fall into.

A curious way to finish the tile

The tile in the master bathroom is primarily 6x6 and white, with the exception of this lovely little border near the top. The curious, and slightly awkward part is the way it finishes at the ceiling, as shown here. I have to wonder if this looked slightly better before the spiky plaster was added to the ceiling.

Our house!

I knew I had a good photograph it somewhere...

An unmolested 1920s kitchen

The thing about duplexes, as with many rental properties, is that the owners generally don't update anything unless they absolutely have to. This can be both good and bad.

This kitchen was in a 1920s Tudor Revival duplex, on Windsor, in Shaker Heights. The area around the sink seems to be virtually unchanged. The massive hood for the stove is just out of frame, to the right, though it has had some shelving added around it. The refrigerator nook remains, out in the hall. The second built in, which would have been easier to remove, has, surprisingly, remained. The small cabinet on the wall used to house an ironing board - in the other unit, on the second floor, the board is still there.

Almost there

Homeowner's insurance has been obtained, and at much more reasonable rates than we had previously been quoted. Now it's just a matter of the insurer contacting the bank and the bank contacting the title company and the title company contacting us.

There isn't any chance that we could close, say, after work tomorrow, is there? Or on Saturday?

I guess we will find out tomorrow, when I contact them.

Moving forward

It looks like we may be able to close Friday! Yes. Friday. As in the day after tomorrow.

Of course, now is when the problems show up. We just learned, today, from our real estate agent, that our home owner's insurance company would require us replace our fuse box within 30 days of purchase. I find it very frustrating that they failed to tell us this earlier - they knew that we had a fuse box, and we could have gotten lower quotes from many other companies if the fuse box were updated. Sigh. Our real estate agent thinks the insurance person at her offer can do better, so I should be hearing from them tomorrow morning.

Our contractor's estimate for the work at the bare minimum levels seems reasonable, and in the approximate ballpark that we expected.

Now I just have to check to make sure everything is in order.

Just how much paint do I have to strip?

Does the amount of paint on a radiator significantly affect its efficiency? It seemed that for a while everything I read said that paint negatively affected it, but now people don't seem to be so sure. This can't be too hard to test, can it?

A very tentative and ongoing to do list

This list is but a start, of course, and there are definitely many things on here that won't get done any time in the near future. I like making lists, and this provides me with a way to stay sane.

General

• Replace all incandescent bulbs with CFLs.
  
• Find a better solution for storm windows and screens
  
• Strip and repaint every window
  
• Paint every single exterior item the same brown
  
• Rewire house

First Floor

Kitchen

• Get stove repaired or find suitable vintage replacement
  
• Remove stickers and grime from stove
  
• Remove blinds from back door. Patch holes.
  
• Repair or replace crank doorbell on back door.
  
• Determine how much, if any, backsplash is needed, given the presence of tile. Determined - no backsplash needed
  
• Regrout loose floor tiles by back hall
  
• Remove scuff moulding in front of stove and replace with less ugly.
  
• Find and install fixture to replace main light
  
• Find and install fixture to replace light over breakfast nook
  
• Build bench for breakfast nook
  
• Fabricate and install drawer stops
  
• Replace counter tops with butcher block
  
• Add counter top above sink where ledge is presently, to accomodate sitting persons at bar stools
  
• Find and install a nice white cast-iron sink.
  
• Replace screen door with more appropriate one
  
• Replace hardware holding handle on laundry chute with something that won't snag the clothes
  
• Relocate laundry chute door either up or down to accomodate counter.
  
• Add water line to refrigerator
  
• Relocate phone line from wall by bar sink to wall by laundry chute
  
• Remove wall by bar sink and finish
  
• Find more sympathetic hardware for cabinets under bar sink
  
• Remove soffit in areas where there are no cabinets and it is not needed
  
• Install some sort of barrier between radiator and dishwasher
  
• Remove roller blinds and replace with something better - perhaps functioning roller blinds?
  
