Photo: Johnny Joo – Odd World Studio

The Hidden Contemporary Marvel of Concord Township, Ohio

In a serene, wooded area of Concord Township, Ohio, a unique 1960s contemporary home once stood as a secluded sanctuary, virtually invisible to the general passerby. This architectural wonder, crafted by architect Charles Deacon, was a peculiar mid-century structure nestled at the end of a winding dirt driveway, shrouded by the dense embrace of the forest. Despite its proximity to civilization, it was known only to a select few, primarily urban explorers and a handful of locals, its existence largely obscured from the broader community.

The Home’s Unseen Battle

The Ravages of Time and Neglect

Over the span of nearly two decades of abandonment, this once-pristine dwelling became a canvas for destruction. It attracted the attention of those who saw its solitude as an opportunity for vandalism, theft, and havoc. The walls, once symbols of architectural beauty and innovation, were defaced with graffiti. Scavengers stripped away anything of value, leaving behind a structure punctuated by gaping holes and a ceiling that had become a haven for wildlife. This period of neglect left the home in a state of disrepair, a shadow of its former glory.

A Legacy Crafted by Charles Deacon

Designed in 1960 for Victoria B. Browning Van Loon and her husband, William Hart Van Loon, the home was an embodiment of contemporary elegance and style. Charles Deacon, the visionary architect behind this creation, endowed the residence with distinctive features — from its 1.5 stories spanning 2,990 square feet of living space to the tall glass windows that framed the raised living room, allowing light to dance through the home’s interior. This structure, set upon 27 acres of land, was more than just a dwelling; it was a testament to the aesthetic and functional ideals of its era.

Photo: Johnny Joo – Odd World Studio

The Van Loon Legacy: A Story of Endurance and Loss

While many speculated about the use of the surrounding land — with theories ranging from a private campground to an untouched slice of wilderness — the truth was rooted in the property’s origins as a cash grain farm. The Van Loons’ story took a poignant turn with William’s untimely death in 1963, shortly after their dream home’s completion. Victoria’s resilience in the face of loss saw her remaining in their beloved home until the early 1980s, a tribute to the enduring spirit of the place they had built together.

A Final Farewell: Uncovering the Van Loon Home’s Last Chapter

For years, an unyielding chain served as the silent guardian of the path leading to the Van Loon home, a symbol of its isolation and abandonment. However, upon a recent visit, a startling discovery awaited us: the chain was gone, and with it, the barrier to the property’s secrets. It was as if the forest itself had parted ways, revealing a path long concealed, now cleared to accommodate the passage of heavy machinery. Our hearts sank as we ventured towards the familiar site, only to be greeted by an expanse of emptiness.

Photo: Johnny Joo – Odd World Studio

The Landscape Transformed

Where once stood the uniquely designed home of the 1960s now lay only remnants of its existence — a barren lot strewn with the rubble of demolition. Paperwork filed on September 16, 2020, bore witness to the home’s final days, with evidence suggesting the demolition’s completion in the chilly embrace of November. The sight of such a distinctive and once-vibrant home reduced to nothing but memories and debris stirred a profound sense of loss. The reality that rebuilding the home would have been an endeavor too costly to justify did little to ease the pang of its absence.

Despite never having the chance to witness the home in its restored glory, my curiosity and longing to connect with its past have only deepened. In my quest to capture the essence of the Van Loon home during its prime, I scoured countless sources for photographs, for any visual connection to a time when the home stood proudly amidst the trees. My efforts unearthed a solitary image from 2003, a precious snapshot offering a fleeting glimpse into a world now vanished. This lone photograph, while not nearly enough to satisfy the hunger for knowledge and connection, stands as a poignant reminder of the home’s legacy and the impermanence of our creations in the face of time and progress.

Photo: Johnny Joo – Odd World Studio

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