Inside The Dr. Horace Drew Residence

[Timkin]

are we allowed to do some repairs to the roof to at least make the poor thing shed most of the water?

[sandyshoes]

I'm totally clueless here, and readily admit it, but is there some type of grant money available that would help with the wonderful work you able-bodied souls do to save and preserve these landmarks until buyers can be found?  Surely there's something along the lines of historic preservation. Is there a project from some University, can it be a project for interested students to learn about this effort and not only help with it here but spread it around?  Did Dr. Drew do anything of historical significance in his field that would further warrant preservation of his home?  I know I'm grabbing straws but I'm hoping it might spark some other ideas from those of you who know best. 

[PATSY/AUTUMN]

I was by there again yesterday.  Would have got out and checked on any more trashing except for the pouring rain. 

did notice something new...a window on the first floor previously open is now closed.
Roof continues to deteriorate.
When the time comes to get some much needed cleaning done, I will do what I can.  I think Timkin will vouch for my good intentions.

[iloveionia]

Thanks.
Remember we don't own the property.
It is sitting in the hands of the bank and the owners attorney.
Unfortunately we all wait for a resolution.
We've done all we can to this point.
Like most, I'm extremely impatient.
We all want the castle house to be saved.

[PATSY/AUTUMN]

I do understand the situation.  We share some of those problems at Annie Lytle.  Our good fortune is we are allowed inside to do cleaning.  A daunting task, but we are making progress.  (check out our photos on SAVE PUBLIC SCHOOL #4 / ANNIE LYTLE)   on FaceBook.   PSOS is our friend.  We love all our Springfield volunteers! 
THIS PLACE MATTERS! 

[Timkin]

All of our Historic homes and Historic buildings throughout our City, matter! 

[sheclown]

I like to call this photo:  "Autumn in Wonderland"

[HangingMoth]

Is there anything of real value still in the house, furniture or anything?

[sheclown]

No

[Debbie Thompson]

They had an estate sale a year or so ago, and lots of stuff was sold.

[iloveionia]

While the owner now lives in a convalescence home, distantly aware of the slow deterioration of her home, there is a watcher, a man, who keeps a loving eye on the Castle House.  Three times a day (and often many more) he does a walk around the property and keeps it secure from looters and vagrants.  He's not always there of course, but is a first responder when the home has been accosted. 

Most probably don't care.  Don't care about Springfield and it's whining and complaining about it's mistreatment from code enforcement and the spectating public. 

Who would watch and care for someone else's house?  What for?  I mean it's not their responsibility, right? 

And therein lies the issue.  Delusional, self-serving thoughts and actions that desecrate our history. 

Some of us attach to houses like the they are living breathing entities.  Thank God for house lovers and huggers.  They keep history alive for generations to come.

"In the end, the character of a civilization is encased in its structures." Frank Gehry

[PATSY/AUTUMN]

Abandoned Florida recently received a couple of comments from Shelley Drew (granddaughter of Horace Drew) about her memories.  I tried to contact her for more, but she has not responded.  We attended Landon together.  I still have my fingers crossed that I might hear from her.  It would be wonderful to hear from someone who has memories of the home during the days of its grandeur

[dtown_wanderer]

So, what happens now?

Can't believe in all this info and digging, not a soul mentioned the fact that it now has a "CONDEMNED" sign on the front door.

So again I ask, what happens now?

[sheclown]

It has been condemned for quite a while.  That is just a new sign.  The structure gets rolling fines -- PSOS has the case file on it.

This is, without a doubt, the most beloved of all historic structures in Springfield.  It is a victim of rolling fines as much as anything else.  The owner is in a nursing home, the bank is fighting with her, the city is poisoning the title with made-up "F" you fines.

PSOS, along with other Springfield neighbors, monitor this home.  Community clean ups are held regularly.  If a window needs boarding, we are on it. 

Perhaps more than anyone else, Doug N. has made it his mission in life to protect this structure.  I'm sure not a day goes by when he doesn't check on it.

What happens now --  is we protect it.   The community that loves it.  Its all we can do.

[PATSY/AUTUMN]

PSOS, Doug, and tons of people fight for this home every day.  They are heroes.  For all those that ask questions, join the fight to save the grand dame of Springfield.  Return her dignity.  She is worth it!!!!