One of the workers said that one roll of wall paper used in the restoration of the Bush house cost $1,000. They just don't make that stuff any more.
The Bush family was supposed to have lived there from 1951 until they left Midland in 1959. And the George W. Bush Childhood Home, Inc., is in the process of restoring that old house with close attention to historical accuracy.
It's almost finished. See the Project Highlights page for more information. Once completed, it should be a fascinating glimpse into the past.
A dedication is planned for April 11, 2006, and George H. W. Bush and wife, Barbara, are expected to attend. There's a big shindig planned at the Petroleum Club of Midland, and it looks like a pricey affair. The cheap seats are supposed to cost $250 each, and tables for eight will run from $2,500 to $10,000.
The house looks quite nice from the street -- lots of curb appeal. But I was disappointed that the new owners toppled the tree hosting the George W. Bush tree house. Oh well, maybe it wasn't there in the 50's, but it I thought it added a nice homey look to the place.
Updated 12/31/2007: Welcome visitors from linked sites. Please note that there are three houses still intact in which the Bush family lived in the Midland/Odessa area. The fire in December '07 was at the house in Odessa. Please see Who would do such a thing? for links and photos of the fire damage.
Too bad that they couldn't have been a little more considerate of their next door neighbor, Andrea Tillet. Building the parking lot almost right up to her to her bedroom wall.
Posted by: Wallace-Midland, Texas | February 22, 2006 at 10:51 PM