The "Vine House" of Johnstown PA

[Philip Bourdon]

On the lighter side... My Lady and I were in Johnstown PA for the Flood City Music festival. We decided to check out some old buildings (makes the trip tax deductible!). Near our hotel there was a street that looked like an alley. We came upon a home that was 99% covered in vines . It just so happened that the man next door came out and he happens to be a contractor.

He told us that the 90 year old man who owned it (died 3 years ago) was told by a Realtor that vines would "improve the look." Ouch! The building is a beautiful, three story brick that has(had) wonderful charm. I call it the "Vine House" since J Scott has the propensity of giving his rehabs clever and quirky names, I thought I'd do the same.

The contractor told us that the woman he was living with was a pack rat and that there were "walking trails" throughout the house in the midst of all the stuff that she kept. He estimated that it would take at least 7-8 27 foot trucks just to haul the junk away before there was any attempt at restoration. Enjoy the photos (hopefully they load).