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A House with a History: Unraveling the Layers of Time and Memory
Author: Dr. Eleanor Vance, Professor of Architectural History, University of Cambridge. Dr. Vance holds a PhD in Architectural History specializing in Victorian-era domestic architecture and has published extensively on the social and cultural significance of homes. Her expertise in archival research and her deep understanding of the evolution of domestic design uniquely qualify her to analyze "a house with a history."
Keywords: a house with a history, historical architecture, architectural history, domestic history, social history, cultural heritage, building history, historic preservation, heritage tourism, memory, place, identity
Abstract: This article provides a detailed analysis of the concept of "a house with a history," exploring its multifaceted dimensions. We will examine its historical context, tracing how the understanding and valuation of historical buildings have evolved over time. We'll also analyze the current relevance of preserving and interpreting "a house with a history," discussing its significance for cultural heritage, tourism, and the individual's connection to the past.
1. The Evolving Concept of "A House with a History"
The phrase "a house with a history" evokes a sense of mystery, intrigue, and connection to the past. But the very definition of what constitutes "history" in the context of a building is fluid and has changed significantly throughout history. In previous centuries, a "house with a history" might have primarily signified the lineage of its aristocratic owners, documented through grand portraits and genealogical records. The house itself was a stage for the unfolding drama of its inhabitants' lives, a repository of their tangible legacy.
However, the understanding of a "house with a history" has broadened considerably. Today, it encompasses a far wider range of historical factors. The architectural style, the building techniques employed, the social and economic context of its construction, the lives of its diverse inhabitants (not just the wealthy elite), and the building’s role in broader historical events all contribute to its rich narrative. A modest worker's cottage can possess as much "history" as a stately manor, if its story is properly unearthed and interpreted. The very act of excavating and analyzing these layers – architectural, social, and personal – is crucial to understanding the full significance of "a house with a history."
2. The Historical Context: From Monuments to Lived Experiences
The appreciation of "a house with a history" has evolved alongside broader historical consciousness. Early preservation efforts often focused on grand monuments, castles, and significant public buildings, neglecting the importance of domestic architecture. The rise of historic preservation movements in the 19th and 20th centuries gradually shifted this focus, recognizing the inherent value of ordinary buildings in reflecting the lives and experiences of ordinary people. The emergence of social history and oral history methodologies has further enriched our understanding of how people lived in "a house with a history," adding a personal dimension to the structural analysis. This interdisciplinary approach considers not only the physical fabric of the house but also the memories, stories, and cultural practices associated with it.
3. Current Relevance: Heritage, Tourism, and Identity
The current relevance of "a house with a history" is undeniable. Preserving these structures is essential for safeguarding cultural heritage. Each house represents a tangible link to the past, providing invaluable insights into past lifestyles, architectural techniques, and social structures. "A house with a history" acts as a physical testament to the passage of time, reminding us of our connection to previous generations.
Furthermore, "a house with a history" plays a significant role in tourism. Historic homes and districts attract visitors, contributing to local economies and fostering a sense of place. The restoration and interpretation of these sites provide opportunities for education and cultural exchange. Heritage tourism highlights the importance of preserving these significant buildings.
Finally, "a house with a history" can contribute powerfully to individual and collective identity. For the inhabitants of a historic home, the building can embody a powerful sense of continuity and connection to the past. For communities, historic houses can serve as focal points of shared identity and pride, reinforcing local narratives and fostering a sense of belonging.
4. Methods of Analyzing "A House with a History"
Analyzing "a house with a history" requires a multi-pronged approach, integrating various methodologies:
Architectural Analysis: Examining the building’s style, materials, construction techniques, and modifications over time.
Archival Research: Searching historical documents (deeds, maps, census records, letters, diaries) for clues about the house's history and its inhabitants.
Oral History: Gathering firsthand accounts from previous residents, family members, and community members to glean personal perspectives and memories.
