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Show 8 Tooele Transcript, Thurs., Sept. 16, 1982 Bricks Glazed In Restoration (Continued from front page) 1879. Its owner, John T. Rich, was one of Utahs notable original pioneers. According to Mrs. Elkington, Johns wife was Eastern seaboard-borand bred a real socialite. He was a successful sheepman and banker with large holdings n in Skull Valley. But Deseret Rich refused to move to Grantsville. Salt Lake City was as rural as she could stand. Finally, he persuaded her to move to the little community. Grantsville Showplace The mansion on Clark Street was one of three or four homes built to keep Deseret in Grantsville, each one more magnificent than the last. Rich was one of the few oldtimers who could afford to hire an architect, a rare occurrence in those days. During a trip to San Francisco, the Riches fell in love with the architecture of that area, and the architect was instructed to design an East-lak- e Italianate home for Deseret. It was the showplace of Crantsville. But Deseret was not happy, and after little more than a decade, she moved back to the city. The home was later purchased by townsman I lyrum Sutton who was able to buy a mansion by leasing 2, (XX) sheep from John Rich for $8(X) per year over a three year period, returning most of the sheep and the increase at the end of that term. Gracious Living Before the transaction was complete, his wife had died. He finished paying for the home in 1895, and at the turn of the century he finally brought a new wife, Clara, and his children home to live in the hig house. It was the Sutton family home for more than half a century before it was sold and went through two decades of owners. The spacious home was built for gracious living. After researching and checking coastruction, Mrs. Elkington was able to plan and mentally reconstruct the home as it appeared originally. By the time the Elkingtons moved into the house, it had undergone a series of mishaps. During the depression it was made into two apartments, and a monkey stove used to heat the upstairs apartment set the roof on fire. The home was roofless and abandoned for a time, causing much damage to the adobe construction. Vandals Strike Vandals, hearing tales of hidden treasures, had broken in and made great holes in the walLs. They didnt find a thing, Mrs. Elkington laughed, "and neither have we." They destroyed many of the of antique furniture which were the home. a small wonder that the house had the reputation of being haunted. The Elkingtons found the ceilings gone from two of the upstairs bedrooms and above the stairs. Birds had made this their pieces still in It is gained home. Restoring a house that far gone is a monumental task. One that would defeat everyone except the very daring and creative and adventuresome someone like Brice and Shauna Elkington. Without Description Everyone in the family is not quite as enthusiastic as Shauna. Everyone thought we were crazy, Shauna said. The kids keep asking, Why are we living this way? Words cannot describe what the Elkingtons have done. They completely gutted the house, tearing out the old lath and plaster. In all, except one or two rooms, they were unable to save the plaster, and there are few plasterers around today who could replaster. Studs were built in front of the original adobe walls and then sheetrocked. They have insulated and replumbed the house throughout and installed central gas hot water for heat. Pay As You Go When they moved in, the whole upstairs was very uastable. You could put your hand on the wall, and it would move, Mrs. Elkington said. They girded up the complete southwest comer of the house and rebuilt it. The adobes came from another house being tom down on North Street. The whole project has been a pay as you go affair for the Elkingtons. But emerging from the almost destroyed shell of the Rich mansion is a beautiful home, destined to be the pride and envy of the town. In addition, it is a definite link with the past a valuable part of the legacy passed down to us and a reminder that we too will be leaving a legacy behind us. X; - ' UsJ A Warm Spot the additions of furring built inside. Two of the kitchen windows show the thickness of pioneer walls made even thicker by ome. er o anot from taken The modem kitchen mixes modem with the old. The floor is oak and was or i y and spo warm a friendly Its Shauna The stained glass panel was reconstructed by Elkington. ,., dog. Adobes On View Elegance Destroyed At one time the parlor room was a grand place to be. It still has its original wall paper and carpeting. The Elkingtons have left this room until last. A shot of the north square bay window shows some of the problems the Elkingtons faced in In the kitchen area, the ceilings were removed. The Elkingtons decided to leave the connecting adobe wall bare. It will be the only place in the house where you will be able to see the adobes, Shauna said. "Outside walls will be stuccoed. rebuilding. Photographs : Dinner By Firelight The home originally had two elaborate 11 foot, floor to ceiling fireplaces of imported Honduran mahogany with Indian tile motif, pillars, mirrors and shelves. The present dining room fireplace mantle is from the Beehive House and displays the beehive symbol. by Steve Olsen vr Studio Room The original kitchen Ccorgia Hall with some kibitzing from son Cliff tole paints a design on the new oak kitchen cabinets. boasted a laige cooking stove, a butlers pantry, a sitting nook, a cold pantry and washing area. The Elkingtons have changed a and washing area doorway or two, but the sitting nook remains, the butlers pantry houses heating equipment, and the pantry have become the laundry room. The old attic has been modernized and closed in with slanting ceilings and walls. supplies for Mrs. Elkington who is a talented artist, plus two beds under the eaves for family memliers. The skylight is one of several added to the old It houses mansion. |
