Dan May earns CGB designation

Ireland-May Ltd. is proud to announce that Dan May, owner and production manager of Ireland-May Ltd., has earned the prestigious Certified Graduate Builder designation. The CGB designation is earned by completing a series of intensive courses which focus on different aspects of the construction industry. There are fewer than 2,000 industry professionals nationwide who have earned this designation. Congratulations Dan (now get back to work!)

Federal Style Architecture

The beauty of the Crist House can be found in the quality of its' materials and the fine craftsmanship in using those materials. But the beauty of the Crist House is also found in the quality of the design itself. Ireland-May Ltd. worked closely with Brad and Shannon Roush of Kent Bradley Roush Architects to create a home that highlights the characteristics of the federal style. The flat front facade with "divided light," double hung windows and the low pitch, side gable roof are just a few of the features of the Crist House exterior that symbolize the federal style, which was prevalent in the late 1700's and early 1800's. Ireland-May Ltd., working with talented professionals such as Brad and Shannon, works to combine historically significant architectural styles with the comforts and conveniences found in a modern home.

To hear more about the federal style or other historic architecture such as georgian, colonial or greek revival, please contact Ireland-May Ltd. (we love to talk about it).

"Boutique Day" a big success

Tuesday May 6th, the Crist House was the site of several very special boutique displays. Bella Donna Purses, Tastefully Simple, Arbonne International, Beijo Bags, Sweet Siblings, Caffeine Queen, The French Rendez Vous, Ute's Boutique and Solid Ground Studio set up shop for an afternoon and showcased their unique treasures. We would like to thank First Title for sponsoring the event. Sheila Baker and Laura Nadaud did a great job setting up the event (and enjoyed the shopping like everyone else). The turnout was wonderful and a good time was had by one and all. Thank you to all who attended!!!!!

Crist House Feature Story!!!!

The Cincinnati Enquirer ran a two page feature story on the Crist House yesterday, Sunday May 4, 2008. The story, written by Jenny Callison, highlights the history of the house as well as the work done to restore the building. We're very proud of the story and of the house and would like to thank the Cincinnati Enquirer and Jenny Callison.

Please see the following link to read the feature story on the Crist House:
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080504/LIFE08/805040326/-1/homes

Feature Story to Run....

The Cincinnati Enquirer is planning to run a feature story on the Crist House this Sunday, May 4, 2008. The story, which will be on the first page of the Homes section, will highlight the historical significance of the house as well as the fine work done on the house and property. We're very proud to be featured so prominently and are appreciative of the Enquirer for their interest in the property.

Please keep an eye out for the story and contact IML with any questions on the story or the house.

Boutique Day

Ireland-May Ltd. is thrilled to be teaming up with First Title Agency to host a day of Boutique sales and displays at the Crist House on Tuesday, May 6th. Several local vendors and artisans will be there, including the French Rendez-Vous, Solid Ground Studio and Ute's. Scupltures, antiques, pottery and many specialty items will be on display.

Sheila Baker and Laura Nadaud at First Title are co-hosts of the event. Please join us from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Tuesday the 6th of May.

Parties a Great Success

Ireland-May Ltd. hosted events the evenings of Tuesday April 15th, Wednesday April 16th and Thursday April 17th. Subcontractors, suppliers, neighbors, friends and former customers attended the three night celebration of this unique property.

All three events were a great success, with an estimated total turnout of over 150 people. Cookies and pastries were devoured, stories were shared and the house was on display for all to see. The feedback was overwelmingly positive as the house was met with rave reviews.

Thank you to all for the kind words. It is very uplifting to hear that our work, both the Crist House as well as the other homes and buildings that we've done, is appreciated. We could not do it without you and your support!!!

The History of the Crist House

The Crist House sits on land originally deeded to John Cleves Symmes for his service during the American Revolution. The house itself was built in 1815 by Abraham Crist and his wife Margaret. The Crist family (led by patriarch Christian Crist) were some of the first settlers to the area. They arrived from Montgomery, New York, and settled the area which would become Montgomery, Ohio. Abraham and Margaret Crist sold the house to Abraham's brother Cornelius and his wife Sarah, who expanded the house in 1825. Cornelius and Sarah lived in the house for 33 years, raising nine children. They sold the house, along with 45 acres, to J. Addison.

The Crist House has had some of the most influential families of Montgomery call it home and is rumored to have been a stop along the Underground Railroad. There are also stories of the Civil War era, most notably regarding Morgan's Raiders, tied to the home.

Thank you party

On Tuesday, April 15, Ireland-May Ltd. hosted a "thank you" party for the men and women that have worked on the project and made it so successful. Many of our valued associates were able to attend and took advantage of the opportunity to show off their hard work to their families. On behalf of IML, I would like to personally thank everyone who has worked on the project. We're very proud of the home and very grateful to those who have helped us make this a truly unique property.

> Dan May

More Built ins

Who wouldn't want to see more built ins and cabinetry?

Hidden treasures

One of the neat things about working on an historic project such as the Crist House is some of the interesting things you find in the house during construction. While working on the Crist House, we've found some old relics such as glass bottles, broken pieces of old china, old newspaper clippings, a broken barrel from an old pistol and some old marbles.

Of all the relics we've found, though, my favorite has to be what we found between the layers of flooring in the oldest section of the house. It was a torn piece of red construction paper with a hand written note in pencil on both sides of the paper. On one side, it read "This floor was laid by Lloyd Hern in 1934." On the flip side of the paper, in the same handwriting, it reads "The Depression started a few years ago and things haven't gotten any better since."

Crist cabinetry

One thing you will notice in the Crist house is the quality of the cabinetry found in the kitchen, the bathrooms and throughout the house. All cabinetry in the Crist house was hand made and finished - not a single "factory" cabinet was used. The cabinetry shown here, as well as the rest of the cabinets and built ins found in the house, was designed and built specifically for the Crist House. The cabinets reflect the style of the home as well as the level of detail found in an Ireland-May Ltd. project.

Welcome

Welcome to the historic Crist House blog. If you have any questions about the Crist House or about Ireland-May Ltd., please contact us at 513.984.2702 or through our website at www.irelandmay.com

We're very proud of the Crist House and hope that you enjoy the pictures and the history of this wonderful home.

The Crist House is one of the signature homes of historic Montgomery, OH, and is for sale for $1,095,000.00.

If you'd like a tour of the historic Crist House of Montgomery, OH, please contact Patti May at 513.300.5156.