Jasper County Democrat, Volume 15, Number 71, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 December 1912 — IDEAS FOR HOME BUILDERS [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

IDEAS FOR HOME BUILDERS

BY WM.A.RADFORD.

Mr. William A. Radford will answer questions and give advice FREE OF COST on all subjects pertaining to the subject of building, for the readers of this paper. On account of his wide experience as Editor, Author and Manufacturer, he Is, without doubt, the highest authority on all these subjects. Address all inquiries to William A. Radford, No. 178 West Jackson boulevard, Chicago, Hl., and only enclose two-cent stamp for reply.

Architects are applying themselves assiduously to the problem of supplying the demand for moderate cost homes. In all parts of the country more houses of what might be called the middle class are being built than other styles. The designs show originality and in every case there is evident the effort to make housekeeping easier, in fact, a pleasure. Too often it is found that interior convenience is sacrificed to exterior ornamentation. Many times more effort is given to ‘mere show than to utility and convenience. ‘

The days of the old parlor are past. The old parlor was a room shut off from all other rooms and it was opened only when the minister called, when sister got married, or when the sewing society met. It was a room jealously protected against Invasion by the youngsters of the household, and if one of the boys ventured across the dead line at the doorway, there was nothing short of a tragedy. But the people have outgrown this. Now, if a parlor exists it is lived in just like any other part of the house. The houses built now, even if they are supplied with a parlor, are intended to be lived in all over. This is a

sign that proves the home, always the bulwark of civilization. Is growing still nearer to the hearts of the people. It is the surest indication of the stability of our institutions. Even the summer tourist who travels the country over in search of pleasure and visits all the resorts, when he comes to analyze his feelings, comes to the conclusion that the greatest pleasure he has in going away from home is the pleasure he has of returning to ft. We do not know how much we live home till we have been away from it

So this little cottage is shown here as a type of the homes that are being built. Some will call it a bungalow, and it will pass under that name with many. But the term "cottage” will be more familiar to the masses. You will notice that this cottage is in harmony with its surroundings. It sits in a large lot and on that account all its lines are effective and beautiful. Unfortunately, in many cases home builders are compelled to build on lots that are too small to display adequately the beauties of the structures

they 1 erect. Whenever It is possible, a lot should be large enough to provide an ample lawn for flowers and shrubbery. And in the arrangement of the flowers and the shrubs, they should be so placed that they will be In harmony with the house, and seem to be a part of it

This cottage Is twenty feet wide and thirty feet six Inches long. One of the marked features of the design Is the porch, constructed of cobble stones. The foundation Is of the same material.. In many cases the stone for this purpose can be collected on

the building site or near to it. The effect of stone used in this way is one of strength and substantialness. Directly opening from the porch is a llv-. Ing room 10 by 11 feet six Inches in size. In a corner is a fireplace that will add cheer to the home in the chill days of spring and fall. Opening from the living room is the diningroom. This room is ten feet square. The kitchen back of the dining-room is the same size. This house is designed for a couple whose needs will not require much room. In the absence of a pantry a cupboard for culinary articles can be built in the kitchen.

A bedroom eight feet six inches by ejpven feet six inches is situated off the diningroom and a window gives a view out onto the porch. Back of the bedroom and opening also into the kitchen is a bathroom.

This cozy little dwelling has been built for $1,500.

Floor Plan.