Living in a time capsule

Original works, eclectic collections make family stewards of history

Mike and Sarah Randolph’s past 20 years living in their three-story home at 1643 Rhode Island St. have been rife with full-circle moments.

After all, they both grew up in Lawrence — Mike across town from their current home in East Lawrence, and Sarah in the home right across the backyard. The Randolphs’ home backs up to the home Sarah’s parents have lived in for more than 40 years.

It’s only fitting that the couple ended up in a home with a rich history, a home that Sarah calls their “own little time capsule.” It was built in 1913 and had never housed any children or pets until the Randolphs became the homeowners in 2001, following a decade living in Atlanta. Their return to Lawrence, and to this home in particular, meant their children could effectively grow up with two childhood homes.

“Our kids got an experience that a lot of kids don’t now, where they grew up with my parents intimately involved in their daily lives,” Sarah said. “They were doing scavenger hunts for them. They were very, very involved.”

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The home has its original woodwork, and its first and second floor have their original push-button light switch covers. The couple love living in an old home, despite the extra work that brings.

ABOVE: Three wings of the house at 1751 Learnard Ave. surround an exterior courtyard.

LEFT: A large walk-in shower is a feature in the bathroom.

Mike said each old home has its own look, and the craftsmanship required to build them differs from what it takes today. Homes had to be built with a lot of thought, he said, and for form and function first and profit second.

“I think the feeling, too, that you get with these older homes is you feel like you’re a steward of them, just because of the longevity and the history that happened before you,” Mike said. “You want that to carry forward.”

The home does have one addition: A third level was added in 1994 by its previous owner, artist Myles Schachter. That floor is where the Randolphs chose to locate their bedroom, and it also includes a bathroom and a small balcony overlooking the back yard.