C 0 0 0 The Michigan Daily Weekei 8B - The Michigan Daily Weekend Magazine - Thursday, November 19 . 1998 Something Old: The Kempf House, Center for Local Hist The second-story windows are fashioned with the "pressed flower" pat- terned grilles that can be found on several houses in Washtenaw County. These grilles were a popular stock item when the Kempf Hloue was built. However difficult it is to imagine, the University once had to borrow Reuben Kempf's grand piano. In the 1890s, the Kempfs owned a 1877 Steinway, the first grand piano in Ann Arbor. The piano was brought into Hill Auditorium for perfor- mances. The piano is still in existence and is in the process of being restored. It will return to its original location in the house sometime early next year. The Kempf house offers opportunities for student involvement. There are volunteer positions available, and training on Ann Arbor history will be given to those who want to donate some time to the house. Those who don't have time to give, but still would like to be involved can subscribe to the quarterly newsletter for a student rate. With a membership, house tours are free. On Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m., the Kempf house hosts lectures on local history and architecture. The cost is $1 for mem- bers, $2 for non-members. The house hosts an annual Valentine's Day tea in February. Reservations can be made after February 1. Exhibits, demonstrations and lectures are held throughout the year. For more information contact: The Kempf House 312 South Division Ann Arbor, MI 48104 994-4898 Emily, a German Kempf House. The Kempfs were middle class residents who earned their living with music. Pauline, who attend- ed the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, taught vocal lessons, conducted the Congregational Church Choir and performed musicals at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. Reuben graduated from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Germany and he was the organist and choir director of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. He was also active in the University's Glee Club. With its four columns, triangular pediment and low pitched roof, the Kempf House Is an example of Greek Revival Architecture right In Ann Arbor. University students do not always take advantage of Ann Arbor's diverse culture, evident in things such as the Kempf House. Located only a few blocks from campus, at 312 South Division St., the house is perfect for a Sunday afternoon study break. One can drop by between 1 and 4 p.m. and tour the historic house for just $1. The Kempf house was named after the family that lived there for 63 years. Reuben H. Kempf and his wife, Pauline Widenmann Kempf raised their two children, Elsa and Paul, in the house. Elsa studied at the University of Michigan, and later became a teacher at Perry Elementary School. Paul convinced the city of Ann Arbor to purchase the house in 1967 as an investment. He knew that the increasing amount of construction taking place in downtown Ann Arbor would soon take over the older residential properties. The house itself was built in 1853 by Mary and Henry Bennett, and with this in mind, Ann Arbor made it into a center for local history. It is now maintained by the Ann Arbor Department of Parks and Recreation. The Kempf House contains a sewing machine owned by the machine's inventor, Elias Howe. Although it is not one of Howe's earliest machines, it still is a historic piece, displayed with its original stand and case. Although thisi Kempf's residen order to convey Photostory by Jessica Johns