11/24/2013
7/22/2011
7/20/2011
A CHRISTMAS BUNGALOW LONG AGO
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| An OKC Bungalow ca 1980 showing the fireplace and the oak bookshelves on one side. |
LOCATE AND RENEW A HISTORIC BEAUTY
Locate some historic properties in this website but also check local listings. Some areas are offering lovely historic houses for excellent prices.
What Does a Bungalow Look Like?
Here's some inspiration for your restoration of an old classic or your creation of a new one.
10/15/2010
Early Oklahoma Bungalows: OKC 1904-1910
Several advertisements for 'bungalows' appeared in early Oklahoma City newspapers. They appeared to be centered in the NE 8th and NE 9th areas. The ads found to date appeared in 1907-1910. Several ads in 1904-1906 are being explored as well.
A 1907 ad described a bungalow for sale somewhere "near Emerson School." In 1908, the ads were numerous and located houses on West 2nd, West 9th, East 7th, East 10th, 18th and 20th Streets. An interesting sidebar was several of these were offered by a "Miss Corder with the Cowthorne Co." An early female real estate agent? In 1909, larger "modern" bungalows were being advertised, such as the large home on18th and near Shartel, a seven room at 410 Maple on two lots, 705 W. 25th, 1441 W. Main, and on 26th Street.
A 1907 ad described a bungalow for sale somewhere "near Emerson School." In 1908, the ads were numerous and located houses on West 2nd, West 9th, East 7th, East 10th, 18th and 20th Streets. An interesting sidebar was several of these were offered by a "Miss Corder with the Cowthorne Co." An early female real estate agent? In 1909, larger "modern" bungalows were being advertised, such as the large home on18th and near Shartel, a seven room at 410 Maple on two lots, 705 W. 25th, 1441 W. Main, and on 26th Street.
In a 1915 edition of the Oklahoman, an article stated "100 Homes Built Here During Year: Bungalows Predominate as Type of Construction in Buildings". The hugely popular style was slated to reach 400 in the coming year due to its style, attentions to detail, and its price range of $12,000 to $40,000. There was, quite literally, a style for almost every pocket book. It was the emergence of the American middle class and the "home ownership" movement that merged individualism, modernity (freedom from the stuffy Victorian styles) and a decidedly American equalization of status in society that made these homes real estate winners. Add to that in the coming years the "kit" houses, from Aladdin and Sears, that were easy to deliver, easy to build, and easy to buy and the stage was set for wide spread home building. "On Capital Hill, throughout the precincts of University and Putnam and other additions...their tile, slate, or shingle roofs cover comfort and inviting elegance."
The ubiquitous bungalow, so carelessly cast aside and denuded of its many charming and unique features is worthy of salvation through restoration. The bungalow, and the larger arts and crafts movement styles, were all designed and carried out with charming attention to creating an "atmosphere" of harmony, of integration of nature and art, and a space to feed the inner soul as well as protect the outer being
12/17/2009
11/02/2009
IMAGES OF JUST AIRPLANE BUNGALOWS
This is a unique style and I have seen one already razed....
http://www.flickr.com/groups/785746@N25/
http://www.flickr.com/groups/785746@N25/
Mesta Park, OKC
On this website enjoy some images of historic and lovely craftsman style homes..
http://www.mestapark.org/Default.aspx?p=7811
http://www.mestapark.org/Default.aspx?p=7811
9/12/2009
Bungalows in 1912 Oklahoma City Paper
In 1912 the capital of the new state of Oklahoma was booming as real estate was bought and new people moved into the state. In the local paper, The Oklahoman, appeared numerous ads for bungalows.
One ad read:
"New Bungalow on west thirteenth street; block from car line and paved street;strictly modern; owner may select paper and fixtures, pay $150 or more cash, balance easy terms. L.D. Knight Walnut 202 108 N. Robinson Ave." (April 28, 1912, pg. 23).
Another:
FOR SALE - MODERN BUNGALOW, W 24th, 1 block from CAR LINE; easy terms, W.M. Ribble, 506 1/2 W. Grand. Phone W 5421" (ibid)
Yet another:
"NEW 6-ROOM California bungalow in Capital Hill, clear: less than cost; $100 cash,balance in rent, Maple 862."
Numerous bungalow neighborhoods emerged across the growing metro area. Some were around the Northwest 9th and Blackwelder, Northwest 14th, and dotted around the city.
Bungalows were the home of the middle class - a step up for many who had known only rentals or apartments. A Symbol of American economic achievement and individual rising status, the homes were also a home built to reflect values about home, craftsmanship, art, and comfort.