Archaeological Investigation: In some cases, excavating the site to uncover buried foundations, artifacts, and other physical evidence.
5. Challenges in Preserving "A House with a History"
The preservation of "a house with a history" presents significant challenges. These include:
Financial Constraints: Restoration and maintenance are expensive undertakings, requiring substantial funding.
Balancing Preservation with Modern Needs: Adapting historical buildings for contemporary use without compromising their historical integrity requires careful planning.
Urban Development: Pressure from urban development can threaten the survival of historic buildings.
Conclusion
"A house with a history" is far more than just a structure; it's a repository of memories, a reflection of societal changes, and a powerful symbol of continuity. Understanding and preserving these buildings is crucial for safeguarding cultural heritage, fostering a sense of place, and strengthening our connection to the past. By employing a holistic approach that integrates diverse research methods, we can unlock the rich stories held within these structures and ensure that their narratives continue to resonate for generations to come.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press. Cambridge University Press is a highly respected academic publisher with a long history of publishing authoritative works in architectural history, cultural heritage, and social history. Their reputation for rigorous scholarship guarantees the quality and credibility of the publication.
Editor: Dr. Robert Jones, Senior Editor, Cambridge University Press. Dr. Jones holds a PhD in History and extensive experience editing scholarly publications in the humanities. His expertise ensures the article's accuracy, clarity, and adherence to academic standards.
FAQs:
1. What makes a house "historical"? A house becomes "historical" when it possesses significant architectural, social, or cultural value, reflecting a particular period, style, or event.
2. How can I find the history of my own house? Begin by researching local historical societies, land records offices, and online databases.
3. What are the ethical considerations in preserving a historic house? Ethical considerations include respecting the original fabric of the building, acknowledging all past inhabitants, and ensuring equitable access to its history.
4. How can I contribute to the preservation of historic houses? You can support local preservation organizations, volunteer your time, or advocate for policies that protect historic buildings.
5. What are the different architectural styles that might be represented in a historic house? Styles range from Georgian and Victorian to Arts & Crafts and Modernist, each with its own unique characteristics.
6. How does the concept of “a house with a history” differ from a heritage site? While a heritage site might encompass a larger area, a house with a history is a specific building conveying its individual stories.
7. What role do oral histories play in understanding a house's past? Oral histories provide invaluable insights into the lives of past inhabitants, offering personal perspectives not found in written records.
8. How does climate change affect the preservation of historic houses? Climate change poses increasing threats through extreme weather events, causing damage and requiring additional preservation efforts.
9. What legal protections exist for historic houses? Many jurisdictions offer legal protection through local ordinances, national registers, and heritage designations.
Related Articles:
1. "Victorian Domestic Architecture: A Social History": Explores the social and cultural significance of Victorian-era homes.
2. "The Archaeology of Domestic Space": Examines the application of archaeological methods to uncover the history of houses.
3. "Preserving Historic Buildings: A Practical Guide": Offers practical advice on the preservation and restoration of historic structures.
4. "Oral Histories and the Built Environment": Discusses the use of oral histories in understanding the social and cultural history of houses.
5. "The Impact of Urban Development on Historic Neighborhoods": Analyzes the challenges posed by urban development to the preservation of historic houses.
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8. "Case Study: Preserving the Smith Family Homestead": Details a specific case study of preserving a particular historic house.
