The St. Helen: A Special House with an Intriguing Past
My passion and respect for history is reflected in this special house. Over a century ago, it was constructed as a rooming house and the original details remain: transoms over the doors, untouched woodwork and configuration of rooms. Built by John and Elizabeth Steinhauer, the large basement was originally “The Light and Truth Spiritualist Temple,” as Mrs. Steinhauer was a Spiritualist Minister. She frequently advertised her services as a clairvoyant, using the temple for seances and lectures. The rooming house and temple were sold, along with the adjoining house to Slovakian immigrant and tin smith Joseph Gebura in 1927. He converted the temple to “American Sheet Metal” and raised his family in the former rooming house. The property was purchased in 2011 by Tim Del Papa from Mr. Gebura’s youngest daughter, Helen…a life long resident of the house! Mechanical updates to the property were made while preserving the house’s integrity and character. Now, the former Spiritualist Temple and Sheet Metal Shop is home to “The Tin Shop Gallery.” Water colorist Chuck Del Papa has his studio and showcases his work in this storied part of the building.