Movalson home

200 Lake Shore Drive, ­Escanaba

The home is located within steps of picturesque Ludington Park. If you were to ask what makes a house a holiday home, I would say it’s the character of this home that brings back holiday memories. This is felt as you pass the illuminated masonry and wrought iron gates and enter in through the original front door at 200 Lake Shore Drive. The natural beauty and charm of this home is found in the Old World craftsmanship and furnishings of years gone by. Once inside this comfortable home, you will notice that, because of its orientation, you are able to gaze out upon the water from every room. You will truly appreciate what this home has to offer during all of the seasons and for all of the holiday’s reasons.

The house was built in 1926 by James and Ada Frost. Mr. Frost was a local attorney and president of 1st National Bank. The fireplace mantel still bears the original owners family crest, which is hand-crafted in metal.

William and Mary Kay Movalson home. Photos by Susan Hampton, AAUW-Escanaba

DVM Ivan and Leona Wood purchased the home around 1978, and over the years, the family enjoyed all the park and neighborhood has to offer.

In the summer of 2014, the Wood family sold to the current owners, William and Mary Kay Movalson, whom have undertaken the responsibility of preserving the originality of this home.

Quarried limestone, bricks and wrought iron found buried on the property — including a statue of Saint Francis — have been repurposed around the yard.

The chimney was held to together by old overgrown vines that made it unstable. The vines had to be removed, bricks reset and a wood pellet fireplace insert was then installed.

Original birchwood floors have been refinished throughout the house. Old, rusted iron pipe plumbing and knob and tube wiring was removed. Antique light fixtures were rewired and brought up to code.

William and Mary Kay Movalson home. Photos by Susan Hampton, AAUW-Escanaba

The original millwork and trim have been preserved, including the original round port multi-pane window that looks out directly at the historic Sand Point light house.

Many layers of paint and old wallpaper had to be removed and replaced throughout the home.

Every room has it own unique chandelier and is decorated with antique furniture.

In the 1920s, passages such as the following were common in journals like Die Kiiche (The Kitchen), and Die Frau (The Woman): “The architects need to educate the housewife in how to use the space and in why the small kitchen works, … that there is only one purpose for the room. … Most people do not know how to furnish them … the housewife must also be educated in taste. Many criticized its [the Rfg’s] model kitchen’s small spaces … but it is to be hoped that the housewife will not reject it simply because it is unfamiliar.”

The scale of the kitchen the same as the original foot print. Cabinets, fixtures and appliances all have been updated. Thus, you will notice, in keeping with this homes period in time, that the butcher’s block is the only furniture in the kitchen.

William and Mary Kay Movalson home. Photos by Susan Hampton, AAUW-Escanaba

Homes in the early ’20s rarely had an attached garage. Due to its age and failing condition, this one had to be rebuilt in keeping with the original style of the home.

During the Christmas holiday, it’s been noted that this house hosts Mr. and Mrs. Claus. On occasions passersby have witnessed the Claus waving from the picture window. Sometimes, they may even find Santa outside sitting in his sleigh.

Season greetings,

William and Mary Kay Movalson

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The American Association of University Women (AAUW) will present their biennial “Homes for the Holidays” on Dec. 12, from 1 until 4 p.m. Tickets are available at Gust Asps in Escanaba and The Frame Farm in Gladstone. Ticket holders must be 16 years of age or older. Proceeds are earmarked for two AAUW scholarships at Bay College. Ticket holders are requested to wear face masks to protect themselves and others.