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"My husband Kevin and I had the sincere pleasure of topping off our holiday season with a bed and breakfast get-a-way. We added a pet housedog named "Teddy" to our household this holiday season. He's inspired yet another manuscript entitled They Call Me Teddy which will be published and released just after Unsung Neighbors. A night out was a well deserved retreat.
We didn't have the time to go far away, so Newman Grove, Nebraska was a perfect location for us. There, we found a Victorian style home that had lots in common with our new little companion who was welcomed at this pet friendly establishment. This home dates back to 1919. We'd saved "Teddy" from demise about a month ago by rescuing him from the local pound. This beautiful home with five bed and breakfast guest rooms was salvaged May 1996 by the former owners. The local nursing home had purchased the property it stood upon. A parking lot was needed, but the couple could also see that lodging was needed in the area.
The home was moved to a new foundation at the corner of 4th Street and City Line Rd. It was restored to the original yellow color. Lots of back breaking labor, tender loving care and 38 gallons of stripper cleaned every square inch of woodwork and hard wood floors. The home is restored back to the beauty of yesterday. The couple who could see the lodging need also saw a need for their own retirement. They sought out family ancestors of the home who happen to come from the Pony Express area of where Kevin and I were raised. We had stories to share about how just three hours south can make a world of difference in warmth this time of year. Just yesterday, before our visit to Newman Grove, we'd been in that area for a funeral and they had NO SNOW!
The home shares writing roots. On the living room floor even after remodeling, remain the ink blotches of a writer in the family. As the fountain pen would get dipped into the ink with the dim kerosene lighting of the era, it is not uncommon to find ink blotches on original wood flooring. I found this most interesting seeing where the writing desk would have stood so many years ago.
Breakfast was wonderful. We met fellow Bed and Breakfast occupants who also enjoyed a hearty egg casserole. Getting to know each other we realized we share Orphan Train ancestry. This home has been visited by folks from coast to coast. The small town atmosphere took us away from the sirens of the city.
Bring your own food and you're able to utilize the kitchen or grill if you desire! It's a wonderful home away from home you'll always remember. They also have a farm in which they are dog breeders, so if you'd like a lovable dog too they can arrange that as well!" - Kevin, Charlotte and "Teddy" Endorf 12/28/08 |
