You know those stories of people who uncover treasures when they’re rehabbing a house? This is one of those stories. To be fair, our discovery of a can of stucco chips from our 1917 American System-Built Home can only be considered a treasure by nerdy, not worth much value but fascinating nonetheless standards. But it’s a treasure nonetheless!
Rounding the corner in the tiny little bathroom in the basement, I literally squealed in glee the first first time I saw the shower. As I explained to anyone who would listen in the lead-up to closing on the house, I imagine Rita Hayworth behind the swinging doors in the all-metal shower insert, her red hair lathered up and a look of shock on her face. I don’t know why the shower conjures images of Ms. Hayworth other than the fact that it has a certain post-WWII charm to it. And, actually, I’m not far off in dating the shower as a late-1940’s design.
Food has played an important role in my adult life. My first jobs were in the food service industry, as a short order cook and later in a tiny sandwich shop near the university I attended. When I met my Mr. Blandings I wooed him with home cooked meals (proving that the way to a man’s heart is indeed through his gizzard). After we got married, my love of food and cooking increased as we began entertaining as a couple. I like nothing better than preparing a hot and hearty meal for friends and loved ones. So it really seems fitting that the town’s grocer used to live in the Dream House.
