by Architectural Observer | Sep 23, 2017 | Blog, Mail Order and Kit Houses
Last weekend I happened by a J-6 house by the Harris Brothers and it occurred to me that we previously had only see the front and side of the house in period material and contemporary photos. What does the back of one of these look like? Will the back match the...
by Architectural Observer | Sep 20, 2017 | Blog, Mail Order and Kit Houses, Observations
This house captured my attention for several reasons. First, it bears a striking resemblance (in reverse) to the Aladdin “Plaza” and Harris Homes’ plan No. N-1026. Secondly, its elaborate mortise-and-tenon porch supports are both fun and chamfered....
by Architectural Observer | Sep 20, 2017 | Blog, Mail Order and Kit Houses, Observations
There are numerous frustrating obstacles to those who research houses with kit or plan book origins. One is that on occasion the various competitors would not only rename or renumber their assorted offerings over the years, but redesign the floor plans as well. And...
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...
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