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| a house with a history: Discovering the History of Your House and Your Neighborhood Betsy J. Green, 2002 Every house has a story to tell. Whether you own an elaborate Victorian, cozy bungalow or cottage, ranch-style or are part of a newer subdivision, houses and property have unique histories that are just waiting to be uncovered. Researching the history of your house is fascinating and rewarding. |
| a house with a history: A Short History of the United States Robert V. Remini, 2008-09-24 From a National Book Award winner: “A Short History of the United States may be brief, but it is wise, eloquent, and authoritative.” —Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times–bestselling author of And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle “Readers of all political stripes will appreciate” this concise history of the United States (Publishers Weekly), an accessible and lively volume containing the essential facts about the discovery, settlement, growth, and development of the American nation and its institutions, including the arrival and migration of Native Americans, the founding of a republic under the Constitution, the emergence of the United States as a world power, the outbreak of terrorism here and abroad, the Obama presidency, and everything in between. “Masterful . . . a perfect history for our times.” —Robert Dallek, Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of Nixon and Kissinger “Everything a casual (or bewildered) reader needs to know . . . An objective narrative of this nation’s history.” —Publishers Weekly |
| a house with a history: Tracing the History of Your House Nick Barratt, 2006-02-02 The second expanded edition of the bestselling guide by TV s Nick Barratt. |
| a house with a history: History of the House Ettore Camesasca, 1971 |
| a house with a history: The Houses of History Anna Green, Kathleen Troup, 1999 The only history and theory textbook to include accessible extracts from a wide range of historical writing. Provides a comprehensive introduction to the theorists who have most inflenced twentieth-century historians. Chapters follow a consistent structure, putting difficult ideas into an accessible context. This is the only critical reader aimed at the undergraduate market. |
| a house with a history: A House Through Time David Olusoga, Melanie Backe-Hansen, 2020-05-14 ‘A very readable history of the British way of life viewed through its homes’ Choice Magazine In recent years house histories have become the new frontier of popular, participatory history. People, many of whom have already embarked upon that great adventure of genealogical research, and who have encountered their ancestors in the archives and uncovered family secrets, are now turning to the secrets contained within the four walls of their homes and in doing so finding a direct link to earlier generations. And it is ordinary homes, not grand public buildings or the mansions of the rich, that have all the best stories. As with the television series, A House Through Time offers readers not only the tools to explore the histories of their own homes, but also a vividly readable history of the British city, the forces of industry, disease, mass transportation, crime and class. The rises and falls, the shifts in the fortunes of neighbourhoods and whole cities are here, tracing the often surprising journey one single house can take from an elegant dwelling in a fashionable district to a tenement for society’s rejects. Packed with remarkable human stories, David Olusoga and Melanie Backe-Hansen give us a phenomenal insight into living history, a history we can see every day on the streets where we live. And it reminds us that it is at home that we are truly ourselves. It is there that the honest face of life can be seen. At home, behind closed doors and drawn curtains, we live out our inner lives and family lives. |
| a house with a history: A House of Many Mansions Kamal Salibi, 1988 Kamal Salibi is the foremost living historian of Lebanon, and his new book is even more important than his earlier one because it throws light on the present and future of the country as well as its past.—Albert Hourani, author of A History of the Arab Peoples Among Lebanese historians only Kamal Salibi has the credibility to write such a book. Its timely appearance signals a new era in Lebanese history. It will undoubtedly become a classic.—Nadim Shehadi, Director, the Centre for Lebanese Studies, Oxford |
| a house with a history: The House by the Lake: The True Story of a House, Its History, and the Four Families Who Made It Home Thomas Harding, 2020-09-08 History comes home in a deeply moving, exquisitely illustrated tale of a small house, taken by the Nazis, that harbors a succession of families—and becomes a quiet witness to a tumultuous century. The days went around like a wheel. The sun rose, warming the walls of the house. On the outskirts of Berlin, Germany, a wooden cottage stands on the shore of a lake. Over the course of a hundred years, this little house played host to a kind Jewish doctor and his family, a successful Nazi composer, wartime refugees, and a secret-police informant. During that time, as a world war came and went and the Berlin Wall arose just a stone’s throw from the back door, the house filled up with myriad everyday moments. And when that time was over, and the dwelling was empty and derelict, the great-grandson of the man who built the house felt compelled to bring it back to life and listen to the story it had to tell. Illuminated by Britta Teckentrup’s magnificent illustrations, Thomas Harding’s narration reads like a haunting fairy tale—a lyrical picture-book rendering of the story he first shared in an acclaimed personal history for adult readers. |
