The George W. Bush Childhood Home

Midland Reporter-Telegram, Becky Ferguson
May 5, 2002

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.”