Historic photos of Valerie’s 1954 Milwaukee home — and her pink bathroom

There are archeologists among us — and of course they love the treasures in their 1954 home, including photos from their 1954 home’s original construction… and their original pink bathroom. Valerie writes: .

“I started reading your blog in April while shopping for my first house in Milwaukee. My husband and I actually bought a home built in 1954 on a lovely wooded lot.  We are the second owners, however, the only room that appears to be essentially unaltered is a bathroom. You will be happy to see there is a lot of pink!  Pink tile, sink and tub to be exact – in addition to a towel bar, soap dishes and paper dispenser.  The toilet is gray as is the floor tile. I believe the tub surround required recent repairs as a box of the long gray tiles is in the basement.  Other than that, the vanity doors are the only obvious update. My young daughters call this the “princess bathroom”, and the seller was very happy to learn we liked it as is.  She was kind enough to give us pictures of the house taken by her father during construction.  We learned it was originally built as a two bedroom, one bath; another bedroom, bath, sunroom and garage were added in 1958. It is great fun to read about the many wonderful homes people share on Retro Renovation so it is a privilege to contribute in my own small way! My DH & I dreamed of buying a home for years, not specifically mid-century, but we definitely favored older houses.  Not surprising since we both have degrees in archeology and a deep appreciation for most artifacts more than 40 years old.  Mid-century homes appealed to us in that respect (so much character!) and on a rather practical level. We found so many houses of that era in our price range that offered spacious floor plans, lovely yards, and minimal sweat equity.  The fantastic fireplaces and built-in china cabinets are icing on the cake! I hope you like the bathroom; the paint color is fine for now if a little dark for my taste.  I suspect wallpaper was removed because the texture if so flat – how I wish the walls could talk! We love our “new” home. Once a few pressing projects are finished I’m excited to start decorating with the help of your blog.”

Matt writes: Wow Valerie! You’re daughters are right, you do have princess bathroom. It makes me so happy to know you and your husband are archeologists who are also retro renovators – what I wish to be one day.  It’s great you’re so passionate about our past and its homes. You definitely made the right choice when it came to your house. I completely agree with you that it is the character mid century home can have that makes them so desirable when it comes to choosing a new home. You won’t get that same vibe from a new home, and if you do you’ll be paying twice the price. I love all your recessed soap dishes. You may not think it at first, but the gray tile goes well with the pink. With all the good you got goin’ on, we won’t count the new vanity doors against you.

Pam adds: Yes, it appears the entire tub surround – white field tile with grey bullnose — is newer? That said, the coordination with the pink is nicely done.

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