Numerous 'kit houses' remain hidden across the Oklahoma City landscape and, although many craftsman bungalows are being rediscovered and refitted, others are not so lucky. Traveling the city, one can detect the denuded bungalows robbed of their classic and family-centric front porches, classic craftsman columns replaced by New Orleans metal, or Victorian columns. Some have had their large outside rooms, 'i.e. the front porch', walled up, The clean lines and noteworthy exposed gables closed in, torn off, or otherwise stripped of character. Worst are the attempts to turn the bungalow into a Spanish, Modern, or Deco house.
Hopefully, as Oklahoma City continues to rennovate its heart, it will become aware of this essentially American development of the private home and help preserve the beauty and the soul these homes added to their communities.
One ad read:
"New Bungalow on west thirteenth street; block from car line and paved street;strictly modern; owner may select paper and fixtures, pay $150 or more cash, balance easy terms. L.D. Knight Walnut 202 108 N. Robinson Ave." (April 28, 1912, pg. 23).
Another:
FOR SALE - MODERN BUNGALOW, W 24th, 1 block from CAR LINE; easy terms, W.M. Ribble, 506 1/2 W. Grand. Phone W 5421" (ibid)
Yet another:
"NEW 6-ROOM California bungalow in Capital Hill, clear: less than cost; $100 cash,balance in rent, Maple 862."
Numerous bungalow neighborhoods emerged across the growing metro area. Some were around the Northwest 9th and Blackwelder, Northwest 14th, and dotted around the city.
Bungalows were the home of the middle class - a step up for many who had known only rentals or apartments. A Symbol of American economic achievement and individual rising status, the homes were also a home built to reflect values about home, craftsmanship, art, and comfort.
Numerous 'kit houses' remain hidden across the Oklahoma City landscape and, although many craftsman bungalows are being rediscovered and refitted, others are not so lucky. Traveling the city, one can detect the denuded bungalows robbed of their classic and family-centric front porches, classic craftsman columns replaced by New Orleans metal, or Victorian columns. Some have had their large outside rooms, 'i.e. the front porch', walled up, The clean lines and noteworthy exposed gables closed in, torn off, or otherwise stripped of character. Worst are the attempts to turn the bungalow into a Spanish, Modern, or Deco house.
Hopefully, as Oklahoma City continues to rennovate its heart, it will become aware of this essentially American development of the private home and help preserve the beauty and the soul these homes added to their communities.
Classic Books
Dover Publications has some wonderful and inexpensive books on the Bungalow. I have some of these and they are so fascinating and useful for identification of styles and adaptations. Click on the image for the link.
IMAGES OF BUNGALOWS
Learn more about identifying the bungalow at
http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/~twp/architecture/craftsman/
http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/~twp/architecture/craftsman/
9/06/2009
5/18/2008
Children and running space
Bungalows and arts and crafts style homes provide lots of nooks and crannies and places to let the imagination run free....
SAVE A BUNGALOW: Green the Community and Save a Piece of History
I have nearly wept sometimes going through older parts of a community and see the rich diversity of bungalows and arts and crafts houses now hidden by "improvements". Warm and welcoming porches stripped away to turn them in to mock New England salt boxes, plastered and turned in to a Santa Fe Mission, the warm, earthen tones turned into flamboyant blues or pinks, or worst of all, the lovely columns stripped away to be replaced by iron New Orleans posts. The bare bones of a good bungalow is modern enough to please the ascetics of any contemporary person, the restored oak of floors, book shelves, or doors enough to please the most traditional among any group. The philosophical foundation of simplicity, merging nature and daily life, and creating a small oasis of peace and harmony should resonate with anyone in the contemporary world. The small space is also very "green" as it allows more people to share the resources of a community without creating the faux "mansions" that seek to demonstrate status instead of generate a home. Several companies specialize in resources for the rennovator and restorer: Hammered and Hewn http://www.hewnandhammered.com/hewn_and_hammered/remodel_restore/ and are
EARLY OKLAHOMA CITY BUNGALOWS
In a 1915 edition of the Oklahoman an article stated "100 Homes Built Here During Year: Bungalows Predominate as Type of Construction in Buildings". The hugely popular style was slated to reach 400 in the coming year due to its style, attentions to detail, and its price range of $12,000 to $40,000. There was, quite literally, a style for almost every pocket book. It was the emergence of the American middle class and the "home ownership" movement that merged individualism, modernity (freedom from the stuffy Victorian styles) and a decidedly American equalization of status in society that made these homes real estate winners. Add to that in the coming years the "kit" houses, from Aladdin and Sears, that were easy to deliver, easy to build, and easy to buy and the stage was set for wide spread home building. "On Capital Hill, throughout the precincts of University and Putnam and other additions...their tile, slate, or shingle roofs cover comfort and inviting elegance." The ubiquitous bungalow, so carelessly cast aside and denuded of its many charming and unique features is worthy of salvation through restoration. The bungalow and the larger arts and crafts movement styles were all designed and carried out with charming attention to creating an "atmosphere" of harmony, of integration of nature and art, and a space to feed the inner soul as well as protect the outer being.
