By STACY WOLFORD
Managing Editor
[email protected]
LaRae Stieman has treasured memories of growing up on her grandparent’s Elizabeth Township homestead, where they often hosted memorable parties and lively gatherings for elected officials and community members in their historic home.
Located at 2560 Greenock Buena Vista Road in the township’s Mt. Vernon section, the historic home started as a humble, two-room log cabin constructed in the early 1800s.
Valentine “Val” Stieman grew up in Buena Vista but moved to the cabin when the family purchased the property in 1943. Alongside his dedicated wife, Pearl, Val Stieman took that small log cabin and transformed it into an 11-room, three-bathroom home that incorporated the carefully-fitted logs from the original construction.
Their daughter, Edwanna Stieman, returned to the family home with LaRae, who was just a baby at the time. They had lived in the state of California where LaRae was born, but Edwanna wanted to come home after LaRae’s father died.
“My grandparents were the best, most-hardworking people I know. I called my grandfather, ‘Dad,’ because he was always there for me and raised me,” LaRae said.
Sadly, the house was demolished on Dec. 27, due to the effects of time and LaRae’s ongoing health issues over the years, which left her unable to tend to the upkeep needed on the property.
“It was extremely heartbreaking and emotional for me to see the house torn down,” she said.
But a part of her family homestead — and a piece of LaRae’s heart — will live on as she arranged to have the 200-year old logs from the original home donated to the Elizabeth Township Historical Society. Protect Elizabeth Township will have a plaque made to commemorate the donation. The plaque will be placed with the logs at the historic Greenock Log House, so that their family’s legacy will continue on.
LaRae thanked Elizabeth Township Commissioner Josh Walls of Ward 4, township business owner Rich Algeri and Protect Elizabeth Township members for their help and guidance to have the logs salvaged for future use.
“Josh put everything in motion and he listened to me,” LaRae said. “I will forever be grateful to all of them.”
LaRae said it would make her grandparent’s proud to know a part of their beloved home was saved. She said her grandfather gave up a job at the mill to pursue his dream of being a landscaper and left his mark on many recognizable grounds in the township, including the Yough Country Club and Mount Vernon Apartments. Using his landscaping talents, he meticulously maintained about 30 gardens around the log cabin, each having its own theme.
He was also dedicated to his community and spent 28 years an Elizabeth Township commissioner.
“One of the most important things he did was help start the Mt. Vernon Youth Development to get playgrounds and things to do for kids,” LaRae said. “He was really proud of that.”
While she misses her family everyday, LaRae said she knows they are smiling down beaming with proud that a piece of their family’s history will live on.
“They truly were my heroes,” she said. “Having part of our home saved means more than anyone will ever know.”
Val and Pearl Stieman along with their daughter, Edwanna, in front of their home.