For over a century, the house at 115 West Fourth St. in Dunkirk sat proudly on its plot amid the other fine houses in the new development known then as "Brook's Park." It was the heyday of Dunkirk and the city was booming.
In 1957 the house was purchased by a young Irish immigrant couple, Jeffery and Rhona O'Connell, who raised their five children at this address. Jeff was a well known fireman in Dunkirk and Rhona, his devoted wife, kept their home as a showplace of the neighborhood. The house to this day is known as "The O'Connell House."
Jeff passed away in 1991 and Rhona in 2001. The children moved away and the house was rented and fell upon hard times. Neighbors were at first saddened and then enraged at the neglect and abuse of the property. In December 2009, the house was put up for international auction on the Internet, a shabby shadow of its previous grandeur.
The house was purchased by Harriet "Skeeter" Tower, a new resident of the city who has come to appreciate some of the finer homes of Dunkirk and especially loves the variety of leaded glass windows. Her son, Christopher, had renovated her historic house on Swan Street where she now lives.
"I was shocked to realize the house at 115 W Fourth Street would be sold at auction and in all likelihood end up with an owner far away who might continue to neglect the property and let it sit empty once the extent of damages was assessed,", said Tower.
She was inspired by David Korten's book "Agenda For A new Economy," which addresses the causes of our recent economic crisis and offers solutions. Korten depicts Wall Street as creating "phantom" wealth without producing anything of real value.
"I liked his challenge," Tower said. "He supports investing in Main Street vs. Wall Street, "creating real wealth from real resources to meet real needs. His agenda is "to bring into being a new economy - locally-based, community-oriented and devoted to creating a better life for all, not simply increasing profits. I decided that I would pull my retirement out of Wall Street and invest in my new community. I decided to restore the O'Connell house and watch how this investment locally might help my entire neighborhood."
Neighbor Mary Harrington was very influential in Tower's decision. She was a friend of the O'Connells and could describe how elegant the house once was. Architectural details remain intact (oak stairwell and woodwork, fireplace, leaded glass window and a huge kitchen and patio with enclosed yard.
Harrington raised her family here and lauds the neighborhood. Elementary, middle and high schools are all within walking distance as are Lake Erie, downtown conveniences and parks. It is a safe and quiet neighborhood to raise children. There is definite camaraderie among the neighbors.
Tower is hopeful that her investment will pay off, and is preparing to list the property with a local real estate firm. Already she believes it has made a difference on Fourth Street. The principles of local investment versus Wall Street investment became a reality as soon as the project was undertaken. Twenty six trades people have been employed and as many as 18 retail businesses have benefited from the project, Skeeter says. I've also had some volunteer help which has been wonderful. It's been a roll up your sleeves, on site every day, general contractor job for me. John Moch, local craftsman has been there every day applying his varied skills. I calculate there have been close to 3000 hours of work on this house. It has been quite a transformation. . I have tried to restore the character and dignity of the house along with major upgrades to the electrical service , flooring , bathrooms, new roofing where needed and a rebuilt garage. I hope some family will love this house once again. I'd love to see Korten's theory work and be able to testify to how one Main Street investment can create a ripple effect on the community.
