Published: November 26, 2007 12:20 pm         

Cole’s house

Restoration effort deserves kudos

Four years ago, the house where famed musician Cole Porter was born was a drug hangout.

The city of Peru took over ownership after police officers discovered a methamphetamine lab in one of the apartments.

Proud of the city’s native son and embarrassed that his birthplace had fallen on such hard times, Peru Mayor Jim Walker invited Joey Cole Kubesch and other volunteers to restore the old house.

The building was in shambles. Garbage filled every corner, and volunteers filled three trash bins with what they dragged out.

The home had no heat, water or plumbing. It was painted a dull gray.

But now, with the help of dozens of volunteers and $200,000 in grants and donations, the home is nearly restored. It has a new roof, and the old aluminum siding has been stripped away. Layers of wallpaper have been removed, and the house is now painted a pale yellow reminiscent of the era when Porter lived there.

The restoration has attracted volunteers not only from Miami County, but all over Indiana.

Peru resident Bev Starbuck helped to decorate the suites. Helen Sauer of Peru sewed curtains. Arletta Reich of Kokomo painted the walls, and Patty Sparks of Muncie painted musically inspired murals. Kubesch says a woodworker friend had made several trips from Ohio to help.

Renovations are still under way, and Kubesch says the house probably needs tens of thousands of dollars in additional work.

This is a project the entire community can be proud of.

Local businesses have donated materials and residents have provided hours and hours of labor. Most of the decorations and furnishings have also been donated.

Congratulations to everyone involved in this effort. If you support the work, it’s not too late to chip in.

Want to help?

Send donations to Cole Porter Birthplace Restoration, payable to Ole Olsen Memorial Theatre Inc., 154 S. Broadway, Peru IN 46970.