This is one of the little stone houses in St. Paul. The Martin Weber house at 202 McBoal street was built in 1867, which makes it one of the older houses in St. Paul but not the oldest on the block. It sits on the limestone river bluff and it is likely that the stone used to build it was quarried right on the site.
The house became the home of a German immigrant and was in his family for many years. It has had a few additions over the years. It was restored many years ago and has been rental property for many years.
This house and others like it remind me of what attracted me to my neighborhood. Part of it is the rich history and the variety of architectural styles. I support preservation and live in an even older house myself.
Houses are for people and as we live in them we become part of their history which is really a part of their story. We lost several small run down historic properties during the great recession and the crash of the housing market. We can never get those houses back but in the end we need to remember that the whole purpose of a house is to be a place for people to live and people are the reason for these structures.
When I talk with historic preservationists I am always interested in learning how their work is going to impact people and the community as a whole. I see this house as a kind of treasure that belongs to all of us and think it is wonderful that it has been home to many people over the years.
