Echoes From The Attic and Poems, RALPH E. JUNE HOME, Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana
Submitted to the USGenWeb Archives by Don Johnson, Feb. 2001
Typed by Belford Carver
Written by by Edna F. Campbell
Copyrighted by Edna F. Campbell
With special thanks to her family for permission to use her works.

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RARE AND EXQUISITE HANDCARVING

Basking in past glory as a show place in the early days of Hammond, is the former 
Ralph E. June home located on 408 East Coleman Avenue.  Occupants are Mr. and Mrs. 
E. L. Stevens.

Distinguishing lines in classic architecture the hose catches the eye of even the 
most casual observer.  Bannister rails and conical shaped columns flank the front 
gallery.  Lending insight that the present era has no option on picture windows is 
the massive window on the east side beneath a decorative gable.  The focal point 
of interest is a high domed cupola.  Reflecting Byzantium architectural trends the 
towering turret features imported stained-glass window panes.  The colorful glass 
is repeated in the window of the entrance hall and the parlor.

There is quite an interesting history in the workmanship in the front parlor.  
Combinations of rare and beautiful wood were used to complete the intricately-
designed wall paneling and hand carving effects.  The owner, Ralph June, as a 
lumber industrialist, was in a position to obtain the select lumber and materials 
in his home.

A master craftsman in cabinet work, John Voss, a native of Germany, was the artist 
in this unique wood work designing, the finesse which attracted visitors from afar 
and near.  The exquisite satin finish of the carving has not deteriorated through 
the years but remains in excellent condition.

Another mark of distinction is the marble work on the hearth of the fireplace.  
Throughout the room the beadedand carved paneling adds to the background.  
Sentimental reminders for the family members of today are the carved initials, 
"R.E.J." and "H.C.J"; also a carved head of a child.  Swirls of spiral designs 
frame the door transom.

Residents of long standing are of the opinion that the contracting of the house 
was by the Wolfe brothers.

Living in the old home when completed around the turn of the century were Mr. and 
Mrs. June, two sons, Clarence and Percy and a daughter, Flora Mae.  The latter is 
now Mrs. George Stirrat of Baton Rouge.

Mrs. Stirrat recalls that a small boy armed with BB gun shot a hole through one 
pane of the stained glass window that left a perfect hole but the glass remained 
intact.  She reminiscences along thoughts of her mother's rose garden and the 13 
cedar trees and china ball trees that have all disappeared, also that the glass 
enclosed porch was used to house canary birds.  The birds were included in her 
mother's hobbies.

Miss Helen Voss whose father did the outstanding carving in the home remembers 
her father also did the cabinet work at Morris Retreat for the Holton brothers.

(From ECHOES FROM THE ATTIC, V, 1970, by Edna Campbell)

(For more information on the Morris Retreat, see Zemurray Gardens.  Destroyed by 
fire a few years ago.  Replaced by a modern brick home.  BEC 2/1/01)  

(Pic of home)