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| Catawissa Street Chalet - Tamaqua PA |
In 1973 - Lulu and I were married 2 years. She was a college student at Kutztown University - I was a third year teacher at Panther Valley. It made sense to built a small home rather than pay rent. Since we met at the Bungalo Park in the summer of 1969 - across the street - we thought it would be a perfect place to built. We could see the spot where we met.
We bought the 50 feet by 150 feet lot for $3000 from Clara Folk. She was 100 years old and lived on Rowe Street. She bought the lot in 1928. The neighbors were John Gildea and Leo Schilling.
We saw an Ad for a cedar home kit in the Mechanics Illustrated Magazine. We tracked down a local dealer in Kresgeville PA. Mary Laylor. We ordered plans and took them to the local American Bank downtown - now Wells Fargo. At a board meeting we presented the plans and they approved a no down payment mortgage. They said our labor was the down payment. The kit was $8000. The mortgage was $20,000 to cover - land - plumbing - foundation - electric - labor. Paul Dodson - my neighbor and shop teacher - did most of the work.
The kit arrived in July of 1973 - and by Halloween we were living in it. It is officially a chalet. The kit came from Seattle by train. A truck brought it from the Scranton Train Station and backed into the driveway. We stacked the wood in the basement and covered it with tarps.
When it arrived we already had the concrete block complete. We already set a cross steel beam to support the center weight. Next we built the solid wood 2 inch thick floor deck. The side walls are tongue and groove 2 inch lumber. In post and lentil construction - the sidewalls are the posts. Next we set the cross beams. Finally the 2 inch thick tongue and groove roof boards were placed.
The 12 x 12 roof pitch is good for rain and snow. It is fully insulated with 2 inches of styrofoam. We have heated it with electricity - wood - coal - and oil. One season we heated it with coal - $80 for one ton - that did the whole year.
We took a mortgage for $20000 at about 6% for 20 years. The payment came to about $143 a month. Bear in mind - as a teacher I was making $7800 in my third year. Lulu was in college. No kids until 1977. Both boys spent their whole childhood here.
When Lulu was recruited as a professor at Florida State University - we moved to Tallahassee and sold the chalet.
Typical characteristics of a chalet
Sloping roof – Usually a steeply pitched roof, often with wide overhanging eaves.
Wood construction – Often cedar, pine, or other natural timber.
Large windows – Designed to take advantage of mountain views.
Open interior – Frequently features a vaulted ceiling and exposed beams.
Balcony or porch – Often with substantial wood railings.
Rustic appearance – Natural materials and a warm, comfortable atmosphere.
