A columnist’s personal endeavor to transform a historic family home into a jewel
In 2003, Holly Christensen had the privilege of meeting Herman Dreisbach, an 88-year-old man who was preparing to sell his house and move to Atlanta. Little did she know that this encounter would mark the beginning of a lifelong connection to the Dreisbach House. Over the years, Holly became the proud owner of the house and witnessed the memories it held for generations. Now, as she embarks on the journey of restoration, Holly shares her story and the rich history of the Dreisbach House with the readers of the Akron Beacon Journal.
A House Steeped in History
The Dreisbach House, built in 1909, stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and attention to detail of its original builder. With its two layers of brick, quarter-sawn oak columns, and decorative tiles from a renowned turn-of-the-century manufacturer, the house exudes the elegance of the Arts and Crafts era. Passed down through generations, the house has remained remarkably well-preserved, a testament to the care and love it received from its previous owners.
The Legacy of the Cressler Family
Adjacent to the Dreisbach House is the Cressler House, which Holly acquired in 2014. For over 60 years, it belonged to Claire and Gloria Cressler, who left an indelible mark on the community. Claire, a widower when Holly first met him, would later pass away in Holly’s arms. The acquisition of the Cressler House has further deepened the historical significance of the project, intertwining the stories of two families and their contributions to Akron’s heritage.
From Rental Property to Beloved Family Home
As Holly embarked on her journey of homeownership, she faced the challenges of renting out the Dreisbach House. Despite her efforts to find responsible tenants, she couldn’t help but feel a pang in her heart whenever the house was not treated with the same care and respect she had for it. Determined to preserve the house’s legacy, Holly made the decision to stop renting it out and focus on transforming it into a true jewel.
The Transformation Begins
With a mortgage balance of less than $8,000, Holly finds herself in a unique position to embark on an extensive remodeling project. The columns of her future columns will explore the design choices and progress of the restoration, allowing readers to follow along as the Dreisbach House undergoes a remarkable transformation. From choosing the perfect color palette to restoring the original light fixtures, every decision is made with the utmost care and respect for the house’s history.
Unveiling the Stories Within
As Holly delves deeper into the restoration process, she also uncovers the stories of the people who previously called the Dreisbach House their home. Through meticulous research and interviews with descendants, she brings to life the experiences and memories that have shaped the house’s history. From tales of love and loss to moments of joy and celebration, these stories add a layer of richness and depth to the project.
Conclusion:
The restoration of the Dreisbach House is not just about renovating a physical structure; it is about honoring the past, preserving history, and creating a home that will continue to hold cherished memories for generations to come. Holly Christensen’s journey of transformation is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring connection we have to the places we call home. As readers follow along with Holly’s columns, they too will become part of the Dreisbach House’s remarkable story, witnessing its evolution from a neglected property to a treasured jewel in Akron’s architectural landscape.
