"That Dam Yough House", originally built in 1915, was purchased at the latter part of 2000. At the time of purchase, the house was a small 1,100 square foot, 2 bedroom, plank house. The House sits close to what was once The Confluence carnival grounds, according to Dempsey Fisch, a neighbor. Dempsey also says that his kin inhabited this same house in the 1970's. The house has seen many families reside in it over the years.
Not long after the house was purchased, The "Virgin" boys, at "Dad's" direction, began the dusty demolition job. We basically "gutted" the whole house and started over. Many handhewn cedar beams were used to support the floors/ceilings. The house was then doubled in size. Many local contractors provided their fine skills to bring the house to its "ready to finish" state. The roof, plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning were completely redone.
Once it was time for finish work, my father, George C. Virgin, took over. Early on in the renovation, we both decided that we would have a "Get an idea and run with it" attitude. You will easily see the benefits of having had that kind of thought process. Dad's attention to quality, fine detail and maximizing the wood's beauty, is clearly evident. The trim work is done with various types of wood, such as wormy chestnut, cedar, hemlock and yellow pine. All of the chestnut that was used in the finish work came out of this same house. It had been torn out, plained, sanded, varnished and waxed before finally being installed as trim or paneling. Other items that were his ideas that will amaze and impress you are the 20 foot stone fireplace (complete w/potbelly stove), the log wall, the bunkbeds, etc....
I hope you will enjoy our home as much as we do, as you personally, walk room to room and marvel at his ideas. The finished product that was delivered is a testament to his life long motto of "Anything worth doing, is worth overdoing". Please come by and plan an overnite stay soon. Maybe you will get lucky and get to hear some "Confluence stories" from dear ole dad.
Special thanks to my brothers Rick, Jorge and Lance whom all had a hand in working on our home. Also, to Mom, whom is the greatest! Thanks for the meals, a place to stay, cleaning up after Dad and I, washing my work clothes......The list is endless.
