The talk of Put-in-Bay Island in July was the tearing down of the historic house “Seven Gables” cottage in the Shore Villas subdivision just
east of Perry’s Monument. The historic house, named for its seven gables, canopies over the windows and doors, was built in 1885 according to tax records. President Howard Taft stayed at the home when he visited the island. Fifty years ago, the home was owned by Larry Gazzola, a well-known summer person. More recent owners were the late Scott and Linda Buttrey, and Jerry and Lana Sluss. The new owners, Ed and Wendy Pesicka, purchased the home last June for $552,000 according to the Ottawa County Auditor’s office.
The property has a spectacular view of Put-in-Bay harbor and of the lake to the west looking out towards Rattlesnake Island. It also has a private dock. According to reports, the Pesickas were interested in saving the home but discovered issues with the foundation which would have made making extensive changes difficult and expensive. A new home, similar in style to Seven Gables, but not identical, is planned
for the now-vacant lot. Interestingly, Island mystery writer, Bob Adamov used the home in his popular novels. It was the home of the lead character Emerson Moore’s Aunt Anne in his books.
When Bob saw the house coming down, he posted it on the Put-in-Bay Facebook Page and asked his readers to explain its demise with creative plot ideas. His readers responded with numerous plots. A couple we liked were the following. “Racing speedboat chase across Lake Erie by the Coast Guard. Illegal immigrant smuggling suspected. As they near Put-in-Bay, the speedboat driver dives overboard and the boat jumps the dock, airborne, and lands/crashed into Aunt Annie’s house. The investigation takes Emerson to Guatemala jungles, Mexico, and involves ICE.” “Auntie fell and broke her hip and had to go to a rehab home. Squatters made themselves at home and left the stove on in the kitchen turned meth lab. It starts a fire while they are gone. They return to a burned out shell. Meanwhile, they had been pawning Auntie’s valuables on the mainland. Auntie, now fully recovered, joined reporter in locating druggies.”
