I own the only second empire home left in warren, ohio for approximatly 15 years. However, on thanksgiving day 2006, the roof caught on fire and burnt most of the third floor. In which, it left the house water logged to the first floor. I tried to get grants to restore the house which was lived in by general ratliff and later became a convent for 30 nuns. But no grants are available. So, sadly to say, my family and I are going to knock it down. My question though is, I need advise on what to do with or how to sell all the antique mantles, sandstone, fixtures, and funiture inside; in which, are all extremely gorgeous? I have pictures of some stuff if you would like to see. I sold some items, but I don't know what they go for. Also, knocked into walls and found some more antiques that I am sure of and some not so sure of what they are, and why they were behind the walls. (These walls are talking?) Any incite would be greatly appreciated
Thanks for reading!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: mocha house,

Wow! Let's see the pictures! You should try to locate a company that sells architectural antiques before you do any tearing down. All sorts of things can be resold, not just mantels and fixtures. They resell flooring, beams, etc. What a shame you couldn't find funding to restore the place.

I already tried finding companies, by putting it in the warren, pittsburgh;pa, paper but no big leads. I was going to put it in the NY Times, but $300 for 2 days. People look at the items, but I have no idea what it goes for. 19th century. I will put in some pictures soon. But thank you for replying

This message has been edited. Last edited by: mocha house,

You didn't have insurance?

Have you contacted any auctioneers in the area? I live in your area and go to auctions looking for that kind of stuff all the time?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: garden4therapy,

I had insurance, but only the basic. I used the home for storage, not living in. So, it is too much for us to restore the house, especially three floors. There is also a brick building attached to the front of the home. My family and I are trying to sell the stuff ourselves. Maybe a company that sells or is interested in architectural antiques will buy most of it or all. I am trying to put the pictures in an album for people to see. Feel free to stop by if you are in the area. Thank you

What a sad story - I feel for you and the old structure. Try advertising on Craigslist.com. As an old house lover, we peruse this website daily trying to find old architectural items that we could use on our 1862 home. Inside and out. We're too far away to make a connection, but I sure wish you luck. Have you thought about selling it as is? Maybe someone would want to buy it.

There is a cafe restaurant and a greek orthodox church on each side of it. And a school behind it. Everything on this street now is commercial. I own the restaurant next door and it was convenient to store things in there. I wanted to turn the house into a bed and breakfast one day. But that dream is gone. Our parking lot is the only thing splitting the house and restaurant apart. It really hurts that I have to knock it down. It is like apart of me is going with it. Owning it so long, finding out the history and what a beautiful structure that it once was kills me inside. It makes me feel better when someone comes and gets something from it, so the history will still live in some way. I will check that website out though, thank you!

What a beautiful door and casing! If I lived in Ohio I'd be parked on your front porch with my checkbook in hand.

Isn't the casing beautiful. They don't make the doors like that anymore. In fact, they don't make the whole house like they did back then. Though thank you, I wish there were more like you. Maybe I can sell little things on ebay. I have cabinet handles that I took off of some cabinet doors that say "Aug 3 1871" on the backs of them. Pretty cool.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: mocha house,

Hi very sorry to hear about your house. Here in Portland Maine, we have an architectural salvage store which is very active and upscale (not a junk shop) why don't you google them and contact them? They may travel if there is enough stuff. Also what about a local auction hall? I'd start with the most prestigious firm in your area and hear what they recommend. Selling through an auction you definitely get fair market price. Good luck.

Oh, forgot to tell you name which is Portland Architectural Salvage. Alice Dunn is the owner.

Thank you, I will contact her as soon as possible. If anyone is interested in seeing the exterior of the house and history on it. Check out http://www.geocities.com/cmmines/ratliff.html

It is sadly going to be demo in six weeks. So, architectural salvage places last chance, or anyone wanting some antiques come see in warren, ohio or email: mrscafelady@aol.com
Just sold a ton of slate from the sidewalk for $300. Great deal.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: mocha house,

quote:

For nearly 30 years Salvage One has been one of the largest purveyors of architectural elements and salvage in the world

as mentioned on their website.

Found Salvage One while doing a web search for Chicago architectural salvage companies. Even though it's six hour drive, maybe they'd be interested in your home. Good luck!

I don't know where Warren OH is but almost every large city has an architectural salvage company. Toledo..Cleveland...Cincinnati..Dayton..Columbus are possibilities.

Love,
Lu

Warren is also the "historic capital of the Western Reserve". The house that Mocha House is talking about is right down the street from the beautiful courthouse. I'll see if I can find a link.Warren, OH courthouse

Warren also used to be a big steel town as well.

Good luck Mocha House, it is sad that the building has to go. There are a lot of beautiful old buildings in the area that I'm sure will be met with the same fate. :-(

Thank you all for the help in finding architectural antique salvage companies. I emailed all them, now just waiting for a reply.
By the way, the slate I sold for $300. It was turned over twice for $5,000. And went to New York and sold for an amazing $50,000. Unbelievable I really don't know what these things go for, but at least each person has some history from Warren, Ohio!!!!

I finally got my picture album together of the house inside and out. With the lime stone building attached to the front of it. If anyone would like to see it, go to:

http://pictures.aol.com/galleries/mrcafeman/

Please let me know how they came out. Thank you

This message has been edited. Last edited by: mocha house,

you have a PM about scioto Architectural salvage located in Chillicothe, Ohio. Best of luck.

Thank you, I met with them about a year ago. They want us to consignment? You get about 40% of what it is worth. How am I suppose to know if they are being honest about how much the items are worth? I have a wall radiator that goes up the wall. Very good condition. Does anyone know what that goes for? A picture of it is on the previous post I left. Everyone has been very helpful.

I don't know about the radiator, but you need to gather up all those gorgeous door knobs and the door hardware to sell on ebay. Cast iron floor grates also sell well on ebay. The doors in that house are so amazing - if I had more money I'd drive to Ohio and load up the truck! The newel post is beautiful, too. You might be able to sell that on ebay. What a shame this place is going to be demolished. Are there any stained glass windows?

quote:

Originally posted by mocha house:
Thank you, I met with them about a year ago. They want us to consignment? You get about 40% of what it is worth. How am I suppose to know if they are being honest about how much the items are worth? I have a wall radiator that goes up the wall. Very good condition. Does anyone know what that goes for? A picture of it is on the previous post I left. Everyone has been very helpful.

I understand that you don't want to get ripped off, but at this point, with demolition scheduled, 40% of something is better than 100% of nothing.
I think the Salvage company will do the removal labor.
Good Luck!!!

I had no idea slate would fetch that kind of money...my parents have a home in NE Ohio--has a huge slate slab in the front...probably 6 ft by 3ft and then 2 steps up to their front porch..each step is about 5 ft long and 8 inches high....can anyone give an idea of what someone might pay for it?

Also, if any of you are ever in Warren, you HAVE to go to the Mocha House...they have the best desserts you've ever seen! So many good things in their pastry case you'll have a hard time making up your mind!