This building was built in 1860. It is made from brick on a wooden frame. This building also has the distinction of being the first house in South Amana to have a child born in it. This occurred on November 5, 1860. Another interesting fact about this house is that members of the same family have been living in it since the day it was built. Thus the name above in the title.
At some point in time, the village shoemaker lived here. He did not use this building as a shop. As far as my research was able to uncover, this has always been a wohnhaus (residence). As mentioned above, the Shoup family has deep roots in this house. One of my father's best friends lives in this house. I know that my dad has many fond memories about the place and the people that live(d) here. One of the many stories that I heard growing up was about dad and Bill counting bottle caps all day long. ( I usually heard this when I mentioned how bored I was!) Another story related to the "pet" Great-horned Owl that the Shoup brothers had. Evidently the owlet was found in the surrounding timber when it was young. It was brought home and cared for. The name Dopey was given, probably for one of it's inherent traits. I know that it was semi-wild for it flew around and often hunted for itself. I can remember hearing about it flying home to the Shoup house and landing on the porch with two frog legs protruding from each mouth corner! What a site that would have been, huh? Another favorite food was hot-dogs. It would roam (fly) around the area and occasionally check in at Bill's. I guess eventually it didn't return. I am unaware of it's demise. I know the spirit is probably resting near the giant tree in the backyard. The tree has survived lightning and storm. I think that it would be a fit place for such a regal spirit!
This building is still owned by the Shoup family. It is still standing and is a private residence.