THE HISTORY
Ruskin’s thoughts, evolving into the work of William Morris, then floated across the ocean to America by Gustav Stickley, form the seeds of Arts & Crafts, from which bungalows sprouted.
If you want to do an authentic bungalow restoration, it is important to know the history & the philosophy of the Movement that spawned your home. This understanding makes every effort, very difficult decision, every dollar spent, far more rewarding. Like seeing your grandparent’s smile in the glowing face of your child.
RESEARCHING THE HISTORY OF YOUR BUNGALOW
I learned about the culture of the early 20th Century at my mother’s knee. The stories she told me about my grandmother, born in 1888, growing up on the farm, & the fascinating tales of her own life & times, combined beautifully with my own old-timey nature...
OLD HOUSE RESTORATION VIDEOS-Researching the History of Your Bungalow
Researching the history of your bungalow can be arduous, but I guarantee that it will be rewarding. In addition to learning about the previous occupants of your home, you will make new/old friends, who may be long gone, but through your research you will come to...
DO I HAVE A KIT HOUSE?
“Is it true that you could once buy a house from a catalogue?” “Do I have a kit house?” “How can I identify which house I have?” During my years as a historic preservation advocate, at event after event, I think that these are the questions I have been asked the most...
OLD HOUSE RESTORATION VIDEOS- Historic Kit Houses
Historic kit houses hold an intense interest for old house lovers. The very idea introduces the possibility of getting so many questions about the origins of our homes answered. We all burn with curiosity to know: Who built it? Who designed it? When? The fact that...
ARTS & CRAFTS LIGHTING, Part 1
OUT OF THE DARKNESS The desire for lighting is in our DNA. Our circadian rhythms, our bodies’ clocks, determine the patterns of our bodies, our minds & behavior over a 24 hour cycle & respond to light & dark. Light exposure generates signals from our...
OLD HOUSE RESTORATION VIDEOS- Bungalow Character Defining Features
These videos show & tell the story of bungalow character defining features, the architectural bits & pieces that separate a bungalow from other houses. They are the features that you expect to see on a bungalow that has been well-cared for, or authentically...
OLD HOUSE RESTORATION VIDEOS- Greene & Greene
Brothers Charles & Henry Greene can be understood as men through the study of their Arts & Crafts architecture. As with all artists, their creations were born of their unique viewpoints of life, tempered by their educations, their personal relationships &...
OLD HOUSE RESTORATION VIDEOS-Old Growth Wood
Old growth wood, from deep within the forest primeval. From fairy tales to an awed reverence in bungalow fans, the forest is endemic to the lore of humankind. Trees have been regarded as sacred in many early traditions. Since the dawn of time humankind has understood...
THE STORY OF THE CHICAGO BUNGALOW
The story of the Chicago bungalow isn't about the houses, it’s about the humanity. I call it, “Grits & girdles history.” Because our houses tell the stories of the lives of the people who built them & how they lived, worked & formed their communities- the...
OUR OLD HOUSES ARE BUILT FROM OLD GROWTH WOOD
From their framing to their siding to their doors & windows to their built-ins & their flooring, our old houses, are built of old growth wood. Thousands of board feet of it. "Old growth." What does that mean? Let's have a tree history lesson. Fossils show that...
