History of The Little White House
The house, land and outbuildings (5 buildings total) came with its own personality. According to neighbors, It was somehow a part of the Leake Brother's Dairy. The part of the dairy that was open, was on Lauren's road, down closer to downtown (picture below). If there are any Greenville historians reading, I'd love any history. We are not sure what part of our property was used as part of the dairy, or if the cows on the property just provided for the dairy. 
What is certain is that there were cows, and other animals as well. There are still outbuildings, one we call The Springhouse (it appears to be an old spring house, canning kitchen or similar as it is sunken about 2-3 feet below grade and has a stone foundation like the other buildings. (I'll share more about that building later). Maybe it had something to do with the dairy? Everything about the property exudes hard work, simplicity and a lifestyle we admire. It had lots of trim, additions and lots of wallpaper. She must have appreciated beautiful things. He appeared to appreciate function, as we could see by the simple nails he used as hooks throughout the house to hang everything from bundles of string to saw blades and anything else that needed its place. The home has history and stories that we hope to uncover and of course add to. The not knowing, I admit, is part of the appeal to me. It is open for imagination and interpretation, which I find stirs my soul.
While we uncovered the layers of the previous owners, we found beautiful wallpapers. We found wooden hearts that Bill carved for Peggy hidden around. He carved the mantle for the fireplace that is now something we are going to use in the bathroom.
We knew things had to be changed extensively, but I wanted to do it in a way I felt would honor the history of the home and it's previous owners. We feel connected to them, if only through clues of the past. Mark often talks about Bill and the way he left things around for us. Here's one story: When I started dating Mark, he had a copy of "The Desiderata" by Max Ehrmann hung in his house. It struck me - made a deep impression on me. I had never read it before. That poem, and knowing Mark believed in its words, is one of the things that made me love him. Well, when we came to see the LWH the first time, there was nothing in the house, other than some old appliance manuals, lots of shag carpet, and a copy of The Desiderata laid out on the kitchen counter - clearly meant for us. Mark was stopped in his tracks. There was no need to convince either of us that we should be here after seeing that. Of all the obscure things to leave in a home, to find in an empty house; it was a copy of the guidepost poem that we try to model our lives after. Another, was the pencil sharpener. We always talked about how any good home should always have a good old fashioned pencil sharpener in it.
"Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."
by Max Ehrmann ©1927