The Paper of Wabash County - April 20, 2022

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Little League volunteer honored — Page 4 April 20, 2022

New life for historic Lagro home

Proudly Serving Wabash County Since 1977

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID WABASH, IN PERMIT NO. 233 Vol. 45, No. 6

Trio of investors tackle major construction project to rescue 1800s house from brink of demolition By Phil Smith psmith@thepaperofwabash.com Teams of construction workers and other tradesmen are working feverishly to restore the grandeur of a 138-year-old home in Lagro in the spirit of a recent surge of revitalization in that small Wabash County town. “It is a huge leap of faith to be doing a renovation project this size in Lagro,” said Tammy Keaffaber, who, along with her husband Randy and sister Deb Connor recently purchased the five bedroom, four bath brick home known as the Hopewell House at 200 Davis Street. “We are hoping the local people will support us and use the house for special events, visiting family, parties, et cetera and also are hoping to attract out-of-towners to the area. Lagro is up and coming with some other very promising renovations going on, and also ones that have been completed.” The trio of investors bought the home last June and realized the project would be daunting. “The beautiful old brick home was in need of major repairs in order to keep it from being demolished,” said Tammy. “There was an open hole in the roof.” According to Tammy Keaffaber, the plan is to use the house as a guest house for customers of other facilities in nearby Urbana under the Hopewell brand, including the wedding venue

The house located at 200 Davis Street in Lagro is in the process of receiving a major renovation. Photos by Phil Smith Rustic Barn at Hopewell and Antique Boutique at Hopewell. “We are excited to invest in the Lagro community and save this beautiful brick Jacobethan Revival home,” Keaffaber said, pointing out that she and her sister grew up in the community. Our parents, Ed and Becky Shear have been local to Lagro for years,” Keaffaber continued. “Ed passed away in 2013, but we have many great memories of him being involved in the Lagro Lions Club and the Lagro Street Fair activities. We think he would be very proud of what we are trying to do for this community. Our mom, Becky was a cook at Lagro Elementary, was a boy scout leader and has been involved in the Lagro United Continued on Page 7

Cory Sandberg of Randel Construction replaces flooring in the attic of the Hopewell House.

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Vintage woodwork adorns one of the Hopewell House’s several staircases.

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