It may be the only building around with a carpeted flat roof sporting an ornate bird bath, sheltering what once was a hardening room for ice cream, and now serves as one of artist Joe Sneathen's studio/workshops.
Historians might like to think it is the urging of the spirit of lrishman Mike Purcell, a 19th century railroad crossing guard whose flower-bedecked shanty once stood near this site, that influenced Connie Sneathen to design her beautiful gardens.
The land at 309 N. Columbia St was part of a land grant to John Pence in 1828, which he donated to the Town of Frankfort. It was eventually sold to Joel Harland for $14 in 1836, and was later purchased by Huldah Harley, who sold it to Joseph Baum for $200. Joseph Baum may have been one of the teachers at Frankfort's first brick schooljust across the street.
The Baums -- Joseph signing the deed and his wife, Catherine making her "mark" -- sold the land to Sarah Eaton in 1873. Sarah left it in her will to her husband, G. W. Eaton, for use as his shoe shop.
It is believed the first structures on the land were a dwelling and a mill/coal yard.
Benson Hufford said, "When my dad and sister, Myron and Dorothy Hufford, first bought the property for Dad's outdoor advertising business, there was a tumbledown shanty for our office. And the old house behind, we filled with our used paper till we could have it hauled away. Next door was a military surplus clothing store and on the other side (the Sneathen Building) my favorite place; The Frankfort Ice Cream Co., owned by Charlie and Florence Kirkhoff, They left Frankfort during the Great Depression and established a custard stand across from Columbia Park in Lafayette which still operates today."
"When we first bought the building 'Frankfort Ice Cream Company' was painted on the side, and we had to cover it over with our new paint There also was a cork-lined room for hardening ice cream," said Joe Sneathen, who has been in his own demanding and creative sign-making business 43 years, though his looks belie that many years.
He has added some modern equipment to his shop to help with sign lettering and routine chores, but his artistic talent is still his most important asset. The Sneathen Sign Co. office bulletin board is covered with photos of their projects, creations and restorations, including the Dolphins for the movie, "Blue Chips."
His wife Connie is also an artist, as are their two children. Her expertise is more in decorating, working with miniatures and landscaping. She has designed, furnished and even wired for electricity an authentic Victorian period dollhouse "There were no steps when we first came here, so we had to use a ladder the reach the upper floor," Connie said. "The rooms up there were so full of junk that we backed a dumpster to an upstairs door-to-nowhere and began throwing everything out. It was some accumulation."
The decor upstairs now is Victorian in ail rooms except the master bedroom, which is Southwest style. Connie explained the change by noting Joe had said, "No more ruffles "
The Sneathens have received the second annual Civic Award from the Clinton County Historical preservation society for their work on this circa 87-year-old building and older surrounding site. The award recognizes historic architectural preservation and restoration.
The Sneathens plan to share their gardens, home and shop with the public during the next Preservationists home tour. Meanwhile, feel free to drive by and admire their work, especially at Christmas time.