Stacey Hanks contributed to this story–
“A walk through time in Citrus Heights” was how visitors described Saturday’s History Day at the historic Rusch Home and Gardens. Surrounded by giant oaks and manicured gardens, the stately, 1915 Craftsman style home at 7301 Antelope Rd. has earned the title of being the “crown jewel” of the city.
Visitors entering the home on Saturday were greeted by longtime resident and former History and Arts Commissioner Chuck Engvall, who was recognized by the city last year for being one of the “Top 20” longest residents of Citrus Heights. Inside, members of the Citrus Heights Historical Society stood by to answer questions about the home and share about its previous owners and the history of the area.
“It’s really interesting to go back and see everything and connect with people,” said attendee Deeloris Fricker, who grew up in Citrus Heights and graduated from San Juan High School in the early 1960s. “I’d always been by the Rusch House, but I’ve never been in here before.”
Bequeathed to the Sunrise Recreation and Parks District by Fred and Julia Rusch, the single-story home was originally ordered from a Sears catalog and shipped by train in pieces after the prior house on the property burned in 1914, according to Larry Fritz, president of the local Historical Society. Conditions of the bequeathment required that Fred and Julia, a brother and sister who never married, would be allowed to remain at the home until their passing, which occurred in the 1970’s.
Examples and amenities representing Craftsman style architecture were evident everywhere inside the 1700-square-foot home — from its wrap-around porch, to the built-in sideboards and display cabinets, and a Murphy bed hinged at one end to store vertically against an inset wall. Although much of the interior was replaced with more modern furniture, the home’s bathroom featured all-original decor and a large claw-foot bathtub.
Photos and articles were also on display throughout the house, with each room focusing on a different aspect, designed to take visitors on a journey through the history of Citrus Heights.
One room featured various artifacts from the Brown and Mitchell farms, which each held 160-acre plots of land in the area. A giant yoke used on an oxen team was displayed on the floor, along with a metal scale for weighing crops at harvest time.
The room included a photo of native resident Keith Brown and his siblings standing next to earth moving equipment being used during the construction of Interstate 80 in the 1950’s. Brown, whose family farm was kitty-corner to the original Rusch property, and which a stretch of Interstate 80 now runs through, helped set up the display room and was also in attendance during Saturday’s event.
On the coffee table in the front room was a scrapbook from Roeley Giusti, a resident known for her meticulous record keeping, while other rooms featured professionally printed display signs with historical facts and photos, old San Juan High School year books, and a silent film about Citrus Heights produced in the 1960’s.
Fritz said the event helped reconnect residents after many years, highlighting an encounter on Saturday with longtime residents Ted Mitchell, now in his nineties, and Betty Leonard Bentzen, who both graduated from San Juan High School in the 1940s. He said the pair had not seen each other since high school and recalled attending a dance together.
Related: Citrus Heights’ longest living resident reflects on history of city
The four-hour event was estimated to bring between 250 to 300 visitors, many of whom said they had never been inside the rarely-open home. Citrus Heights Mayor Steve Miller was among those in attendance, telling The Sentinel that he helped install a roof on the Rusch home about 30 years ago while he worked for Sacramento County.
He said the roof, along with other aspects like drooping interior paint, is now due for some long-overdue repairs.
The Historical Society was first formed in 1991 to preserve and promote the history of Citrus Heights, but after being dormant for several years the group made a comeback with History Day, its first standalone event. Through a recent partnership with the parks district, the society has been asked to open the Rusch Home to the public four times per year. Parks District Administrator Dave Mitchell said he’s hopeful the partnership will help bring some much-needed attention to the home.
Past events held at the Rusch Home have included Sunday Funday, Battle of the Bands, wine tasting events and various other community gatherings. Use of the house is currently available for event rentals including weddings and family reunions.
Related: City recognizes ‘Top 20’ longest residents of Citrus Heights
Saturday’s event was aided by numerous volunteer hours and a $750 grant from the city to cover the cost of printing about 15 display signs with historical facts and photos, according to Fritz.
Asked about his organization’s future plans, Fritz said the historical society will continue to be active in preserving and promoting local history. He said the group will open the Rusch Home again during Sunday Funday, as well as several other times this year, and will also be also be seeking funding to help preserve the home and replace some of the modern features and furniture with items that are more historically appropriate.
The society also plans to continue collecting historical information and creating new displays, so that return visitors to the Rusch Home will find something new each visit.
Those interested in learning more about the Citrus Heights Historical Society can visit their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/CHHistorialSociety.