• Locate and install missing endcaps for cabinets
  
• Remove outlet strip behind stove and add two outlets, one on each side of stove
  
• Strip paint from tile
  
• Remove door for incinerator and replace tile

Half bath

• Remove linoleum and clean up floor. If tile is still present, repair. If not, consider penny tile to match existing on second floor.
  
• Remove mirrors on walls and ceilings. Repair plaster as necessary.
  
• Obtain and install more historically appropriate faucet
  
• Clean paint from door handle and associated hardware

Rear entry hall

• Replace off-white light switch with either white or black, and if black, with found chrome switchplate
  
• See if it might be possible to raise ceiling an inch or two, if drywall were used, and if possible, do so. Otherwise sand down spikey stucco

Library

• sand down stucco on ceiling, perhaps redo
  
• Fix cabinet doors to open and close properly
  
• Locate key for locks in cabinets
  
• Remove existing window treatment and replace with one more sympathetic to the room and house

Living room

• Remove wall to wall carpet
  
• Resurface radiator cover
  
• Remove paint from fireplace
  
• Prep, repaint ceiling a non-shiny color
  
• Find nice landscape painting to hang over fireplace

Dining room

• Remove plant hooks over front window
  
• Remove wallpaper and paint walls a similar color to blue in wallpaper
  
• Obtain glass hand plates for swinging door
  
• Replace chandelier with more appropriate fixture
  
• Remove metal radiator cover. Consider building wood radiator cover, perhaps in the form of a window seat.
  
• Sand down textured plaster on ceiling.

Entry hall

• Remove linoleum and repair floor as necessary
  
• Remove wallpaper and repair / paint walls
  
• Fabricate missing piece of chair rail
  
• Secure loose railing
  
• Etch pattern into replacement pane on hall light fixture
  
• Re-do filler on door to back hallway. Faux paint as necessary

Screened in porch

• Remove fan of doom and replace with sane light fixture
  
• Build rack to store firewood on
  
• Replace screen, if it seems that it will make a difference as to the amount of light coming into the house.
  
• Research if it is possible to remove paint from brick without destroying it (signs point to no) and, if so, remove yellow paint from brick on porch walls.
  
• Make round trim pieces for rounded parts of screen
  
• Clean paint off stone
  
• Strip and repaint exterior trim
  
• Rebuild stairs outside porch
  
• Remove "dog door" and replace with screen

Second Floor

Master bedroom

• Find and replace existing sconces with something more suitable
  
• Determine purpose of thermostat
  
• Smooth out spikey stucco
  
• Locate and install better window treatments

Master bathroom

• Remove bare bulb in shower, replace with humidity-sealed can
  
• Raise shower ceiling to height of rest of room
  
• Locate CFLs to replace bathroom lights
  
• Obtain and install missing shower knobs
  
• Find and replace tub faucet and knobs
  
• Find and install replacement tile for shower pan
  
• Locate and install replacement toilet to match others in house
  
• Remove ugly cup dispenser
  
• Remove ugly hooks
  
• Find and install more suitable shower door
  
• Adjust linen cupboard to close properly
  
• Find a better shower head
  
• Clean out "needles" so that all spray properly
  
• Find and install replacement faucet for sink
  
• Strip paint from hinges on built-in
  
• Remove ugly window covering, fill holes left in tile
  
• Re-grout badly re-grouted tiles
  
• Install ventilation fan
  
• Install slightly longer chains for light fixtures

Craft room

• Remove paint from knobs
  
• Either remove ceiling moulding or do better finish work
  
• Find and install better window treatments
  
• Find and install better ceiling light fixture

Other bathroom

• Install GFCI circuit breaker for bathroom
  
• Secure loose tile
  
• Remove ugly cup dispenser
  
• Remove ugly hooks
  
• Find replacement tub faucet and knobs
  
• Find a better shower head
  
• Replace faucet and handles on sink with more appropriate ones
  
• Re-grout badly re-grouted tiles
  
• Consider relocating light switch into door frame (but installing a GFCI breaker should resolve any issue that this may cause...)
  
