by Architectural Observer | Sep 13, 2017 | Blog, Mail Order and Kit Houses, Observations
I’ve been fascinated by house plan books and catalogs for as long as I can remember and “The Books of a Thousand Homes” is particularly riveting. Published in 1923 by an entity calling itself The Home Owners Service Institute, the book contained...
by Architectural Observer | Sep 10, 2017 | Blog, Mail Order and Kit Houses, Observations
A 1923 Harris Brothers Company catalog includes an attractive Craftsman style house with a rather lackluster name: No. N-1026. The house was offered with clapboard or shingled siding, and a reversed floor plan as an option. The Aladdin Company sold a nearly...
by Architectural Observer | Sep 6, 2017 | Blog, Mail Order and Kit Houses, Observations
More than a century has passed since the Harris Brothers Company first offered a kit house which today is both admired and disparaged. Known variously over the years as Design No. 6, No. K-2013, and No. J-6, the kit house had a facade which continues to evoke a...
by Architectural Observer | Sep 4, 2017 | Blog, Mail Order and Kit Houses, Observations
For well over a century, the Garlinghouse Company has been publishing house plans. While I’m especially partial to their mid-20th century designs, the older ones also have merit. Below is plan number 1067 from the 1920’s… the house shown in the...
by Architectural Observer | Aug 4, 2017 | Blog, Observations
Today I cried. On the floor. Gut-wrenching sobs. Fifty-six years old and I’m crying like a baby. No words can begin to describe the cutting pain felt. No words exist to describe the sense of loss. My partner and I feel bewildered and our efforts discarded....
by Architectural Observer | Aug 2, 2017 | Blog, Observations
Here are a few interesting church buildings from the mid-20th century which have not been completely altered beyond recognition. They’re rather tame for many locations, but here in flyover country they undoubtedly pushed the envelope when first built. ...
