We did something a little crazy… nutty or just plan stupid or at least thats what some people have been saying. Sometimes I feel that “they” are right, we are crazy, nutty and completely daft for going a little against the grain of peers in our generation have been doing, buying or building new homes with the latest and greatest new construction has to offer. My husband and I are in of the busiest times in our lives being sandwiched in between are young active kids and aging parents. A time in our lives when we should relax when can and enjoy every moment…… so what did we do instead, we bought an 1863 brick fixer upper with a partial dirt floor basement and two out buildings in the same kind of condition…. Yah I FEEL a little crazy even writing that!
Crazy or not we hope to blog our process in restoring this wonderful piece of American history. We are NOT carpenters by any means but we have some of the greatest friends and family to help us when “YouTube” videos and other “how to” sites fail us! lol… The old saying”It takes a village to raise a child.”
Our Amana Home is gonna be like a NEW very old “baby”, its gonna keep us up some nights, cost us some $$ and take much of our free time. But with our own blood, sweat and actual tears(plus a few choice words:) and a little help from our wonderful and talented “Village” of friends this home will be our final move and will hopefully stand another 150+ years.
Here is some original pictures provided by the Amana Heritage Museum (I will dive more in to “what Amana is” in future blogs, I’ll give you a hint it does NOT include the Amish community- very popular misconception).
This is some before pictures of the interior and exterior
This home was well loved from just one family since 1932 during Amana’s Great Change from the communal living. So it’s safe to say we are the second family to own it since the society sold it. There is small details around the home to show the love and joy, with each generation adding it’s own touch to personalize it and make it their own.
The TePoel family will now be playing one small part of this homes long history. Hope you’ll stay around for the crazy, nutty and draft ride 🙂 ~Elisha
Our Amana Home 
Gerald and I have truly enjoyed taking this journey with you, Evan and the girls. We love having you as neighbors and feel blessed to be able to spend time with all of you! We can already see the “fruit of your labors”…. keep up the great work! Lots of LOVE and LIGHT, Mom
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