Midland Reporter-Telegram
May 5, 2002
By Becky Ferguson – Midland Reporter-Telegram
“ House on Ohio Street started Bush on road to presidency”
The
road to greatness started in a little house on Ohio Street in Midland,
Texas. A Cub Scout, Little Leaguer, Sam Houston Elementary
Student in the 1950’s grew to become the leader of the free
world. And he traces his values back to the house on Ohio Street
in Midland, Texas.
Grand plans are underway for restoring the childhood home of President
George W. Bush to its fifties’ splendor when the Bush family
lived there. Built in 1939, the 1,492-square-foot pier-and-beam home
to former President George H. W. Bush and beloved First Lady Barbara
Bush and now-Governor Jeb Bush of Florida.
“Old home movies
and photographs show that the home was quite charming and beautifully
landscaped when the Bush family lived there,” according
to Bill Scott, President of the George W. Bush Childhood Home,
Inc. “We
will restore that authentic charm.”
Realtors initiated the
purchase of the most noteworthy home of the President’s childhood,
a group of the President’s friends
formed a non-profit organization to develop and manage the Bush
Childhood Home in its original location as a Presidential site.
The
Planning efforts are moving forward with the raising of funds for
the restoration. The project has earned prestigious grants
from the Texas Historical Commission and the National Trust for
Historic
Preservation. In addition, contributions have come in from across
the nation. Restoration experts are in the process of researching
the many details necessary for a first-class restoration in everything
from 1950’s kitchen appliances and furniture to children’s
toys and wallpaper. Fundraising efforts continue to fund the restoration,
a small visitor’s center and museum, and an endowment fund
for future maintenance and staff. The restoration is expected to
begin later this year and is to be opened to the public in June
of 2004.
“Restoration of the home is a marvelous way to honor this outstanding
Midland family,” according to Scott. “And, we know
that the project will be a great benefit to Midland.”