I performed an inspection last week on a charming old house built in 1920. The house was located on Hartman Hill Rd. in Huntington, N.Y. While I did find some problems such as asbestos and mold, I was amazed to hear how often the house has been struck by lightning since the present owner has lived there.

He has personally witnessed 12 strikes, and who knows how many he didn't see. Almost each time, his system of lightning rods and grounding cables (see picture) has saved his home from burning to the ground. He has had a fire twice, but both times it did not cause tremendous damage.

The house is not on the historic register, but it should be. The original woodwork in the house is wonderful. Built-ins everywhere. Steam heat with huge cast iron radiators throughout the house. Fireplaces that look like George Washington should be toasting marshmallows by.

Unfortunately, the present owner lost his job and the house is in foreclosure. The house has suffered as it has not been well maintained. Houses like these should be restored. Especially since, it seems, you can't kill it!     - Ray