• Fifth of a series



The graceful historic two-story painted brick home at 1528 Minnesota Ave. has weathered the test of time. Built in 1919 and completely remodeled in 1997, this beauty has had only three sets of owners, including current owners Hank and Allison Ross.

The home is among those feature on this his year’s Christmas Tour of Homes scheduled for Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Other homes included on the tour are: DeeDee and Tim Crawford, 2420 S. 24 St.; Lisa and Tim Smith, 1208 S. 29 St.; Carol and Andy Farl; 103 Maple Ln., Cindy and Kent Robinson, 125 Maple Ln.; and Sheila and Mike Mosley, 109 Caulder.

Tickets may be purchased in advance at a number of local businesses including Crazy 8 Cafe, China Moon, Jay’s Jewelry, IBC Bank, The Casbah, Hallmarks for You, First National Bank, Stillwater Bank, Kendall’s Flowers, Midfirst Bank, Steeman’s, T.T.’s, M-Veta’s, Carolyn Kay’s, KWCO Radio Station, Hairy’s and maybe even more just look for the flier in the windows to be sure.

The homeowners all have tickets as well and tickets may be purchased that day at any home. Also, the tour committee would like to thank the local businesses for their cooperation in helping make this a successful event.

All proceeds from the annual Christmas Tour of Homes will benefit the Resurrection House in Chickasha.

The Ross home was orginally built for Stanley Lavene, a single man at the time who moved to Chickasha to start a business called “The Dixie.”

Lavene had an architect from St. Louis design the home that stood on a dirt road now known as Minnesota Street. The home is unique in that it had a servant’s quarters and stairwell, the first central-vacuum system in Chickasha, a grape arbor and built-in china cabinets. It also had what the Lavene family called a “Bug in the Rug,” a buzzer to call the servants to clean the table after meals.

The family also recalls a distillery in the basement, that is no longer functioning, but does bring a smile to Hank and Allison when they hear all of the wonderful memories of all the families past.

Touring this home will delight everyone from old to young. The house has hardwood floors and original trim and crown moldings throughout as well as an original laundry chute. a cedar linen closet and tile in the first floor bath.

This home has three full levels, basement included, and boasts five bedrooms, four baths and several dining and family areas.

This house is home to Hank, Allison and their three children Andrew, Alex and Caleb. All of the kids have bedrooms on the second story and have chosen their own paint schemes for their rooms.

Alex is an artist and you must stop and admire some of her beautiful paintings. Andrew is a bit musical and, let’s say, he bleeds orange. Caleb, the youngest, is a sports fanatic and his room reflects this as well.

As for Mom’s and Dad’s retreat, they have plenty of space for themselves with a lovely master suite, which includes a sitting room with fitness area and a newly-remodeled bath with beautiful bath with beautiful marble floors and a heavenly multi-headed shower spa.

The first floor of this historic lady holds two family rooms which Allison will have dolled up for Christmas, two dining areas, a bath and a time-aged new kitchen. Allison has had the cabinetry distressed, she has added seeded glass and has topped the counter off with granite.

When asked what her favorite things about the house are, Allison said “the squeaky floors,” because she likes the thought of how many feet have passed over them. Allison also says her house is the main hub for all of the kids’ friends. Once you see it, you will understand why. Any kid would be ecstatic to live here, from the rooms to roam to the lovely backyard to which the Ross’ have added an in-ground swimming pool. Allison takes pride in taking care of the beautiful flowerbeds herself.

So, come on over to the Ross’ and join us in an old-fashioned Christmas with an Americana tree in the den that Allison leaves up year round in honor of our troops.

There is nothing like going home for the holidays and this house has that wonderful feeling, with family heirlooms like a baby grand piano, Allison’s grandmother’s chairs and Hank’s grandmother’s hand-crafted Christmas ornaments.



Next week: 2420 S. 24 St.