Hartsburg Emden residents open homes to raise funds for safe prom

[December 11, 2015]   Rohlfs family home - Mike and Beth Rohlfs' two-story home located in Hartsburg is a Sear's production home built in the 1920's. Originally owned by the Van Gerpen family, they sold the home to Merle and Ruth Rohlfs. The next owner was Jim Melton, and then in 1967, it became part of the Rohlfs' family again when Alvin and Virginia Rohlfs bought the home. In 2011, their son Mike Rohlfs and wife Beth took ownership.

The entryway has a wraparound porch which leads into a spacious living room.

Throughout the home are the original woodwork and beautiful stained glass windows. Both the kitchen and basement have recently been remodeled. Another recent addition is the sunroom just beyond the kitchen.

Upstairs are four bedrooms, each decorated in a different color scheme. In the hallway, a children's reading area can be found.

Woolard family home

Tim and Janell Woolard's "Craftsman style" home, built in 2011, is the newest home on the tour. Tim had dreamed of building his one home since he was 15, and in fall 2010, they purchased a lot in Emden.

In August of 2011, the Woolards had a groundbreaking and over the next eleven months, Tim designed and built the home with some help from friends and family. By summer 2012, the house was complete.

Detailed carpentry work can be found throughout the house from the crown moulding to the decorative cut-out pieces in the main room.

In the entryway, a handcrafted nativity scene made by Tim's father Larry Woolard is on display.

The living rooms, bedrooms, and man-cave each have a tree decorated in a unique style that reflects each family member's tastes.

Beekman family home

Built in 1924, the First United Methodist Church in Emden now serves as the Beekman family home.
The last church services were held there In May 2005, and the church was purchased by Butch and Elizabeth Hilgert. The Hilgerts remodeled the church into a unique and beautiful home. In 2012, the Beekman family purchased it.

The stained glass windows and much of the woodwork is original as is the exterior of the home. Other features, such as a new kitchen, have been added in the past ten years. Some of the church pews have been repurposed and can be found in the family room and dining area.

On the main floor are a pool table, shuffleboard table, and beautiful hutch. Towards the back of the kitchen and dining area are shutters decorated with family photos and plates.

Cross family home

Kent and Julie Cross' two story home was built in 1919, by the James Short family. Kent's parents, Bob and Julia Cross, bought the home in 1968. In 2007, Kent and Julie Cross bought the home from his parents.
 

In 2010, the Cross' added a new master bedroom upstairs and did a major renovation of the main level of the house, while trying to preserve the character of the original home.

The Cross's house has been decorated with antique furniture and local artifacts like an old cash register. During the renovation, they used salvaged and repurposed items from many old buildings in the area such as the Emden Hardware Store, the old St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Hartem High School, Lincoln Jr. High School, Central School, Sparta High School, the Lincoln Library, and various local houses and barns.

[Angela Reiners]