3/08/2008
Loss of Community
Talk of eleminating our addiction to oil is the rage. Alternatives are sought. Windmills are great but in recent years people along the elite coasts of New England did not want them interferring with their "view". Once again our irksome human foibles reveal how the great promise of democracy in this country is crumbling. We may all be "created equal," but - scream the scrambling crowd - just don't live near me! The landscape of America is filled with horrible "McMansions," cookie cutter replicas without soul or identity. They come in every price range and exterior finish. Some of the most monstrous I've recently seen have been those $400,000 and up homes filled with zebra-patterned chairs and furniture suitable for an Italian brothel.
Cities should be more concerned that all people have adequate housing and that democracy is more than just a word we learn and forget in some distant classroom. Every time I see one of those elite communities I wonder what happens when it becomes the slums. It's happened before. Remember, what goes around comes around.
Cities should be more concerned that all people have adequate housing and that democracy is more than just a word we learn and forget in some distant classroom. Every time I see one of those elite communities I wonder what happens when it becomes the slums. It's happened before. Remember, what goes around comes around.
1/07/2008
Want to Learn More About The Style of Your Old House?
This site has a great gallery and stories. Visit www.oldhouses.com/old-house-restoration-stori...
10/07/2007
Feeding the Soul
One thing I truly love is looking through old books of bungalow plans. Several of these have been reprinted and are a delight. They recall a mythic time of seeming ease or grace in the pace of life that speaks to me.
Life today is a mad rush from the highway scramble of speeding, law breaking drivers to the scramble to make it through the day and get everything done, and the demands on the little spare time left each night.
Is it any wonder that the images of a quiet evening sitting on an open porch enjoying the day's end or sitting in a cozy room with a newspaper and a lamp that casts a butter colored puddle of light seems so attractive.
Life today is a mad rush from the highway scramble of speeding, law breaking drivers to the scramble to make it through the day and get everything done, and the demands on the little spare time left each night.
Is it any wonder that the images of a quiet evening sitting on an open porch enjoying the day's end or sitting in a cozy room with a newspaper and a lamp that casts a butter colored puddle of light seems so attractive.
6/28/2007
"I have found just the house!" A Bungalow story
A friend was telling us their future daughter-in-law was driving around looking at houses and came in excited. "I've found just the kind of house I want! It is great!" So the two piled back into the car and she headed to house she had seen.
As our friend sat beside her in the car, she realized she knew the area, and mentioned she had friends in this section of town. As the car slowed down and the younger woman pointed in glee at the house she had seen, our friend had to laugh because it was our house!
There is just something about a arts-n-crafts bungalow.......
As our friend sat beside her in the car, she realized she knew the area, and mentioned she had friends in this section of town. As the car slowed down and the younger woman pointed in glee at the house she had seen, our friend had to laugh because it was our house!
There is just something about a arts-n-crafts bungalow.......
6/09/2007
Days Off
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It is Saturday morning after a grueling week and I have been lingering over a 1907 copy of "Days Off" by Henry Van Dyke (NY: Charles Scribner's Sons). The book is a work of art with full color cover and spine - flowers on a field of gold foil done in an abstract that appeals.
A collection of short stories....voices from another time. The first selection is "Days Off" and contains wisdom about relaxation. "You see it is the change that makes the charm of a day off. The real joy of leisure is known only to the people who have contracted the habit of work without becoming enslaved to the vice of overwork..."
Excuse me now why I take a hot cup of coffee and do something different....it is my day off, after all.
A collection of short stories....voices from another time. The first selection is "Days Off" and contains wisdom about relaxation. "You see it is the change that makes the charm of a day off. The real joy of leisure is known only to the people who have contracted the habit of work without becoming enslaved to the vice of overwork..."
