For a little recent history on 302 W. German Street, I have posted the photo I took in late 2003 when the wall closest to the Inn collapsed. Water damage and a lack of proper maintenance caused the brick facade to lose its hold on the log structure underneath, the end result of which was a loud crash and a heavy plume of brick dust shooting across German Street around 9:00 a.m. Luckily no one was walking past when it happened. I happened across this picture today and realized that it shows the log cabin that we hope to retain, at least in part, in the restoration of the property to a habitable dwelling. We will go before the Planning Commission on Monday evening to obtain permission to demolish the garage - the outside is pictured here. As you can see, it is not a historic structure - cobbled together with vinyl siding on plywood, and extending what must have been a garden shed or carport at one time. Unfortunately the original shed has dry rot and deterioration from exposure to the elements and lack of maintenance, so it is unlikely we will be able to reuse much of it.
The last picture is of a few pieces of costume jewelry and buttons that were found on the porch. We think the buttons may be pictures of the previous owner of the house, Arthur "Sonny" Prather, but we will ask a local historian to verify that if possible.
Onward and upward!
Jeanne & Jim at the Thomas Shepherd Inn B&B in Shepherdstown, WV




