I’m speaking of the unusual and attractive millwork seen most frequently on the houses in Sidney constructed during the mid to late 1800’s —the famous Victorian era homes. In some areas, where these houses appear in several bright colors, they are called "painted ladies."

A closer acquaintance with these painted ladies can be gained through a driving tour of the older portions of the city. Spotting and identifying them can be fun and instructional even to those of us who couldn’t tell a corbel from a spandrel. You can see the unusual windows, the framing, and other details that are or could be definite attributes to the city. Many of our fine older homes were constructed by Joseph Altenbach, master builder. Among his credits are St. Remy’s Catholic Church in Russia, Holy Angels, and our handsome Children’s Home. These and other buildings with historical value cry out to be preserved as they are a part of Shelby County’s history.