An abandoned homestead which dates to the 1890’s was apparently updated in the 1920’s with adobe construction. These updates, despite their advanced deterioration, are quite fascinating. Adobe construction on the property consists of a small one-room structure of unknown purpose, a porch balustrade, and a garage or storage building. The mortar used to hold the adobe blocks together has proven to be more durable than the adobe itself which is comprised of sun-baked mud and straw. Once mortared together, the adobe blocks were coated with stucco which helped to keep out moisture. Once the stucco began to fail, there was nothing to prevent the deterioration of the the adobe blocks. The photos below show the one-room structure as well as the significantly deteriorated porch and storage building.
The metal roof has no doubt helped to preserve this one-room structure of unknown purpose. It is located behind the farm house.
The wood jamb of a small window has fared better than the adobe itself.
Sections of the stucco exterior still cling to the walls in a losing battle with nature.
The absent fascia offers a sectional view of the roof. Original wood shingles remain beneath the corrugated roofing. The birdsmouth joint resting on a top plate illustrates the roof construction. The deteriorated corner gives us a good look at the wall construction itself.
The house dates to the 1890’s but received a stylish porch remodel sometime around 1925, give or take a few years.
The porch – or what’s left of it – suggests a subtle Craftsman influence.
Detail showing the pockets created by the erosion of the fragile adobe from the more enduring mortar and stucco.
Another view of the porch.
The remains of a storage building which may have been a garage. This structure did not have the benefit of a metal roof.
Very interesting. I had no idea Adobe had been used this far north.