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March 11, 1977 A .„v •at A f.t Ultimate renovation is * , ultra-modern colonial! f ft Vi* energy savers For the master of the ... art of home Improvement, the remarkable story of the restoration of the Ross House should prove to be inspirational. This beautiful Maryland estate, nestled in the roll­ ing countryside of Ccck- eysville (just outside of Baltimore), is undoubted­ ly one of ^he most interest­ ing homes in America. The Ross House is an astounding example of home improvement taken to its highest creative level. Built in 1749 by Dr. David Ross in Bladens- burg, Maryland, the house was razed in 1957 to make way for the construction of a highway. The fore­ man of the wrecking crew could see the treffieinicms ~ value and beauty of the old building and very carefully disassembled the house while architects made careful drawings. The wrecker managed to save over 22,000 bricks and brickbats along with many other parts of the house. In 1968, the now-owner went to his architect to discuss creating an exact replica of an 18th century house. The architect remem­ bered the Ross House and suggested reconstructing an original 18th century mansion. From the renovator's Sjint of view, the Ross ouse project presented a dual challenge: to main­ tain a high standard of authenticity in the resto­ ration of the mansion while adding to it the latest of modern conveni­ ences. With his vast knowledge of history, the owner su­ pervised each and every detail of the reconstruc­ tion iu see that it would be historically accurate. He knew that at the time the Ross House was originally built, the lime for mortar was made by burning oyster shells, and collected bushels of shells to be pulverized into the mortar so that the final effect of the masonry would be exactly like that of the original building. But this desire for au­ thenticity also led to some remarkable feats of mod­ ern building -- a venture into the new for the sake of the old. There are no visible radiators or air registers; oil-hot water radiant heating comes from beneath the floors. The chandeliers contain real candles which are used. There is electric lighting, but it is com­ pletely unobtrusive -- hid- den behind valences, moldings and beams. Nei­ ther are there any visible sockets, switches, or cords. The 18th century oven door in the kitchen covers a microwave oven. Also hidden to preserve au­ thenticity is a dishwasher, stove, and refrigerator. Some additions, of course, have been made to the original floor plan. There is, for example, a swimming pool in the back yard! The attic holds central air conditioning ducting and a TV aerial, the basement has a sauna, along with the furnace room, house vacuum cleaning system and in­ cinerator. To some, the Ross House may serve as an inspira­ tion for yet another great and original home reno­ vation. For those with less ambition and dedication to detail than the likes of this history buff and his crew, the Ross House is currently up for sale. Colonial mansions aren't your style? Previews, Inc., a unique publication dedi­ cated to the finest in Homeowners planning to renovate their kitchens will find some surprising innovations in appliances, especially power-saving features and improved in­ sulation. One energy-saving re­ frigerator uses about a hearth and home, also offers everything from ranches to castles to an island in Fiji. third less electricity than other models not equipped with its special thermosta­ tically controlled motor. While it is true that the amount of electricity con­ sumed by a refrigerator each operating hour is a modest amount, it's also true that it is operated twenty-four hours around the clock for 365 days a year. Even though frost-free refrigerators do use more kilowatts of energy annu- PAGE 7 than non-frost-free models, they avoid the extra energy drain result­ ing from frost accumula­ tion. Today's power-saving refrigerators also preserve food longer during power failures, which become alarmingly more common each year. Naturally, there's a higher price tag on these models, but operating sav­ ings in the long run more than repay the initial pur­ chase price, according to the National Home Im­ provement Council. REG. *5.99 Quality latex flat wall paint. Dries to a smooth flat finish in half an hour. Soap and water clean­ up. For use on all interior walls including stone, and brick. White, gal. 546-6016 SOFT TOUCH LATEX FLAT ENAMEL REG. *11.99 REG. *8.99 GAL. JMSTERCRAFT Master Craft latex semi-gloss enameMOO% acrylic. Leaves a beautiful soft gloss that's easy to wash, stain resistant. Custom colors slightly higher. Gal. 544-6604 thru 544-6760 GAL. Master Craft latex flat wall paint is non-yellow ing, easy to apply and completely washable Soap and water clean-up. Custom colors slightly higher. 548-6105 to 548-6550 8 99 GAL. Soft Touch latex flat enamel-a lus­ trous flat finish with an angular sheen for walls and woodwork. Withstands repeated washings. One coat coverage on previously painted surfaces. In white and many attractive colors. Gal. 550-6001, 550-6019 icoasHO-cn !.*Ui TEXTURE PAINT & BLOCK FILLER >. ! WW pi-M" *•>•*>•* WHITE COAST TO COAST LATEX TEXTURE PAINT 6" GAL. A budget priced texture paint for covering old surfaces or hiding small cracks, dents and wall blemishes, washable, durable one-coat finish. For use on plasterboard, wallboard, plas ter, inside masonry, sheet rock and similar surfaces. Gal. 555-6915 5-FT. ALUMINUM STEP LADDER REG. *23.95 5-ft. Werner aluminum step ladder is lightweight; features plastic safety feet, non-slip ribbed steps, pail shelf and rag holder. 589-2054 9-INCH PREMIUM ROLLER COVER 1 m mmk. 4* REG. *1.89 9" Premium roller cover- ideal for smooth surfaces. For use with all types of paint, especially recommended for one-coat prod­ ucts and latex semi-gloss enamels. 586-0739 2-INCH POLYESTER PAINT BRUSH REG. *3.19 2" 100% polyester paint brush for applying all latex or oil based paints, shellac or lac­ quer-will not soften when used continuously in latex paints. 584-2224 TO f C D i 1 S T T O C O ! 1 S T S T O R E S 1 m 4400W.RTE. 120 McHENRY 385-6655 SUN. 9-5