988 Milstead Ave. NE: An early 1800's Classic Greek Revival home
-
-
Erdman-Cason, 988 Milstead Ave. Circa early 1800's.
This home is formerly known as the Pierce Homeplace. Built between 1820 and 1850, this true historical beauty was crafted in the Classic Greek Revival architectural style. Featuring gold-flecked windows that lend a rosy view, this residence is a true classic from another era. While the home is now located at 988 Milstead Avenue, it was originally located at 900 N. Main Street and was cut in half to be relocated via rolling logs in 1911. A cut runs across the heart of pine floors showing where the house was cut in half for its move from Main Street and reassembled.
In 1969, the owner Martha Eaves did some restoration such as removing beaverboard from walls, taking it back to original plaster. She also replaced the exterior columns with the current columns. The house has not undergone major structural changes since original construction, except the central hallway on each floor was enclosed and a bathroom and closet added. The foyer was altered and a new front door surrounded by red glass windows was installed. The windows appear almost black from the outside, but once inside the house, they give a pleasant rosy cast to the outside world. The special windows get their red tint from gold which was added to the glass. These were installed in the house by Steven Mayfield, then pastor of First Baptist Church; who lived in the house for 24 years before its move from Main Street. The red glass has caused an unusual reaction in some people that probably would upset Mayfield, who was apparently very proud of his windows. "I've actually had men stop by who think it's a "house of call", he was reported as saying.
Starting in 2005, the current owners Donald E. and Pam Erdman performed extensive exterior, as well as interior "true restoration". These true restoration tasks were performed over the next several years such as replacing the roofing shingles with tin roof, restoring, repairing and painting the exterior siding. Other exterior restorations included cleaning the chimneys, and replacing all new HVAC. They also sprayed on insulation in the attic. For the interior restoration, the Erdman's restored the plaster walls, installed all new plumbing, period era fixtures and mantles, added a new laundry room, and in 2017-18 had the kitchen architecturally designed and installed cabinets.
