HISTORY of the WB PETTIBONE MANSION

Here's a snapshot of what this old girl looked like in the early years. She was new in 1889. The damage to the lattice around the base of the porch in this photo was repaired years ago, but once again deteriorated as time passed. In 2007, Norm removed each panel and we dismantled each of them board by board, so that we could replace rotted wooden slats and framing. Three of the panels are curved. That project was quite a chore. Thankfully they are all refurbished now. Our research has divulged that exterior colors in this photo were Gray and White. However, while scraping down to the wood in September of 2016, we found that the house was originally painted a shade of green with white trim. The paint we uncovered appears to be a good match to "Tiffany Moss Green" Benjamin Moore Heritage color number 94374 from 1820-1920.

As is typical with any 128 plus year old Victorian Wood Framed house, maintenance is ongoing. An amazing percentage of the wood on the exterior is original, as well as the glass in clear and stained glass windows!! Exterior painting began in the spring, and continued through summer and autumn, 2016. Norm and Judy have performed as both innkeepers and painters in 2016, among other duties. Several areas of the exterior of the house have been completed. Judy especially loves the sky blue color of the ceiling of the wrap around verandah. The final day of painting of the porch ceiling was November 18, however with some warmer temperatures occurring, Judy completed the trim work around the ceiling on December 6, 2016! All of the lathe turned porch posts are painted with accent colors being applied in 2017. The north side of the house is complete up to the top of the 2nd floor, and the back tower has been repaired and lap boards replaced. Painting in 2017 began in April, but not to worry, guests will not be inconvenienced. Autumn 2017, will bring a painting crew from St Charles, who will tackle all the high areas on the north and west sides. Our next project, will be finishing the porch railings and painting the metal spiral stairs on the west side and we will assist with the replacement of the fabricated curved porch railing when it is completed.

  Golden Oak Dining Room

Join us in this Lumberman's wonderfully restored Victorian masterpiece. In July, 2015, the original Tiger Oak floor was exposed and refinished in the dining room. During warm months, enjoy the flowering tropicals, perennials and annuals, as you stroll the verandah.  Continue to the Koi Pond, and waterfall. Beware the fleeting jewels,
as resident hummingbirds zip...dive to and from Judy's feeders, from late April through early October.Or just "sit a spell" in a comfy rocker and experience the sights and sounds of this sleepy Mississippi River town.


Gentlemen's Parlor Fireplace

Click each photo for more information

Click each photo for more information