John Wesley Leach grew up in the Spencerport area. After his military service in World War 1, he returned to the area, married his wife, and began a family in 1919. A carpenter by trade, John worked for Morse Lumber Company.
According to his daughter Shirley, John dreamt of owning a beautiful home someday and began crafting a doll-sized modeling of his dream home. John handcrafted the entire house with his masterful carpentry skills – the structure, walls, roof, interior, detached garage, furnishings, and windows. The roof is removable allowing a view into the furnished rooms. Shirley recalls when she was a little girl that her dad would set the house out on display at Christmas time and put Santa Claus in the chimney.
Although John Leach’s dream home never came to fruition, his dream house has continued to live on as a legacy for nearly a century. This family treasure has been passed on throughout the decades, starting with the eldest children.
Shirley received this cherished dollhouse, representing her father’s dream, several years ago. This Christmas, Shirley set the house up in front of a picture window in her Parma home. She even found a Santa to include on the rooftop, just as her dad once had.
The most treasured heirlooms are the ones that capture the sweet memories of family and keep them alive.