• Install ventilation fan
  
• Remove wallpaper and refinish walls

Hall

• Replace fuse box
  
• Remove wallpaper
  
• If rewiring efforts require cutting ceiling holes, replaster entire hall ceiling

South bedroom

• Remove carpet
  
• Remove mirror from bedroom door
  
• Remove ugly blinds and replace with more suitable window covering

Southwest bedroom

• Remove carpet
  
• Paint walls a single color
  
• Replace roller blinds with a more suitable window covering

Northwest bedroom

• Remove carpet
  
• Repair/replace doorstop
  
• Strip paint from hinges on built-ins

Third Floor

Main room

• Remove faux-Tudor elements by windows to allow better access
  
• Insulate
  
• Raise railing to a reasonable height
  
• Add built-ins for storage - make space for flat files

Bathroom

• Remove wallpaper in bathroom
  
• Remove ugly light fixture in bathroom and replace with something more suitable
  
• Replace off-white GFCI outlet with GFCI outlet
  
• Replace toilet with historically correct toilet
  
• Remove wallpaper in bathroom

Basement

• Repair pipes with holes
  
• Repair wall on stairs going down to basement
  
• Move dryer to less awkward location and see about possibility of routing exhaust into chimney.
  
• Clean paint off good slop sink faucet.
  
• Re-locate light fixture at bottom of stairs
  
• Remove freezer
  
• Replace hot water heater with tankless
  
• Replace breaker box
  
• Remove carpet
  
• Paint ugly paneling or replace with plywood and drywall.
  
• Remove ugly cover from toilet
  
• Find white toilet seat to match.
  
• Strip paint from door hardware in basement.

Exterior

All around

• Tuckpointing
  
• S1ate repair
  
• Repair of casement windows, especially rust and window frames
  
• Painting everything on the exterior the same shade of brown
  
• Replace rusting gutter nails with either copper or stainless steel
  
• Redo all ugly Portland cement repairs lime mortar

Front

• Remove screen door
  
• Find suitable replacement doorbell and install
  
• Remove ugly doorbell from door and fill as necessary
  
• Replace wood in front door with glass
  
• Replace screen door with wood one or simply discard
  
• Remove ugly light by front door, replace if necessary
  
• Replace incorrect downspouts on living room bay window with appropriate
  
• Repair faux-Tudor boards
  
• Repair front gutter
  
• Replace roof on living room bay window with copper
  
• Replace aluminum gutters on front entryway with copper
  
• Remove paint from stone on front entryway
  
• Remove paint from stone windowsills, including the dining room windows, which have been completely painted.
  
• Level steps in front of house

Driveway side

• Paint box gutter on bay window
  
• Strip paint off copper on bay window, both on flashing and on box gutter

Chimney side

• Tuckpointing
  
• Prune tree/bush by screened in porch to allow more light into porch
  
• Build chimney saddle and rip out existing flashing and re-flashing

Rear

• Fix second floor porch floor - rip out existing floor, remove beadboard underneath and see what structural work has to be done, replace floor
  
• Replace flashing on second floor porch
  
• Fix gate under breezeway
  
• Re-route television cable in more aesthetically pleasing manner
  
• Fix/rebuild gate
  
• Excavate and rebuild window wells (pushed in by freeze-thaw cycle)
  
• Apply WD-40 to exterior faucet handle in attempt to unfreeze
  
• Remove extra television cable over library window
  
• Determine what, if any, the original gutter configuration was for the third floor dormer. The current gutter and downspout just doesn't feel right. Perhaps the issue is snow and snow dams would help?

Garage

• Replace cracked pane on garage door (car entry side)
  
• Replace plexiglass pane on garage door (car entry side)
  
• Replace plywood in door with glass (human entry side)
  
• Determine why garage door frame has gaps / is out of plumb and remedy.
  
• Repair / replace trim piece on garage by car door.
  
• Replace garage slab
  
• Replace breaker box
  
• Fix gaps around garage door
  
• Fix light on side of garage to hang level
  
• Find historically correct light for over garage door. Once installed, remove ugly motion-sensor light from garage corner. Leave motion sensor system and use with old light if necessary.
  
