What a treat Housewalk visitors will experience as they step into the home of Ginny Bellamy at 1702 E. Anne Lane.
Ginny wears many hats, so to speak, and has many talents. Some folks may remember visiting Ginny’s beautiful yard and gardens on the Garden Walk — in fact, Ginny is credited with establishing the Garden Club in Morris in 2005. She is a Master Gardener.
Painting also is a passion – especially in watercolors. So be ready to see multiple paintings personally done throughout her home. Antiquing and furniture rescuing as well as dog rescuing are also on her list of talents. Ginny recently adopted a rescue dog named Margot.
Many times after visiting a home, one is left with a sense of what is important to that person or family. With Ginny, it is evident!
This lovely home at 1702 E. Anne Lane, owned by Ginny Bellamy, along with four others will be featured on the 2012 “Home for the Holidays” Housewalk from noon to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23.
Family, its history both in photographs and treasures; beautiful art, much of it created by Ginny and family members; and collections such as kitchen utensils or miniature children’s dishes and pots and pans head her list of what her home includes.
Stained glass sidelights in the entry hallway made by Ginny’s daughter-in-law Therese and a beautiful curio cabinet that had belonged to Ginny’s husband Tom’s mother are only a taste of the décor. Inside the curio is a pink Staffordshire baby cup that had belonged to Tom, Ginny’s husband’s grandfather.
As visitors head down the hallway to the bedrooms, there are two definite attractions not to miss. First, a faux fireplace that Ginny has created. This means using items to create the look of a fireplace without really being one. The top of it is a paned, storm window door insert placed horizontally. Then there is a traditional mantle and finally a metal screen with a tree and birds design. Ginny places lights behind the screen to depict flames.
Second, as both Ginny and her husband spent their working careers employed by J.C. Penney Co., Ginny has constructed what is called a “Golden Rule Store” or a miniature of a J.C. Penney store. I asked how much time was invested in making this project and she thought probably three months. I must also add that Ginny won a blue ribbon with this “Golden Rule Store” when she entered it in the Corn Festival Hobby and Handicraft Show competition.
As I mentioned previously, paintings fill this home and Ginny credits her good friend Barbara Farrell for igniting this spark of artistic talent within her and teaching her. Most often Ginny uses photographs as her starting point for her paintings and watercolors are her preferred medium.
The office/studio is filled with treasured family photographs going back as far as great grandparents. Ginny’s painting table/desk is stocked with the tools of her hobby. The walls are covered with the fruits of her labor — her paintings.
“Granny Irene,” husband Tom’s grandma, must have been quite a lady. Be sure to see her red felt hat and white leather gloves that Ginny displays in the guest bedroom. In Granny’s day, no one went to church without a hat and gloves. Tom’s mother’s Singer sewing machine, which Ginny uses, also is in the guest room along with a beautiful oil painting of her engagement orchids, done by Ginny’s grandma, Jennie Mae.
On the bed is a special treasure of Ginny’s family’s talent – a quilt made by her sister-in-law of fabric pieces from husband Tom’s shirts.
The master bedroom features wedding photos of generations – Ginny and Tom, their parents and grandparents. Also be sure to see the wedding cake bride and groom top that Ginny has saved and uniquely displayed. Have you heard of curb rescue? Ginny has found some great furniture that has been left on the curb by others. In fact, she found and restored a very attractive white chair with ornate styling that she uses in her bedroom.
The living room, done in a neutral, pleasing color scheme, features a canoe that houses many family collections. Above the sofa is an oak bookcase built by one of Ginny’s sons, Wes. Two interesting pieces to look for on the shelves are a pond yacht made by Tom when he was 14 and also a miniature three drawer chest built by Ginny’s great-grandfather, Charles Thomas.
The last room that visitors will see is the kitchen, and there is so much to see. In fact, too much to mention in this article. Collections of antique coffee pots, tea strainers, measuring cups, beaters, dippers, full size cookie cutters as well as the miniature dishes and cookie cutters Ginny’s sons, Wes and Jim, used as children are just a few of the interesting items.
Tickets for the Housewalk are $15 and can be purchased at downtown businesses as well as at any of the homes on the Housewalk or the complimentary tea done by Bethlehem Lutheran Church at 202 W. Jefferson St. Proceeds from the Housewalk are given to Grundy Community Hospice, Morris Downtown Beautification and scholarships for Morris High School and GAVC seniors.
Judy Stemen is the hostess coordinator for this home.
