by Architectural Observer | Oct 23, 2017 | Blog, Observations
While not as exuberantly weird as the exterior, the interior of S. P. Dinsmoor’s house is still a bit quirky. The most memorable bit of quirkiness is the woodwork – especially that of the main floor. Comprised of stock moldings and scraps, much of the...
by Architectural Observer | Oct 18, 2017 | Blog, Observations
The Garden of Eden in Lucas, Kansas, is not your average historic house museum. It is considerably more surreal than that. And much more memorable. Built by Civil War veteran S. P. Dinsmoor, the house itself was completed in 1907; the sculptures were a...
by Architectural Observer | Oct 15, 2017 | Blog, Observations
The best way to experience “flyover country” is to drive through it. Here are a few scenes which caught my eye this afternoon in the center of the nation: ...
by Architectural Observer | Oct 12, 2017 | Blog, Observations
An early 20th century commercial building, though modest, still retained its original wood double-hung windows until recently. Built in 1917, the Commercial Style structure is typical of many storefronts of its era. The large double-hung windows, an integral part of...
by Architectural Observer | Oct 1, 2017 | Blog, Observations, Projects
Historic preservationists understand the term “stabilization” to mean putting the brakes on further decay of historic structures by making them watertight, structurally braced, and resistant to animals, vegetation and vandals. Also known as...
by Architectural Observer | Sep 24, 2017 | Blog, Mail Order and Kit Houses
The “Westly”, a popular kit house by Sears, was offered throughout the ‘teens and 1920’s. Its overtly Craftsman porch supports and balustrade make it memorable and easily recognizable. The following Westly, built in Holdrege, Nebraska, had...
