Scents Of July - 2003 - Vermilion County Museum Society

Scents of July - 2003

Home of: Joyce and Harold Melton 1103 Sherman Street Design: Cindy's Garden Patch

                The Melton family moved into their home at 1103 Sherman in December 1968, making December 2003 their 35th year in the Lincoln Park area. Harold's job brought them to Danville; they looked for one year before finding a home large enough for their five children. Built in the early 1900's, Harold and Joyce bought the house from Bob and June Peterson, but many people have referred to it as the "Dr. Dorsey house".

                Harold would never have considered an old house, but this one had a newly finished basement, modern kitchen, and two complete bathrooms upstairs. This home is a basic Four Square with a stucco exterior and hip roof. The front porch is a favorite family gathering place during warm weather, where everyone likes to read, talk and listen to the Sunday band concerts held in Lincoln Park. All the rooms are spacious with high ceilings and the entry floor is slate. The house must have been one of the first to have air conditioning because there was a cooling "tower" out back when the Meltons bought the house. Other owners have removed the mantle from the fireplace. Joyce is very artistic and has painted several murals throughout the house for her grandchildren to enjoy.

                One of the things that the Meltons appreciate about their property is how their yard has always felt so open since the side yard overlooks the park. The Meltons got into gardening in a serious way when their children were grown and Harold retired. He has built many yard structures: a deck, gazebo, a tree house for the grandchildren and two arbors. Joyce likes fun things for the yard and her children have given her lots of ornaments. Large maples have created deep shade in their yard over the years, resulting in some major bare spots, and this year's challenge is coddling a crop of grass. Perennials are a favorite because they happily spread everwhere and can be shared with others, and Joyce's favorite flowers are hollyhocks, daylilies, daisies, blackeyed Susans and hosta. She prefers a natural look that is reminiscent of the farm she was raised.

Scents of July
Vermilion County Museum
116 North Gilbert Street
Danville, Illinois 61832
217-442-2922