Little Red Shed

THE STORY OF THE LITTLE RED SHED (a.k.a. “Studio on Riverside”)

Part 3 of 5

We’ve been told by a few people that a previous owner was the local bootlegger in Newcastle. And that our little red shed was where the transactions took place. The last known resident was Herman Martens, but we’re not sure how long he lived there.

The stories could very well be true. When we demolished the house, the basement was full of mason jars. Had we counted the jars; the final tally would have probably been in the hundreds.

The shed itself has a small, inward opening window on the east end, as well as a tiny opening below and off to the side. We’re speculating that the money came in the little hole and the alcohol went out the window. There’s also another opening on the south side which we aren’t sure about. Perhaps a coal window?

If you have any information on the real history, or are aware of someone else who might, please let us know.

Regardless of its history, it still needed a facelift and that’s what it got. Inside and out. New flooring and some repairs to the walls on the inside. New roof and paint on the outside.

But what could possibly be left to do to the little red shed? Quite a bit! Stay tuned for Part 4 of “THE STORY OF THE LITTLE RED SHED (a.k.a. “Studio on Riverside”)”.