A tour of homes with a flavor of architecture and history

On a drizzling September morning, raindrops pattered against the neat sidewalks and perfectly trimmed lawns that embody the essence of Wauwatosa's Washington Highlands neighborhood.

The homes in the area are old, but remain in good shape thanks to homeowner diligence. The residence of Laura and Gary Ruesch is no different. Located at 6208 W. Washington Blvd., the stone exterior of the American Tudor Revival-style house exudes a cozy warmth through the rain the morning of Sept. 29 — just days before the home will be on display for the masses during the Wauwatosa Historical Society's annual home tour Oct. 3.

The Ruesch home, completed in 1928, is one of six that will be featured on the one-day tour that aims to celebrate the preservation of homes in neighborhoods that illustrate the history and architecture of Wauwatosa. The annual tour first began in 1989.

All homes part of the 2015 Tour of Homes — "Elements of Style" — are located in the Washington Highlands.

Laura and Gary Ruesch first toured the residence on West Washington Blvd. about 15 years ago, and within three days of the initial visit and over glasses of chilled champagne, they shook hands with the owner — sealing the purchase — and the home was theirs.

Laura and Gary moved into the home in 1990 and raised four children inside the four-bedroom residence comprised of 4,100-square-feet of living space.

"I think the dining room is what sold Gary right away," said Laura Ruesch, sitting on a chair in the living room. Laura Ruesch, handy with a sewing machine, has crafted much of the tapestry found throughout the home; from the pillows on the sofa to the window curtains, her personal touch is scattered throughout.

In fact, the Ruesch family has invested much time and effort into restoring the home, while maintaining its original architectural appeal.

Keeping original features

For example, the dining room is wood paneled, brought back to its original color after restoration work. A discrete Prohibition cupboard is located in the corner of the room, now a place for sewing supplies instead of alcohol.

The stone flooring in the front foyer also was restored to its original color of green hues and warm tones once the Ruesch family moved in. The same flooring also appears in the sun room, brought back to life after the couple ripped out the carpet that covered it.

Other unique features of the home include his-and-hers dressing rooms in the master bedroom. The entire bedroom and associated master bath have recently been renovated, but the fresh coat of paint and new layers of wallpaper do not overshadow the original design.

The kitchen is the only other room in the house that has been renovated, Laura Ruesch said.

In the home's top floor is a bedroom occupied by the family's last child at home — a daughter still in high school. A large bathroom accompanies the bedroom. Gary Ruesch noted years ago that the top floor was the servant's quarters.

"Who would have thought the largest bathroom in the whole house would be in the servant's quarters?" he asked.

The Rueschs are just the latest owners of the home throughout its long history.

According to information compiled by Traci Schnell and Julie Peay for the Wauwatosa Historical Society, the house was designed by architect Herman Buemming for Allton and Emily Earling. Buemming also designed the home across the street for Allton's parents, Emil and Ida Earling, and a third home nearby for Allton's sister and brother-in-law. Allton and his father were both in the coal business.

Coincidentally, mirroring the Earling family, a handful of Laura Ruesch's siblings — herself one of nine children in her family — reside in the Washington Highlands, including her mother who lives around the corner.

The home has changed hands seven times, with a notable tenant coming in 1936. U.S. Rep. Raymond Cannon and his family lived in the home until 1939. Cannon served Wisconsin's 4th District from 1933 to 1939 and worked as an attorney. He is identified as one of the first lawyers to establish a sports-related practice.

Like Cannon, Gary Ruesch is an attorney.

The Ruesches planned to spend the remainder of the week leading up to the tour putting the finishing touches on the home; blowing leaves off the back patio and filing away small stacks of paper, among other things. But much of the work has already been done in the 15 years since the family moved in.

"I'm highly motivated by deadlines!" Laura Ruesch exclaimed.

For more information on the Wauwatosa Historical Society's annual Tour of Homes, visit wauwatosahistoricalsociety.org.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Wauwatosa Historical Society's annual Tour of Homes

WHERE: Six homes in the Washington Highlands Neighborhood

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 3

HOW: Advance tickets are $14 for WHS members, $17 for nonmembers. Tour-day tickets can be purchased at 6194 Washington Circle; $17 for WHS members, $20 for nonmembers.

MORE INFO:wauwatosahistoricalsociety.org or (414) 774-8672