Yup that's me sitting on the steps of a house that is not mine. Young Rissy had the camera in hand that day (she is a quick study and has a good eye - teaching her photography is a pleasure!) and I had just told her that this well-preserved old home was a particular favorite, so acting as director as well, she suggested I be in one of the pictures. I don't appear in many photos since I am usually on the other end of the camera, so I followed instructions and actually like this shot.
But now back to the main story here - the house, which is situated on the eastern side of St. Ferdinand Park, on a hillside overlooking the pond (because of the rolling grassy fields and stands of mature trees, the surrounding area retains the atmosphere of a farm). Built in 1870 by Henry Bockrath, a prosperous German immigrant, the simple red brick farmhouse has beautiful details: segmented arches with radiating brick voussoirs above the windows, the denticulated frieze on the south facade, and the single stack chimneys flanking both sides. Even the random stone foundation is appealing.
Rissy and I enjoyed trying to imagine the life of the family that first resided here - besides the house there is nothing left to indicate daily activities. The city and subdivisions surrounding the park have changed and grown during the last century, but the house remains the same - silent and serene, watching the seasons come and go and filled with its own memories.
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