Geneva couple are 21st century stewards of 19th century treasures

The floor-to-ceiling leather-bound books in a corner of the tiny stone cottage are chosen for condition, which means they aren't falling apart. The finish on the antique wood furniture must be original and textured. And we'll get to the ironing boards later.

These are the types of treasures Sandra Thuer has collected for the home on Route 31 in Geneva that she and her husband, Robert, have restored. Some of Thuer's antiques were purchased at the twice-annual Fox Valley Antiques Show, which will be held Saturday, Oct. 16, and Sunday, Oct. 17, in St. Charles.

While Early American country decor is a passion of Thuer's, she insists she lives in the 21st century. Evidence includes a small television tucked in that corner library, not to mention a large one in the master bedroom. That king-size bed is new, and it's really two twins because getting a large bed up that narrow stairway would be impossible. And the kitchen, while very tiny, boasts stainless steel appliances and a decorative ironing board, of course.

The house, built by Eben Conant, a Vermonter who moved to Geneva to be near his son, Augustus, a Unitarian minister, is less than 1,000 square feet.

Built in 1844, it is one of the oldest houses in Geneva, and seems very popular with area residents, said Thuer.

“People are always beeping and stopping when I'm outside or leaving notes. It's an unusual little house. I think people imagine they could love in a house like this. Not everyone can afford the big, spectacular houses that cost millions.

And Thuer doesn't think any other decor would suit the house the couple bought a year ago to be close to family members.

“I love New England antiques, and it's a little New England cape. My husband found the house, and I didn't even have to go inside to know I wanted it, she said.

The Chicago common brick fireplace is an example of the work the couple has done in the home. The drywall that someone had wrapped around the fireplace decades ago hid red brick that had also been added. After that was removed, the Thuers learned the base of the original fireplace had collapsed and had to be recreated.

Across from the fireplace a tall pantry cupboard shows the type of furniture Thuer likes. She prizes it for its paint worn bare in the middle and shading deeper to the outside. Like most of Thuer's furniture the pine piece originated in New England in the late 1700 or early 1800s.

And the home's palette came from the portrait of a man on the dining room wall.

“There's so much in it that makes it easy to look at a little red, some ocher and black and white and mustard.

While Thuer doesn't know who the people in the old pictures on her walls are, she considers them all her friends.

Here are a few quirky things about Thuer's decorating.

ŸThe ironing boards, of course. She tucks them almost everywhere against a wall in the kitchen to provide a vertical element and make the low ceiling seem taller, against the fireplace in the main room and especially in the second-floor hallway.

“I like utilitarian objects, she said. It's interesting to see how people had to work, and I like things that the common person used.

And they demonstrate the sense of humor she thinks everyone even antiques collectors must have.

“People wonder why I want them with the ratty, torn fabric. You have to pay extra for the ratty, torn fabric, she said.

ŸThe rustic wood frame is exposed on a wingback chair near the table in the front room, and she had the back and seat recovered with an old grain bag.

“I want to show its history, she explains. “An antiques person would want to see the frame. Look at the back; it was covered with an old quilt. And these strings are to hold in the straw filling.

ŸDesks are another of Thuer's passions and are also tucked everywhere, including one hung on the wall in a corner of the small dining room.

ŸAnd she admits the books, while of the period, are not exactly the right touch. A modest family like the Conants could not have afforded so many books and might have just had one Bible. But Thuer finds books comforting and enjoys living among them.

Thuer said that it's good to buy your antiques from knowledgeable dealers who will stand behind the pieces they sell, like the dealers who will be at the upcoming Fox Valley Antiques Show.

“You always need to educate yourself about what you're going to buy, and the dealers there could help you in your education process.

And she might find a “new treasure for her old house.

“It was a utilitarian home, said Thuer. It's a cottage that was a work horse. It was built to last.

“We're all passing through. We never own a thing, we're just caretakers: this home, my things. They'll be here long after I'm gone and somebody else is going to have them. Homes have vibes. This is a kind home. The good long line of people who've lived in it were hard workers and humble people.