Preserving history
For years, Roger and Kathy Chase lived across the street from the historic James and Corinne Williams House. When the Cannon Hill neighborhood house was offered for sale in 1999, the couple jumped at the chance to buy it. “I marvel at the craftsmanship that was put into this home,” Kathy Chase said. Built in 1911, with a low-pitched roof, overhanging eaves and open-floor plan, the home is an excellent example of Prairie-style architecture. It’s been well cared for and has had only five owners. “Every family who lived in this house must have loved it,” Chase said.
A blue teardrop light fixture, original to the home, illuminates the cozy entryway. Quarter-sawn oak is one of the hallmarks of the Prairie style, and the beautiful wood is used extensively throughout the home.
Luckily, the open beams had never been painted. But much of the décor had been modernized over the years. The Chases are returning the home to its 1911 splendor.
“My husband loves projects. It’s how he relaxes,” Chase said. Now, with oak crown molding and warm green walls, it’s easy to imagine the library as it was when the first owner, attorney James Williams, lived there.
“We removed four to five layers of wallpaper,” she said. “When papering the living room we found the original wiring and holes where the light fixtures had been, so we knew where to place the sconces.”
Five sets of original pocket doors in pristine condition can be used to close off the library, living room and dining room areas. The dining room furnishings are heirlooms from both Roger’s and Kathy’s families.
When the couple remodeled the kitchen they found that the dining room buffet had once had an exact duplicate in the kitchen, so they recreated it. They found the original kitchen cupboards in the basement and built new cabinets to match.
The massive central staircase was featured in the book, “Along Bungalow Lines,” by Paul Duchsherer and Linda Svendsen. The burnished oak of the staircase glows. A tiny powder room is tucked underneath it.
On the second floor, the room that was Corinne Williams’ dressing room is now Kathy Chase’s home office. A door leads to a sleeping porch at the front of the house.
Rare in turn-of-the-century homes, the house has a master suite. The fixtures in the master bath are original to the home and still function perfectly.
The wide staircase continues to the third floor, which traditionally housed the servants’ quarters. The sink and tub in the third-floor bath also are original to the home. “The faucets all work. We didn’t even need to refinish them,” Chase said. A charming “eyebrow” window brings in natural light.
Preserving and maintaining the home’s history is important to the couple. “We’ve made connections with three of the original owners,” said Chase. “It’s been really fun to have them over and hear their stories.”
The design of the house makes it a perfect home for entertaining. The couple have hosted an Allegro concert and often have Spokane Symphony members from out of town stay with them during the concert season.
The Chases have two daughters away at school who were 6 and 9 when the family bought the home.
“It’s just the two of us,” Chase said. “But we love to share our home with others.”