by Architectural Observer | Jul 7, 2018 | Blog, Observations
Ruined structures have long been a favorite subject for artists because of their frequent poignant beauty. While the term “ruin” typically conjures up images of ancient stone structures crumbling in lush landscapes beneath invasive trees and vines, a...
by Architectural Observer | Jul 2, 2018 | Blog, Observations
Readers of this blog are already familiar with the value of architectural integrity – especially where historic buildings are concerned. In a neighborhood of stylistically varied houses it is possible for a few of them to be compromised without visually ruining...
by Architectural Observer | Jun 20, 2018 | Blog, Observations
Antique mechanical contraptions have long intrigued me, and the Daisy Automatic Weather Strip for Doors does not disappoint! Discovered by Jim while recently exploring a long-vacant farmhouse, the device is still in operating condition after 101 years! A deteriorated...
by Architectural Observer | Jun 16, 2018 | Blog, Observations
Built sometime around 1940 by its original occupant, a man who was innovative and interested in modern design, this house in Salina, Kansas, does not look much like its neighbors. After nearly 80 years it still has a futuristic air to it. I encountered a family...
by Architectural Observer | Jun 13, 2018 | Blog, Observations
Recently, while sifting through the contents of a file cabinet, I ran across an article I had written back in 1985 about the long and painful death of an old house in Manhattan, Kansas. I felt a bit sad reading it because old buildings – and the physical...
by Architectural Observer | Jun 9, 2018 | Blog, Observations
I started collecting glass advertising pin trays with architecture depicted on them many, many, years ago. These things were always showing up at yard sales and thrift stores; they were fun and inexpensive. Eventually, because of the sheer number of such trays, I...