Excuse me now why I take a hot cup of coffee and do something different....it is my day off, after all.
6/02/2007
Cure for Modern Ugliness
William Morris said it all: "Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful." This quote conveys the basic tenet of belief regarding the bungalow and the guiding principle for a simple and peaceful existence. Many designers of the Arts and Crafts movement believed in a balance and harmony between form and function. This often created an organic structure that, even years later, would continue to immediately welcome people under its roof. This simplicity is often in opposition to the desire to "Tuscanize", "Bordelloize", and "Modernize" to the extreme. Over the years bungalows and mission homes have been robbed of the features that made them unique: pillars were replaced by Spanish iron grilles, wide open porch rooms were turned into walled dens, and the exposed beams, fine woods, and lights yanked out. Hiding, and sometimes dying, beneath layers of popcorn ceiling treatments, cheap shag carpeting, and mock neo-victorian many a bungalow awaits being discovered by someone with a discerning eye. Somewhere one of these American beauties awaits rescue....will you be a hero?
Accessories of Style
"Mission", "Arts & Crafts" and "Bungalow" are terms referring to several styles with some common values. The accessories are unique and often very diverse.
Paintings were generally the "en plein aire" variety made popular in the west and in California. This style emphasized capturing the play of natural light on a landscape. Artists such as Birger Sandzen are an early example of this style incorporating as it does the light and texture of the American experience.
Furniture was minimalistic and reminds of the mission style of Southern California, but also the simplistic grace of Shaker manufacturing.
Paintings were generally the "en plein aire" variety made popular in the west and in California. This style emphasized capturing the play of natural light on a landscape. Artists such as Birger Sandzen are an early example of this style incorporating as it does the light and texture of the American experience.
Furniture was minimalistic and reminds of the mission style of Southern California, but also the simplistic grace of Shaker manufacturing.
Adding Living Space Outdoors
The arts and crafts movement was in reaction to the closed in and isolated existence of the Victorian era. The movement removed the heavy drapes and , literally, let the light into the house. Coinciding with a health and fitness movement sweeping the land the houses benefited
from lots of light and windows. There was also an emphasis on the benefits of fresh air and the
importance of blending the interior home with its exterior setting. The result is often increased living space and an environment that keeps things in balance.
from lots of light and windows. There was also an emphasis on the benefits of fresh air and the
importance of blending the interior home with its exterior setting. The result is often increased living space and an environment that keeps things in balance.
Bungalow Lifestyle & Values
Every space- even a garage entry - becomes an opportunity to connect with nature and to bring peace and harmony into life.Fireplace: A bungalow feature
The fireplace for most designers of the arts & crafts movement was the heart of the home. 
Around the fireplace, in reach of the crackling, warming flames, the cares and burdens of the outside world could be shrugged off.
Harking back to the earliest of human memories the fireplace was
seen as a necessary component for a true home.
Often flanked by built in, glass fronted bookcases, the fireplaces of
many bungalows still retain the certain something that embraces
the soul and warms the heart.
Books About Bungalows
Some personal favorites:
Bungalow kitchens. Powel and Svendsen. Gibbs Snith, 2000.
Bungalow colors, exteriors. Schweitzer. Gibbs Smith, 2002.
The Bungalow: America's arts and crafts home. Duchscherer and Keister. Penguin, 1995.
Updating bungalows. Connolly and Wasserman. Taunton Press, 2002.
American bungalow style. Winter. Simon and Schuster, 1996.
The Arts and crafts movement. Sommer. Barnes and Noble, 2003.
Craftsman collection: 170 house plans in the Craftsman and Bungalow Style. Home Planners, 1999.
In the arts and crafts style. Mayer. Chronicle Books, 1992.
Stickly style. Cathers and Vertikoff. Simon and Schuster, 1999.
Bungalow kitchens. Powel and Svendsen. Gibbs Snith, 2000.
Bungalow colors, exteriors. Schweitzer. Gibbs Smith, 2002.
The Bungalow: America's arts and crafts home. Duchscherer and Keister. Penguin, 1995.
Updating bungalows. Connolly and Wasserman. Taunton Press, 2002.
American bungalow style. Winter. Simon and Schuster, 1996.
The Arts and crafts movement. Sommer. Barnes and Noble, 2003.
Craftsman collection: 170 house plans in the Craftsman and Bungalow Style. Home Planners, 1999.
In the arts and crafts style. Mayer. Chronicle Books, 1992.
Stickly style. Cathers and Vertikoff. Simon and Schuster, 1999.
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