The Unique And Sacred Trust Stewarding A Historic Landmark Home

“For you have in your possession a unique and sacred trust. Guard it well.” — B. J. Palmer

We set aside Wednesday mornings to tend the gardens.  This was an almost everyday task during the growing seasons, however, these days reliable and hard-working help eases the load.  Thus, in three to four hours, we get about twenty hours of work done.  “Many hands make work light” – goes the saying.

Recently as I was wrestling a tangle of vines and pachysandra into order, I looked up to see my spouse chatting with a gentleman along the 18th street curb.  This is not uncommon at Maison Steinbuchel.  Curious folks often stop by with questions.  My husband is more accomodating than I am as I tend to stick with the task at hand.

This time, something told me to investigate the visitor.  I am glad I did.  Turned out to be the great-great-grandson of Marie-Louise Hahan-Stackman-Steinbuchel for whom our home is named.  This particular visitor hailed from the Stackman branch of the family tree. What a joy!

Unique And Sacred Trust

We have met many of the descendants of Marie-Louise, but looking into this man’s face, there is no doubt of his ancestry.  We were aware that Roger lived nearby and had even talked and e-mailed with him.  My husband had met him and his daughter once.

Living in a historic structure carries responsibilities, especially when acquainted with the persons for whom it is named.  There is a unique, yet sacred trust one feels.  Yes, the architectural integrity of the structure is important:

• The grand staircase
• Fine woodcarvings
• priceless stained glass windows
• even the steam heat radiators

Those alone are special.  But for us, it is more.  It is a family story with all of its twists and turns.  Caring for those stories with integrity, dignity, and honesty is a sacred trust.

So, we plan to have lunch soon, with our new family tree representative.  We have loads of questions, of course, but mostly, we just want to get to know this real flesh and blood person.  A person who bears some of the same DNA as those who walked the halls of our home.

How do you approach those personal stories that need to be told?  I’ll let you know!  In the meantime, download the FREE PDF and get started on YOUR story!