True Tales From Old Houses

U.S. HISTORIC PRESERVATION ALERT — NOVEMBER 9 DEADLINE
The Short Version:
Proposed changes to a federal preservation rule, Section 106, could put important historic and cultural places across the United States at risk.
Right now, Section 106 gives YOU a chance to speak up when the federal government plans or helps pay for projects that could damage or destroy places important to your community. The proposed changes could take away that opportunity.
Native American Tribes could also lose important protections that help them speak up for their sacred sites, burial grounds, and other places connected to their history and traditions.
Cell towers, highways, and the demolition of historically significant buildings and neighborhoods are just a few projects that can trigger a Section 106 review. You shouldn't have to wait until the bulldozers arrive to discover that your community never had a chance to speak up.
HERE'S WHAT TO DO:
Call your representatives and tell them you support Section 106 and the National Historic Preservation Act.
Download the 5Calls App or visit https://5calls.org/issue/bipartisan-affordability-and-jobs-act
FYI: The issue is buried within "Oppose Harmful Provisions in the Bipartisan Affordability and Jobs Act." So, you may have to search for it on the app.
Enter your zip code to find your representatives and a script you can use when you call.
Also visit https://106strong.com to learn more.
The Long Version:
A federal review process called Section 106 has helped give communities a voice in decisions affecting historic buildings, neighborhoods, archaeological sites, Native American burial grounds and sacred sites, and places important to communities whose histories have too often been overlooked.
Now, proposed changes could significantly weaken that process and remove YOUR voice from the discussion.
In this special edition of True Tales From Old Houses, two preservation experts explain what's happening, why Section 106 matters, and what we stand to lose if the proposed changes move forward.
We break down what Section 106 actually does, how the proposed changes could affect communities across the country, and what you can do before the *November 9 deadline.*
You don't need to own an old house, work in preservation, or know anything about federal regulations to care about this issue. These places tell America's stories. Today's decisions could affect how those stories are protected for generations to come. 
The deadline is November 9. Download the 5Calls App or visit https://5calls.org/issue/bipartisan-affordability-and-jobs-act to make your voice heard. Learn more at https://106strong.com.

In this Spooky Season episode, Lauren Riensche shares how a fresh start during the pandemic inspired her to combine her love of history, ghost stories, and architecture into the Cedar Falls Ghost Tour. She explains how she tracks down the history behind local ghost stories and uses her tours to support the community. Lauren also shares some of her own spooky experiences, including a few from her ghost tours.
Also, Stacy describes what happens when she makes an impromptu stop at the infamous Villisca Axe Murder House during a road trip with her mom. She goes in a skeptic and comes out...well, she comes out.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Join Stacy on Substack
Photos from Episodes 193 & 194 on Substack
Learn more about Cedar Falls Ghost Tours on Instagram
Learn more about Cedar Falls Ghost Tours on Facebook
Villisca Axe Murder House
We Love our Sponsors!
Many thanks to the sponsors who help make this show possible. When you shop on their websites and use the codes below (where available), you're directly supporting their small businesses and the podcast, too!
Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code TRUETALES26.
Brouns & Co. Linseed Oil Paint - Flax plant-derived linseed oil paint and stain. Anti-mold with only trace elements of VOCs. Wicks moisture from wood. Prevents metal from rusting. Brouns & Co. is trusted by preservation professionals and homeowners who value authenticity.
Heritage Supply Co. - Heritage Supply Co. (formerly The Craftsman Store) is the same trusted company you know for window restoration supplies and more. Use code TRUETALES10 for 10% off your entire order. Spend $250 or more for free shipping.
The Old House Shop – The store for people who accidentally turn every conversation into a discussion about windows, plaster, or old-growth lumber. Find preservation-minded t-shirts, cozy sweatshirts, mugs, and gifts that celebrate process over perfection. Use code OLDHOUSELIFE for 10% off your order. 
Intro and Outro music by AudionautiX

Season 14 of True Tales From Old Houses kicks off with our annual Spooky Season stories!
What happens when you're a skeptic but the ghosts don't care? Four listeners share their encounters with the unexplained, including mysterious figures, strange voices, and a possible brush with time travel. Their stories might make even the most committed doubter question what they believe.
Plus, Stacy shares a few summer updates and big news about the future of True Tales From Old Houses.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Join Stacy on Substack
Caitlin - The Preservation Peach (Instagram)
Caitlin - Blue Dog Preservation (Instagram) 
Aimée Struble - Nola.Paint.Girl (Instagram) 
Jillian Pelkey - RoseHomesteadRehabCT (Instagram)
We Love our Sponsors!
Many thanks to the sponsors who help make this show possible. When you shop at the websites and use the codes below (where available), you're directly supporting their small businesses and the podcast, too!
Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code TRUETALES26.
Brouns & Co. Linseed Oil Paint - Flax plant-derived linseed oil paint and stain. Anti-mold with only trace elements of VOCs. Wicks moisture from wood. Prevents metal from rusting. Brouns & Co. is trusted by preservation professionals and homeowners who value authenticity.
Heritage Supply Co. - Heritage Supply Co. (formerly The Craftsman Store) is the same trusted company you know for window restoration supplies and more. Use code TRUETALES10 for 10% off your entire order. Spend $250 or more for free shipping.
The Old House Shop – The store for people who accidentally turn every conversation into a discussion about windows, plaster, or old-growth lumber. Find preservation-minded t-shirts, cozy sweatshirts, mugs, and gifts that celebrate process over perfection. Use code OLDHOUSELIFE for 10% off your order. 
Intro and Outro music by AudionautiX

