Ernest Hemingway Needed Our Tiles
“The restoration gods would have come back to haunt me.”
For anyone passionate about historic home restoration, that fear is very real. But for Keith Strom, executive director of the Ernest Hemingway Foundation, he had an even greater concern—what if Ernest Hemingway himself disapproved?
Last fall, Keith faced a challenge. The main sitting room in Hemingway’s birthplace—a stunning Queen Anne home in Oak Park, Illinois—was nearly perfect. Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating original period decor, an 1865 square grand piano, and the delicate details of antique wallpaper, carpets, and sconces.
If Ernest Hemingway walked into the room today, he would recognize his childhood home. He might even recall family music nights—his siblings playing instruments while his mother sang, moments that shaped his legendary literary career.
The Missing Piece: A Historic Fireplace in Need of Restoration
But then, Hemingway would see the fireplace. And that was the problem.
Instead of an authentic, antique tile surround, the fireplace featured printed pictures of old tiles—a temporary fix that had lasted far too long. The restoration of the Queen Anne home took over seven years, yet this focal point of the room remained unfinished.
Enter Storied Salvage Tile Co.
Keith searched high and low for antique fireplace tiles, but most architectural salvage shops lacked the square footage he needed. Even fewer offered custom tile design services—until he found Storied Salvage Tile Co.
After three weeks of deliberation, Keith kept coming back to our collection. With Katy’s expertise, especially in selecting period-appropriate liner tiles, we helped ensure the restoration gods (and Hemingway himself) would approve.
Bringing History Back to Life—One Tile at a Time
In just one week, Keith received the tiles needed to complete the fireplace restoration, finally reuniting the room’s charm and authenticity. No more printed pictures—just genuine antique tilework, fitting seamlessly into the home’s historic character.
When we visited Hemingway’s birthplace, our eyes went straight to the fireplace—and not just because it showcased our tiles. A warm fire crackled against the Midwest winter chill, welcoming visitors into a room where history and craftsmanship meet.
Your Restoration Project Deserves the Right Tiles
Not every home has a connection to a literary icon like Hemingway, but every restoration deserves the timeless beauty of antique tile.
If you’re restoring a historic home, searching for rare salvaged tiles, or need expert tile advice, we’d love to help.
📩 Reach out to us today—let’s bring your restoration vision to life!
Katy + James