Page 35 - Leisure Living Magazine Holiday 2018

Tour Of Homes In Milan
Continued from page 31
3. Thomas Edison Birthplace, 9 N. Edison Drive
4. William and Valerie Bettcher, 14 N. Edison Drive
5. Jeff and Pam Grames, 31 E. Front Street
6. Tim Mayles, 67 E. Front Street
7. White Dog Bed B&B, Rob and Patty DeLand,
128 S. Center Street
8. Randy and Carla Rospert, 80 S. Edison Drive
Randy and Carla Rospert, 80 South Edison Drive - This salt box style home was architecturally designed to fit in with the historical beauty of Milan. It was built in 1990 with interior features including wide painted trim, hardwood floors, and antique furniture throughout. Christmas decorations complement the early American period. An extensive collection of early German Santas, candy containers, and feather trees with figural ornaments are displayed in every room. A 1950’s tree is in the living room, with large multicolor bulbs, bubble lights, and shiny bright ornaments. Unique heat activated spinners create a movement that brings the tree to life! Early Christmas advertisements, snowmen, and nativity scenes are also displayed. We invite you to step back in time for an old fashioned Christmas.
William and Valerie Bettcher, 14 N. Edison Dr. – This Victorian Style home was built in two stages. The older back section was moved to its present location from nearby about 1817. We believe this older structure was occupied by a family in the early 1850’s who later built Milan’s first gristmill in the Huron River Valley. Becoming financially secure by servicing the wheat trade (which was transported from Milan via sailing vessels towed by mules to Lake Erie) the family then built the larger Victorian structure closest to Edison Drive in 1877. Unfortunately, the lucrative gristmill was negatively affected by the building of the first nearby railroad depot, eliminating the use of ship transportation from Milan. The gristmill folded, and this home was subsequently sold and has had numerous owners since.
The Bettchers acquired the property in 2001 and renovated the home but maintained all of the beautiful woodwork. The 1817 section of this home retains its more primitive styling and interior decor. The 1877 section is decorated in a more eclectic and whimsical fashion.
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