LAPEL — While a home’s décor reflects the personality of its owners, a stranger cannot always pinpoint their interests or core values by simply observing the walls and knickknacks lying about the rooms.

But even an outsider can quickly determine what makes Bob and Marsha Hudson tick from a scan around their carefully decorated home that proudly displays all they hold near and dear to their hearts.

Deeply rooted in the small community of Lapel, the couple chose a lot almost across the street from the elementary school, where Marsha retired from teaching when they built the home 13 years ago.

Bob graduated from the high school and his sister still lives in town as well.

Prominently displayed on the wall of the “keeping room” (think great room) is a framed sketch of Lapel’s school, which plays a central role in the couple’s love story.

“Mom and dad still lived here and enjoyed going to the basketball games,” said Bob, who was a teacher in Pendleton at the time.

“I went to the game with them and Marsha was sitting nearby. A mutual friend introduced us and at half- time I asked if I could buy her a Coke. I’m still paying for that Coke today.”

“That’s the most expensive Coke you ever bought,” Marsha chimed in with a laugh.

New England flavor

Near to the sketch of the school hangs another of the Sterling Glass Co., later known as the Lapel Glass Co. Filled jars embossed proudly with the name sit on a shelf as a reminder of the community employer. Bob’s grandfather worked at the factory as did Bob for a part-time college job.

A sign marked “keeping room” is a tribute to the house’s design, modeled like a New England Salt Box home. Altering the floor plan so that this oversized living space would open directly into the kitchen makes the area convenient and comfortable.

“We like the New England flavor,” said Bob. “We go to Maine every summer as our escape from the Midwest — but it’s always good to come back home.”

Slanting high overhead, the ceiling lifts to the top of the second story, which only covers one side of the house — a feature often referred to as a one-and-a-half story home. The loft stretches all the way across the keeping room, transforming the railing into an interesting decorative feature.

On the way up the stairs, visitors will notice framed pictures and sketches of covered bridges and discover another one of the couple’s passions.

“We have a covered bridge fetish,” said Marsha. “We’ve been going to the festivals long before they became so popular.”

For a retirement gift, Bob’s grandson presented him with a frame that was matted with five pictures of covered bridges surrounding a special find during one of his trips — a small rock in the shape of Indiana.

At the top of the stairs sits two bedrooms and a reading nook, complete with built-in bookshelves. Scattered about the rooms are a variety of antiques, but this spot is their home. Lining the shelves are small items the Hudsons have collected and intend on selling at antique shows.

Elusive special finds

Operating their own enterprise, Hudson House Antiques, for about 30 years, they travel to shows as far away as Door County, Wisconsin and Huntington, West Virginia to sell their finds.

“Occasionally we switch around what we keep in the house,” said Marsha. “But that’s the hard part, you don’t want to let go of what you have. But sometimes it is time to let someone else enjoy it. We are always looking for that elusive special find.”

None of these passions hold a candle to the one that clearly takes center stage throughout the dwelling: family. In Bob’s office hangs his father’s hat, golf club and high school basketball team photo, while a checkerboard crafted by Marsha’s father sits on a nearby table.

Family pictures grace the walls and tables in every room and many of the stories the couple have to tell either begin or end with family — even the story of building the home.

“My dad was a carpenter and spent his lifetime building things — mostly inside detail work,” said Bob. “When the framers were out here, he came and watched them every day. He was very pleased with the job they were doing so I felt comfortable.”

Even the builder was a bizarre extension of family. Tim Mustin built this home and his father, John, built the Hudsons’ previous home 30 years ago.

The shining light of their family life now is their three grandchildren, who live in West Lafayette with their daughter.

“We’re going to take them to Clifty Falls for spring break,” said Bob, ready to make more memories. “We can’t wait.”

Each week, Emma Bowen Meyer features a Madison County home. If you know of a home that should be showcased, send an e-mail to emmagoldiemeyer@yahoo.com.