The William A. Radford Company of Chicago was one of the most recognized names in the plans-by-mail business in the early 20th century. Homes built from their plans can still be found in surprising numbers throughout the country. While perusing their Portfolio of Plans from 1909, I was struck by the number of designs that seemed a bit avant-garde for the day.
Mixed in with the expected Foursquares, Queen Anne Free Classics, and Craftsman bungalows were a handful of designs which were more overtly inspired by the Prairie School. Several of these just seem a bit odd.
I don’t know how many of these more unusual designs were actually ever built and I don’t recall having seen any in person before. I have seen plenty of their more conventional designs, however. Let’s take a look at some of their designs which might make you briefly feel as though you were living in a parallel universe. All images are courtesy of the fantastic Internet Archive:
A bold pattern distinguishes the capitals of these boxy porch supports. The corner fireplaces seem to be a Victorian-era holdout.
Diamond paned sash, a favorite in the Arts and Crafts movement, offers interesting contrast to the banded walls. I love the dining room design and its position at the center of the plan.
Delightfully different!
This eclectic design incorporates shaped parapet walls, half-timbering and a Prairie style porch.
I just can’t imagine this house surviving without being heavily altered. Not many small houses have such large living rooms – I like it!
Another very eclectic design – the tapered eaves foreshadow rooflines of the 50’s and 60’s.
Everything about his house is odd. While the form is somewhat modern, the detailing is not. Something for everyone, I guess. The roof looks like it would be very prone to leaks.
This one looks a bit like a mausoleum, but I like the plan. It’s odd to see a one-bedroom house with a huge pantry!
Wow, those are avant garde for their time, especially the low, flat ones.
I haven’t seen an extant house exactly like 8206-B, but there was a Mission-Revival house in our old Omaha neighborhood with very similar styling, and another similar one for sale in Elgin when we were house-shopping in Illinois.
With a few changes in detailing, 5053 could pass for mid-century modern. The massing and lines are pretty much the same as the nicer blocky, wood-and-stone MCMs that I like.
5064 reminds me a lot of the Malmer house here in Aurora (just around the corner from our place, actually). It’s a very attractive Prairie style, and was the personal residence of one of Aurora’s prominent architects in the first few decades of the century: https://www.aurora-il.org/577/22-Malmer-House-1908
Finally, what’s the problem with 8321 looking like a mausoleum? Isn’t designing homes so you can “age in place” a popular idea now? I think a mausoleum is just taking that to it’s logical extreme! To furnish it, you could even have some pieces made by this outfit: https://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/articles/rest_in_peace_127694548.html
I may have to rethink my plan to be cremated… those sofa/caskets would look great in so many places! And aging in place beats any nursing home situation. The Malmer house is a nice and “safe” example of Prairie styling; not as extreme as FLW but still stylish and substantial-looking… much more timeless than the Radford examples above. I really hope to find one of them somewhere!
I’m not a Radford fan and your examples remind me why. 5053 I could maybe see purchasing.
LOL! A lot of what Radford produced was undeniably awkward; they must have had a diverse staff as there is not a lot of consistency in their houses aesthetically. Or they “borrowed” designs like everybody else.
I live in a design no 17
https://www.facebook.com/I-bought-a-115-year-old-house-Radford-Design-No17-580429925965851/
That’s a beautiful house and one I’ve never seen outside of the plan book. So happy it has an owner who appreciates its history! Thanks for sharing.