Historic Cadiz home built by master craftsman E.M. Long being meticulously restored

E.M. Long is a familiar name in Cadiz history. Born in 1851, less than four decades after Harrison County was founded, Long became a master carpenter under the guidance of his father and went on to leave a lasting architectural imprint on the community.

Among the many structures he built were the Harrison County Children’s Home, the County Home, Franklin College, the county jail and sheriff’s residence, the Fourth National Bank building and the county courthouse. He also constructed several private residences — including the home at 317 Lincoln Ave., where he lived for many years.

That house is now owned by Jim Schladetch, who has spent the past four years restoring its historic character. One of his first projects was tearing out the carpeting and having the original hardwood floors professionally refinished. His next surprise came when he removed a suspended ceiling.

“When I tore down the suspended ceiling, I got quite the surprise,” Schladetch said. “There were places the plaster had fallen out and only the lath remained. They had put paneling up to cover holes. They punched holes everywhere to run wiring for the ceiling fixtures. It was a disaster. But I had all that replaced.”

Schladetch does most of the work himself, relying on his background in construction. Years ago, he built a few homes while living in Florida.

“I’m restoring,” he said. “I’m putting it back as close as possible to what it was. Nobody has the blueprints, so I just have to use my head. I spent almost six months stripping the varnish on the main level. It was cracked and chipped and bubbled. Everything was white when I moved in.”

Long owned several businesses during his life, including a garage located where NAPA now stands and a milling business that produced windows, doors and trim.

“He made windows, doors — anything you can think of,” Schladetch said. “A train would come into Cadiz and he’d load it up to be shipped all over the country. That’s why nobody can duplicate the trim in this house.”

Schladetch said preserving the home is a way of preserving Cadiz history. He plans to continue restoring the property with an eye toward honoring its original craftsmanship and legacy.