A Remembrance
This was my birthday dinner in 2024. Sitting to the far right is Louis.
Y’all remember Louis. In the early 1970s, Louis proposed to his girlfriend in the Octagon Bedroom, and they later moved to the whole third floor, becoming the coolest hippies in Emporia. Their son, Nathan, was conceived in the Cross House.
Y’all met them in 2018, via this wonderful post. And don’t miss Part 2, here.
In 2020 the two returned to the house with an amazing, unique gift.
In 2021, they took over the house to hold their 50th anniversary. This was an extraordinary event, and don’t miss this post. Really, do not miss the post!
I have delighted in getting to know Louis and Phyllis. You can, thus, imagine my shock to learn that Louis got ill in early 2025. His prognosis looked excellent but he died unexpectedly a few months later.
I invited Phyllis to my birthday dinner but she was unable to attend as she was preparing for a huge yard sale in preparation of her moving into a condo.
I am very grateful that I had a chance to meet Louis in 2018, and will forever…
…think of Louis when looking at this window. BIG BIG BIG hug to Phyllis.
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I’m so sorry, Ross.
Louis and Phyllis were such good friends to the Cross House.
Gifting the staining glass window is so lovely.
May Louis rest in peace.@
We had just started what felt like a comfortable friendship with a kindred soul, and then he was gone. Our well wishes for happiness are with Phyllis. Thank you, Ross, for bringing this group together.
What a sweet tribute – and how lovely that Cross House played such a part in their lives! Im sure that those of us who love old homes, as I do, are always fascinated by the lives that have been lived there before us.
Their life in the Cross House makes the structure unique. They had wonderful memories from a proposal, a son, befriend the current steward Ross, spent their 50th wedding anniversary, gift the stained glass. I raise a glass to toast the life of Louis.
Leigh, we did have toast to Louis.
I sensed that he was with you when you celebrated him, Ross. Big hugs to you Papa Bear.
Louis was invited!
I recall loving those origional posts! 💜 Louis & Phyllis had that kind of admirable partnership anyone would hope for. Much love to Phylis, family & friends.
Quiet details provide evidence of continuing life: A few marks & numbers on wooden door frames; initials or maybe a handprint set into a corner of poured cement; colors of a glass window radiating warm impressions on a wood floor. Life accumulates & being human is a shared mystery. Home is an omnibus. 🌻
With all the people that u met because of the Cross House, gifts received and effort put toward restoration, what a shame that you will never live in this wonderful house or see it completed.
Hi, Mark! I’m confused by your comment. I fully intend to move into the Cross House upon the sale of my house in Strong City.
I’ve posted about this.
It is likely true though that I will never see the house completed. Unless I marry well!
We all leave a legacy. A lucky few have a legacy connected to the Cross House.
I’ll raise a glass tonight to toast Louis — and Phyllis, too.
Hugs to you, Ross, as you mourn your friend.