In this week's episode, the season finale of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy welcomes Robert Khederian, a realtor, writer, and commentator on pre-war architecture, design, and old-house culture.
Robert is known for his thoughtful observations about historic homes and the people who love them, making him the perfect guest to help close out the season. We discuss changing attitudes toward historic homes, what buyers are looking for today, timeless design, and how social media has influenced the way we think about owning old houses.
Also in this episode, listener Peter Martin shares how he got the doors in his old house to latch properly. What sounds like a simple project turned out to be a series of different problems, each requiring its own solution. It's a practical conversation for anyone living with doors that stick, swing, sag, or simply refuse to cooperate.
Mentioned in this Episode:
Sign up for the Wood Window Workshop at Blake Hill House
Join Stacy on Substack
Bending Hinges - I'll put some links on Substack this week. I'm still looking for the most useful ones.
Find Robert Khederian on Substack, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
Buy Tala lightbulbs 
Buy GE Relax lightbulbs (affiliate link)
WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS
Many thanks to the sponsors who help make this show possible. When you shop at the websites and use the codes below (where available), you're directly supporting their small businesses and the podcast, too!
Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code TRUETALES26.
Brouns & Co. Linseed Oil Paint - Flax plant-derived linseed oil paint and stain. Anti-mold with only trace elements of VOCs. Wicks moisture from wood. Prevents metal from rusting. (Featured on ep. 164) Brouns & Co. is trusted by preservation professionals and homeowners who value authenticity.
Heritage Supply Co. - Heritage Supply Co. (formerly The Craftsman Store) is the same trusted company you know for window restoration supplies and more. Use code TRUETALES10 for 10% off your entire order. Spend $250 or more, and shipping is free.
Repaint Studios - The Repaint Tray from Repaint Studios is the first reusable silicone paint tray liner and lid. The Repaint Tray's airtight lid keeps your paint fresh for weeks. Use the coupon code TRUETALES10 to save 10% off your order.
Intro and Outro music by AudionautiX

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy talks with Ariana Makau, principal conservator and founder of Nzilani Glass Conservation, about her decision to purchase a long-neglected industrial building in Oakland, California.
After hearing from so many listeners interested in historic commercial buildings, Stacy invited Ariana to share her experience taking on an old industrial property and turning it into a space that works for both her business and her broader mission.
Ariana explains what drew her to the building, how she determined whether the project was realistic, and the vision she has for the property's future as a home for Nzilani Glass and her non-profit, The Fillet Foundation. Stacy and Ariana discuss adaptive reuse, balancing passion with practicality, and the importance of planning before taking on a major rehabilitation project.
The conversation also explores the often-overlooked people behind preservation work. Ariana explains why she wants to recognize every craftsperson, contractor, and tradesperson who contributes to the building's transformation, and why their work deserves to be celebrated alongside the finished project.
Mentioned in this Episode:
Sign up for the Wood Window Workshop at Blake Hill House
Join Stacy on Substack
Nzilani Glass Conservation (website)
The Fillet Foundation (website)
Red Wing Wall of Honor (website)
@Nzilani_Glass (Instagram)
@the_fillet_foundation (Instagram)
@aubadeproperty (Instagram)
Many thanks to the sponsors who help make this show possible. When you shop at the websites and use the codes below (where available), you're directly supporting their small businesses and the podcast, too!
Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code TRUETALES26.
Brouns & Co. Linseed Oil Paint - Flax plant-derived linseed oil paint and stain. Anti-mold with only trace elements of VOCs. Wicks moisture from wood. Prevents metal from rusting. Brouns & Co. is trusted by preservation professionals and homeowners who value authenticity.
Heritage Supply Co. - Heritage Supply Co. (formerly The Craftsman Store) is the same trusted company you know for window restoration supplies and more. Use code TRUETALES10 for 10% off your entire order. Spend $250 or more, and shipping is free.
The Old House Shop – The store for people who accidentally turn every conversation into a discussion about windows, plaster, or old-growth lumber. Find preservation-minded t-shirts, cozy sweatshirts, mugs, and gifts that celebrate process over perfection. Use code OLDHOUSELIFE for 10% off your order (excluding books). 
Intro and Outro music by AudionautiX