Project Description

Ron & Sandy

The historic halls of Mary Phillips are perhaps the most fitting for antiquers and artist like Ron and Sandy. As you enter their small but tidy home, you are greeted by a wall on antique pins and small buables from across the decades. A 100 year calendar set to the couple’s wedding date sits below photos taken on Ron’s old fashioned camera while the tree outside their window blooms white flowers to complete the timeless aesthetic of the couple’s arts apartment.

Ron and Sandy moved into Mary Phillips in 2007 when they decided it was time to downsize and find a place that fit their aging lifestyle.

Living at Mary Phillips where there is no yard work, laundry facilities, and an indoor gym suited the couple as Sandy has developed a few health issues over the years and Ron needed a place to do some light rehabilitation exercise after his surgery.

Coming to terms with their age has in no way dampered the couple’s need for creativity and adventure however. “We got those each on a different trip to Michigan,” Ron said, gesturing towards the pins on the wall. The photos on the walls are also tokens of the couple’s road trips.

“After the surgery, Ron picked up photography as a hobby,” Sandy said.
“I took to it like a duck to water!” Ron said with wry grin on his face.
“And it took us on all sorts of adventures,” Sandy replied, referring to the journeys across state lines in search of historic covered bridges and other worthwhile subject matter.

At the end of their adventure however, they always find their way back home to Mary Phillips.

When the couple isn’t out on the road, they can be found taking a stroll nearby in downtown Mishawaka or thumbing through books in the upstairs library at Mary Phillips.

“It’s so secure here,” said Sandy, “and it’s so hard to find place that includes utilities!”

Ron and Sandy have been married for 54 years and look forward to sharing their 55th year of marriage together at their historic Mary Phillips home.