In 1939, Oscar U. Zerk, inventor of the revolutionary Zerk grease fitting, purchased this estate. Among the over 300 inventions by the native Austrian were spatter-proof nail brushes, quick-freezing ice cube trays, leg-slimming hosiery, brakes for trolley cars, vibration-free camera tripods, oil well recovery systems, and automotive refrigeration equipment. He also helped design the first ever six-cylinder automobile engine in 1900.
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In 1998, this home was filmed for the movie "The Last Great Ride" starring Ernest Borgnine, Eileen Brennan, and Jason Hervey.
Over time, the building deteriorated into a state of disrepair. In 2012, the property was purchased by local businessman Chris Tenuta, who considered the option of renovating the house. It proved to be too costly, so the decision was made to demolish the old house in order to build a new one.
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