West 2nd Street Historic DIstrict
Ruse House
162 North Macdonald Street
Bungalow
1906-1908
Architect Unknown
Building Altered
Built between 1906 and 1908 for James H.Ruse, a Mesa butcher.
The Ruse family occupied the house until 1926 when it was purchased by Mesa contractor, J.Walter Mougeot.
In 1938 the house was sold to Albert & Gwendolen Gurtler. Mr. Gurtler was a prominent Mesa attorney until his death in 1970. Mr. Gurtler was also very active in the affairs of The First Methodist Church, donating the nursery as well as the stained glass windows.
In 1998 Gurtler family sold the house to the Saemisch family. During the next four years Bob and Tish Saemisch completed the addition and restoration of the property.
An excellent example of the Bungalow Style in a large residential design. Characteristic jig-cut rafter ends, deep veranda, and shingled gables help convey the style.