Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on March 18, 1981.
Chesterton house owned by Youngs for many years
Photos by Kathy Steinbach
Text by Mary Henrichs
Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Osberg have been told their red brick house at 324 S. Second St., Chesterton, was built in 1871. Although they have no proof of the construction date, the Osbergs do know that the home was erected by Martin Young and that it remained in his family until Eleanor Young willed it to Sadie Atkinson shortly before the Osbergs purchased it in 1959. The original two-story residence contained six rooms. The Osbergs believe the two rooms behind the curved porch (at right in photo) were probably added in the early 1900s.
This plaster mold in the entrance hall ceiling supports a glass chandelier. None of the light fixtures is original. The home has 11-foot, 9-inch ceilings which make it costly to hear in winter but which keep it cool in summer, Osberg said.
This handsome archway sets off the bay window in the Osbergs’ living room. The interior woodwork, all of which is painted, is of clear white pine without knots. When the Osbergs bought the house, the plaster was in excellent condition and they have never had to renew it.
Traditional Victorian carvings line the eaves of the original part of the house. Exterior walls are composed of 4½ inches of brick, 4½ inches of air space, and 4½ inches of brick lined inside by ⅜-inch of plaster, Osberg said.
The stair rail in the entrance hall makes this curve as it reaches the second floor. The residence has six chimneys and was originally heated by stoves. It contained no fireplaces because “It was a very up-to-date house for its time,” Mrs. Osberg said.
This close-up one of the two plaster molds flanking the arch at the bay window.
