There has not to my knowledge been anything written or recorded in Huntsville History about the Kranz-Dreger home at 610 Holmes Avenue. Few people have seen inside the home or know it was designed by Huntsville architect Edgar Love.

Edgar Lee Love was one of Huntsville's premiere architects and the city's first active preservationist. Among his accomplishments are the Masonic Temple at 409 Lincoln, Dunnavant's at 100 Washington, and the magnificent U.S. Post Office & Federal Court House which houses the spectacular TVA Mural by Xavier Gonzalez.

One of the distinct features of the Dreger Home is the use of beautiful oak paneling in the living/dining room ceiling, pocket doors, bookshelves, sideboard, French doors. Edgar Love also used gorgeous wood panel wainscot which encircles the room of the Federal Courthouse. The copper ceiling light fixtures in the Dreger Home are originals, possibly made by Oscar Dreger, a sheet metal worker who before coming to Huntsville installed the mosaics in the old Chicago Public Library under contract with Tiffany. His work can be found in many Huntsville homes and buildings including the Masonic Temple. His U.S. patent for a metal roofing design, along with a roofing sample, is still in the home. Edgar Love's drafts for the design of this home are still here too.

There are 3 working fireplaces, 2 pantries, 7 closets including a large cedar closet with cedar shelves in the hallway. The ice tongs still hang near the back door where ice was delivered for the ice box.

French doors in the living room and master bedroom open on to a large screen porch with original wicker furniture and swing that can be seen from the back east bedroom. The design of air circulation through the entire house is outstanding. An upstairs sleeping porch at the back of the house was where all 5 Dreger children slept year round in 2 iron beds.

It has been a great privilege, joy, and responsibility to live here for 50 year and work to preserve it for future generations. In 1997 the Historic Huntsville Foundation presented a "Historic Preservation Award" to Alvin & Patricia Dreger.

I would now like to share this bit of Huntsville history with you!

Patricia Dreger