Old Pompano Beach Historic Homes Tour
4. The "Bo Giddens" House
Things You Won't Want
To Miss On Your Tour
We purchased this house in 1979 primarily
because of its large yard, cathedral ceilings, and working
fireplace. The house was in a state of disrepair but clearly
had much potential. One of the first orders of business
was to add a coat of pain to brighten the flaky, oxidized
paint which had deteriorated to a chalky gray/white pallor.
We chose yellow. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a shade
or two brighter than we expected. Unbeknownst to us, Mrs.
Giddens still resided in the neighborhood and was keeping
a watchful eye on the house's progress. Though generally
pleased with our restorative efforts, upon seeing the newly
added color, she commented, "It certainly is bright,"
and, after a moment's reflection, "But it will do.".....
Enough said We knew it was OK to move on and we have been
on that journey for 21 years with no regrets.
As you begin your tour of this quaint, ranch style home,
we would like to point out a few items you might find to
be of particular interest:
FRONT PORCH: Notice the large BEAR
STATUE which graces the front entrance. It is a reproduction
of a wood carving which emanated from the Black Forest.
The original piece is valued in excess of $6000. Our reproduction
was a freebie and was obtained from Billy Bob's Shooting
Emporium on Copan's Road about 10 years ago after a fire
temporarily cLosed down the range.
 LIVING
ROOM: Be sure not to miss the antique BARBER'S CHAIR. It
weighs a ton and, for this reason, it will be there for
a long time to; come. It was found at a thrift store and
they, because of its incredible weight, were more than happy
to have found another home for it. The framed CHRISTENING
GOWN on the east wall is a family heirloom that dates back
to 1922 when the homeowner's mother was born. It has been
called into use numerous times in the last 70 years. Note,
too, the start of a collection of over 200 GRIZZLY &
POLAR BEARS that inhabit various in sundry nooks and crannies
throughout the house.
BATHROOM: The walls are adorned with
FAMILY PICTURES dating back to the turn of the century chronicling
the owner's family heritage. The SINK was installed in 1985
much to the dismay of the plumber whose observation was,
"I've spent 50 years taking these thinks out of houses.
This is the first time I've been asked to put one back."
He simply shook his head and went on to complete the job.
MASTER BEDROOM: The ANTIQUE BED is
actually a waterbed. The frame is made from two twin beds.
The DRESSER is actually a simple 3 drawer oak dresser dragged
off the back of a junk truck. It was traded for a broken
lawn mower and was covered with 5 layers of thick enamel
paint. The top section was originally a very short china
cabinet. Together the two make an attractive and functional
piece of furniture.
FRONT BEDROOM/ OFFICE: Do not miss
the APOTHECARY CABINET hanging on the south wall. The door
was found in the backyard of the Cap Campbell house down
the street. The cabinet is filled with authentic MEDICINE
BOTTLES (some still containing their original medicines)
and paraphernalia dating back to the turn of the century.
DINING ROOM: The DENTAL CABINET in the comer contains a
small portion of the 50+ statues from the Boyds Bears Bearstone
Collection. The DINING ROOM SET is of European origin and
is one of the few pieces in the house that was not acquired
at a thrift/ consignment store or dragged in from a trash
pile.
KITCHEN: The FLOOR was recently restored
and, in the process of removing 5 layers of a variety of
flooring materials, it was noted that the floor under the
refrigerator at some point had endured a substantial amount
of water damage which necessitated extensive repairs over
the years. The cabinets and ceiling were installed in 1979.
MISCELLANEOUS NOTE: You might have
noticed the FOUNTAINS on the porch and in the living room.
While we think the sounds set the mood for quiet meditation,
the feline occupants of the house think the fountains make
wonderful "KITTY WATER FOUNTAINS". We have come
to realize that it does absolutely no good to argue with
them about this!
EFFICIENCY: As you pass through the
rental unit, do not miss the occupant's collection of bells
and the beautifully raised and contoured ceiling which makes
the room seem larger than its actual size. It is hard to
visualize this space as once being a carport.
This completes your tour and we thank
you for visiting with us today. We hope that you have enjoyed
your brief journey down memory lane.
J. Kimball
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