In the early to mid 1970s, an upshot in the price of wheat caused a boom to Walla Walla's economy. Wheat rancher Bob Lonneker brought "Hollywood style" conspicuous consumption to the quiet, Conservative town when he bought an
historic house on South Palouse. It was three houses down from
ours, the property underwent an extensive
facelift. The house had a pool and a white stone fence in front, an iron gate on each side of a semi circle driveway that boasted a menagerie of fancy cars.
Ironically, the first time I met one of them was by coincidence in Seattle. I was visiting friends and Arlene Lonneker had moved from the
house. We struck up a conversation on a dock in the Leschi area.
The house is now a
VRBO, a rental for those who wish to vacation in Walla Walla. That stands for vacation rental by owner.
What a beautiful home! I really want to visit Walla Walla! Maybe we will even stay is a lovely place like this!
ReplyDeleteI remember the Lonnekers and went to school with their daughter. Later as an adult, I owned a house about a block away. Beautiful part of town with lovely old homes.
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