Clarence Andrews
by Ron Nachbor
My parents decided, in 1948, that it was time to have a house of their own and so to Clarence Andrews they went with a floor plan fresh out of Better Homes and Gardens magazine. Clarence did a pretty good job of duplicating that design, just from the magazine, and then threw in built in shoeboxes in the closets and a plastered arch that he had conceived on his own. Clarence was big into windows with lots of small windowpanes as well. Hmm, I wonder if he ever had to wash those things? Because if he did he wouldn't have had time to build very many houses. But, all in all, we liked Clarence's house that he built for us. It is in the family still. Pretty good for a $3000 investment I'd say.
The Clarence Andrews' house was full of swirly plaster walls and hardwood floors that were laid in thin strips. Both, today, are very difficult to duplicate. They were part of a craftsmanship that must have come as much from pride as it did from talent. There was nothing ostentatious about a Clarence Andrews house but they were sturdy and built to hold up to the tyranny of a Minnesota winter. I don't know how many houses Clarence built in and around Herman but I do know this... Those houses are still standing and the ones I know of look pretty darn good for being 50 + years old.
Clarence, you have been gone for many years now, but I still would like to talk with you about the steepness of your stairways. See, I have taken so many tumbles down those steps that I would like you to hear about them.
To read more of Ron's stories click on any or all of the names below.
Bill Norman
Nels H. Nelson
George Leigh and Earl Newberger
Dr. and Mrs. Walter Smedley
