The Clarksville Historic Preservation Commission recently honored the newest additions to the Clarksville 100-Year-Old Homes list. Since the historic home program began four years ago, more than 30 historic Clarksville homes have been recognized. One of this year’s abodes is Connie Nelson’s Victorian home in Clarksville’s Howard Park neighborhood.
“I grew up two houses over,” Nelson said, adding that her family moved to the street when she was 8 years old. “I used to see the lady in the garden with (her) bonnet and apron, and I was like, ‘yeah, that’s going to be my white picket fence.’ I’ve been here for 35 years.”
Now living in what was her dream house, she shares how she remodeled the space to accommodate her needs and reflect her personality.
Peaceful primary suite
Nelson explained that the last family who lived in the house owned the property for nearly 70 years. Toward the end of that period, part of the second floor was converted into two apartments. Upon moving in, Nelson and her husband renovated the area to create a spacious primary suite.
“My husband loved this house,” she exclaimed. “He passed away two years (ago), but this was his home.”
The bedroom boasts floating shelves, stained glass windows, and several antiques that Nelson inherited from her mother.
“My mom and I collected (the spinning wheels),” Nelson said. “When (she) died, she had three floors of antiques, (including) the spinning wheels, the benches, and the lamps.”
The space also features a few animal figurines that Nelson typically displays during the holidays. For now, the penguin sits on a bench, looking out a window; and the polar bear rests by the entrance of the roomy adjoining bathroom.
The sizable space boasts a double vanity on the right, a large closet on the left, and a bathtub — which offers a view of the pool and garden below — right in the middle.
Hand-painted haven
The main floor of the house features one-of-a-kind art: hand-painted murals by local artist Liz Faith Reuter.
In the pool room — an oval-like space with a pool table set in the middle — Reuter’s work is a brick-like mural with hints of greenery peeking out along the top.
“She brought a paper bag (with her),” Nelson recalled, “and that’s what she measured (the bricks) by.”
Above the fireplace in the library, Reuter painted three angelic figures. Built-in shelves on either side of the mural are filled with books and photos, and a 1928 Chickering piano sits on one side of the room.
The library wallpaper features a floral Victorian design, which Nelson painted and stained to give the originally white design a brownish, leather-like look.
She has also done some design work in the guest space on the main floor. A greenish-blue mandala on one side matches an accent wall and parts of the ceiling. The room leads outside to the garden, where Nelson enjoys spending her free time.
Outdoor oasis
“(The yard) is where we spend most of our time,” Nelson said, “even when it’s hot.”
The yard features an above-ground pool, a pond filled with koi and goldfish, and dozens of colorful plants and flowers, including everything from daylilies and hostas to poppies and different kinds of bamboo. There are even maypop passion flowers, which Nelson says have a calming effect on the bees constantly buzzing about.
“Those bees, you can pet them or kiss them if you want,” she said. “(It) knocks them right out, and they love it.”
Nelson adds that every bit of the yard has been touched. In addition to planting, watering, and pruning, she keeps the space as clean as possible, picking every piece of debris out of the gravel.
Among the unique flora are bright yellow flowers that can’t be seen during the day.
“They bloom only at night, and they’re so beautifully yellow,” Nelson exclaimed. “I’ve never seen anything like it. (It’s) the craziest thing.”
She happily shares her outdoor space with the wildlife that comes through, including deer, foxes, skunks, and more.
“I love it,” Nelson said. “It’s a dead-end street, (and) we have all the animals here. It’s nice; it’s been home.”
Know a house that would make a great Home of the Week? Email writer Lennie Omalza at aloha@lennieomalza.com or Lifestyle Editor Kathryn Gregory at kgregory@gannett.com.
nuts & bolts
Owner: Connie Nelson, who is retired. Also in the home is Gary Huff.
Home: This is a two-bed, two-bath, 1,750-square-foot, Victorian home in the Howard Park neighborhood of Clarksville, Indiana. It was built in 1902.
Distinctive elements: Hand-painted murals in library and pool room; vintage copper-looking ceiling tiles in family room.
Applause! Applause! Murals by artist Liz Faith Reuter.
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