One doesn’t expect to see Victorian-era row houses anywhere in Kansas, but especially not in the less-populated western half. There just wasn’t much need for a dense, urban, housing type on the wide-open prairie. Imagine my surprise when, 15 or 20 years ago, I ran across an intact row of identical attached houses in the town of Stockton. They were built of wood! I was astonished. The houses were vacant, and had that sad aura of impending doom. There had to be a story there, but I did not have time to look into it. I did take a few photos while I was there as I suspected that few would find these houses to be of historic, cultural or even utilitarian merit. Seemingly every bit of architecture I admire is eventually destroyed or otherwise hideously altered. I mourn for these unappreciated resources that continue to go into landfills, even today, and at an ever-increasing clip.
This house was the most photogenic. Original 2/2 window sash, four-panel entry door and transom had somehow survived into the late 20th century. The cornice looks abbreviated; I would guess that there had been some sort of elaboration up there originally.
The end wall seen here had been re-sided at some point in time with a wider clapboard.
This end wall retained its original siding.
If only I could have gone inside! I did manage to get this blurry interior shot by putting my camera up to the glass in a door.
The back of the row was just as fascinating as the front. The wasted potential saddens me.
See that green utility box in the center of the image? See the fence to the right? Now scroll down…
Just a memory, the historic houses were an overlooked asset which can now never be harnessed. I’m not surprised, but it still hurts. Just what every small town needs – another unproductive vacant lot. Image courtesy Google Street View.
OK.
This is just damn sad.
I loath it when something unique and historic is just thrown away with nary a thought.