• Replace valley between breezeway and garage
  
• Apply WD-40 to exterior faucet handle in attempt to unfreeze
  
• Rebuild basin for fountain on exterior of garage.

Yard

• Remove basketball backboard
  
• Remove dead elm on side property line
  
• Remove dead elm on back property line
  
• Remove or repair half-broken grill
  
• Sealcoat driveway
  
• Research whether it would be possible to have electrical, phone, and cable lines run through ground between utility pole and garage. If so, consider doing this, given relatively low (8') height of entrance at garage.
  
• Obtain cheap sandstone to eventually replace broken parts of front sidewalk.

Because really, I don't want to refinish these floors in five or ten years

Most of the rather large third floor is going to become my studio, where I will have space to paint and work in other art media. This can often be a messy process, with a significant amount of paint ending up on the floor.

This is only an issue because there is the distinct possibility that this room may eventually become a bedroom. If that is the case, I don't want the floor to be covered with tons of paint. I'd considered just covering the floor with the carpet that we pull up elsewhere in the house, but the carpet is likely too porous. I've also considered laying down utility grade flooring over the existing hardwood, but this would create issues at the doorways. The final and most likely choice is some sort of linoleum, but I don't exactly feel comfortable with that, either.

I'd love to hear any thoughts or ideas on the subject.

At this price, it's almost a buildable lot!

I like to pay attention to what duplexes are available in Shaker Heights. They tend to be at least as interesting as the single family homes, if not moreso. Many of them have a surprising number of original fixtures - I came across one just a month or two ago that had not one, but two completely original 1920s kitchens, complete with tile countertops, wall-mounted faucets, built in cabinets and ironing board, and a massive ventilation hood for the stove. They also tend to be much cheaper than comparable single family homes, because the city's standards for rental properties are even higher, and because many people don't even think about the potential of the two family home.

I have not personally seen 18526 Chagrin Road, but it seems to have quite a bit of potential. Emphasis on the potential. The lot is a third of an acre, about twice the size of most of the duplexes in the city. This Victorian was almost definitely built as a single family home. From what I can see, the windows have probably been replaced and it's covered either with vinyl or aluminum siding. Still, at the price point, it could be a great rehab.

The only issue that I can see being a problem in the future is that it shares a single-width driveway with the next door neighbor.

Another house we didn't buy

The following duplex, 14170 Onaway / 14201 Becket was our first choice for quite a while. It is a large house, (4000 square feet), on a large lot (.43 acres), with decent exterior lines and reasonable potential. Though it does not appear to presently be on the market, it is still bank owned, and I suspect it could be purchased for somewhere in the neighborhood of $20,000-$30,000 - it was last listed at $57,900, and has been on the market for two years.

While there is definitely quite a bit of interior wear and tear, the only truly major issue I saw was the lack of copper plumbing in the basement. Neither kitchen is currently functional, though it wouldn't take much work to get it there. I think that it makes most sense if rehabbed into a single family dwelling, especially for someone who could do a lot of the work themselves.

Some downsides:
It has been cursed with the cheapest, most poorly fitted replacement windows that I've ever seen.


The house


The yard


A sample window


Screened-in porch


The lack of a downspout on this gutter has caused some water backup issues, with leaks damaging the plaster in the room below. This doesn't appear to be serious, and I believe that installing a downspout would remedy most of the problem.


Living room and central hall


Fireplace


Entryway


A bedroom. Virtually all of the doors are original and unpainted.

If this isn't enough, check out some more photos of this house.

Waiting, and not for the election

I'm waiting to hear back from the two contractors my real estate agent suggested to us. The only thing stopping us from closing early (actually, just stopping us from closing, early or late) is to get an estimate from a Shaker Heights registered contractor on the work detailed in the city's point of sale inspection. Once we have an estimate, we can work on figuring out how we're going to put together the funds to meet 150% of the estimate, for the city's escrow requirement.

For now, it's just an awful lot of looking at photos of the house and waiting.