Now that we are counting the time until spring in only days rather than weeks or even months, we're all a little anxious about getting outside the house. Spring is a wonderful time to get reacquainted with the neighborhood and your neighbors. Perhaps to give yourself an incentive to roam through Dundee, you might go searching for one of the more unusual house types in Dundee--the French Eclectic.

Not many examples of this type of house exist in Dundee, but for richness of architectural detail and free ranging expression of style, the French inspired homes are hard to beat.

Omahans returning from military service overseas following World War I brought back at least two contributions to life in this community. One was the Hinky-Dinky supermarket, well, the name anyway. I am told that the two brothers who founded the store chain took the name from a song popular with the doughboys. (The World War I tune "Mademoiselle from Marmitere" ended with the refrain: "Hinky dinky parlez-vous.") The other contribution was first hand familiarity of French houses that helped popularize the style.

However, it was a relatively uncommon style throughout this country and found mostly in the suburbs of the 1920s and 30s. By the 40s the style was out of fashion.

The French Eclectic homes are wonderfully picturesque. They can resemble pretentious chateaus or lowly Norman cottages. Many of the more fanciful expressions of the style look like medieval castles complete with multiple turrets. Some examples are quite formal while others are interpretations of rambling farmhouses.

While the style shows great variety in form and detailing, the characteristic roof unites French inspired homes. Their tall, steeply pitched roofs normally will have the roof ridge parallel the front of the house. While the roof might be pierced with dormers, it is seldom cross-gabled.

Most commonly French Eclectic homes are built of stone, brick or stucco. Many of these houses will sport a tower or two, which gives them that castle-like demeanor. Decorative half-timbering is common in this subtype and as result they often resemble the Tudor style that, of course, has English roots. To tell the styles apart look once again look up to the roof. English half-timbered houses usually have a dominant front facing cross-gable, missing in the French examples.

Windows can be double-hung or casement sashes, the latter sometimes show off small leaded panes.

So as you stroll though the neighborhood enjoying the spring that is sure to come, keep a watchful eye out for the French Eclectics in our neighborhood. You'll be rewarded with building details that are sure to delight you. (If you wish to hum World War I ditties while walk, well, that's up to you.)

Personal to Mrs. H. (The Old House Mechanic is usually opposed to answering personal messages in this column. He has made an exception this month; because this is the first time he has ever received a personal message.-Ed.)

Dear Mrs. H: Thank you for the kind words in your letter in last month's newsletter. I am delighted my "stew" recipe worked to remove the tarnish from your furniture pulls. For those who may have missed this earlier column: To restore the shine to your brass hardware, put it in a large old pan, cover it with vinegar and cook it over low heat until the vinegar is quite hot, but not boiling. Take the brass items out of the pan, shake on some salt and the tarnish will rub off easily with a fine grade of steel wool (grade 0000 is best.)

To answer your question, sure I'll make a house call; just give me a ring at 556-6638. But bear in mind, free advice is worth exactly what you pay for it.

Now regarding your inquiry about my marital status. I must tell you that I am very, very married--happily married--to a saintly, beautiful woman (who is looking over my shoulder at this very moment while I write this column.)