It’s known as the “Beck House”—the dignified old frame house at the corner of 4th Street and Pine.
Even renovated to its contemporary new look, it is still called the “Beck House” by many Owen residents.
Built in 1920 and occupied and owned by the Beck family until 1982, the recent remodel was undertaken by an Arizona couple, Charles and Lila Jones. They purchased the building in 2016. Before then, time had taken its toll.
Grandfather Carl John Beck and wife Sophia acquired the house in 1920. Son C.E. Beck and wife Mayme became owners in 1947, moving to the house, with young daughter Edna, from an area farm.
A prominent Owen citizen, C.E. took up the east side of the first floor with his insurance business. The second floor comprised rooms for boarders. Single young teachers new to the area often found rooms there. Meals were not provided.
Recently Edna Beck (now Mrs. Richard Williams) visited Owen and took delighted measure of the “Beck House.”
“The Jones’ have saved the integrity of the house,” Edna said. “I’m so happy they saved so much of the wonderful old woodwork. The white pine floors and leaded glass china cabinet are as they were.”
Edna had left Owen and the house in 1961, after high school graduation, starting her path to missionary work in China.
Edna beamed as she said, “The unusual narrow pantry with its dark wood cabinets were saved and brought back.”
Not everything is the same. Although the house still boasts an outside coal chute, the Jones’ have substantially enlarged the kitchen and added a two-car garage.