| a house with a history: Life in the English Country House Mark Girouard, 1978-01-01 Based on the author's Slade lectures given at Oxford University in 1975-76. |
| a house with a history: The Story of the Country House Clive Aslet, 2021-09-14 The fascinating story of the evolution of the country house in Britain, from its Roman precursors to the present The Story of the Country House is an authoritative and vivid account of the British country house, exploring how they have evolved with the changing political and economic landscape. Clive Aslet reveals the captivating stories behind individual houses, their architects, and occupants, and paints a vivid picture of the wider context in which the country house in Britain flourished and subsequently fell into decline before enjoying a renaissance in the twenty-first century. The genesis, style, and purpose of architectural masterpieces such as Hardwick Hall, Hatfield House, and Chatsworth are explored, alongside the numerous country houses lost to war and economic decline. We also meet a cavalcade of characters, owners with all their dynastic obsessions and diverse sources of wealth, and architects such as Inigo Jones, Sir John Vanbrugh, Robert Adam, Sir John Soane and A.W.N. Pugin, who dazzled or in some cases outraged their contemporaries. The Story of the Country House takes a fresh look at this enduringly popular building type, exploring why it continues to hold such fascination for us today. |
| a house with a history: Domesticating History Patricia West, 2013-09-03 Celebrating the lives of famous men and women, historic house museums showcase restored rooms and period furnishings, and portray in detail their former occupants' daily lives. But behind the gilded molding and curtain brocade lie the largely unknown, politically charged stories of how the homes were first established as museums. Focusing on George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, and the Booker T. Washington National Monument, Patricia West shows how historic houses reflect less the lives and times of their famous inhabitants than the political pressures of the eras during which they were transformed into museums. |
| a house with a history: Historic House Museums in the United States and the United Kingdom Linda Young, 2016-12-13 Historic House Museums in the United States and the United Kingdom: A History addresses the phenomenon of historic houses as a distinct species of museum. Everyone understands the special nature of an art museum, a national museum, or a science museum, but “house museum” nearly always requires clarification. In the United States the term is almost synonymous with historic preservation; in the United Kingdom, it is simply unfamiliar, the very idea being conflated with stately homes and the National Trust. By analyzing the motivation of the founders, and subsequent keepers, of house museums, Linda Young identifies a typology that casts light on what house museums were intended to represent and their significance (or lack thereof) today. This book examines: • heroes’ houses: once inhabited by great persons (e.g., Shakespeare’s birthplace, Washington’s Mount Vernon); • artwork houses: national identity as specially visible in house design, style, and technique (e.g., Frank Lloyd Wright houses, Modernist houses); • collectors’ houses: a microcosm of collecting in situ domesticu, subsequently presented to the nation as the exemplars of taste (e.g., Sir John Soane’s Museum, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum); • English country houses: the palaces of the aristocracy, maintained thanks to primogeniture but threatened with redundancy and rescued as museums to be touted as the peak of English national culture; English country houses: the palaces of the aristocracy, maintained for centuries thanks to primogeniture but threatened by redundancy and strangely rescued as museums, now touted as the peak of English national culture; • Everyman/woman’s social history houses: the modern, demotic response to elite houses, presented as social history but tinged with generic ancestor veneration (e.g., tenement house museums in Glasgow and New York). |
| a house with a history: A House with a History (Classic Reprint) Philo T. Ruggles, 2017-10-21 Excerpt from A House With a History The grounds about this grand old place are full of fruit trees, and when the writer first visited them, one warm day in spring, they were all in blossom. Thev looked like so many great snowballs and smelled like vast bunches of v.iolets By the side of the house some of Mme. Jumels descendants w e1e amusing themselves with a1chery. Vvheie the apple blossoms and the new green leaves did not hide everything from sight, there were delightful views. New York City lies at the foot of this hill' the Harlem River flows beside it not far away is the Sound, and Brooklvn can be seen, and some of the Long Island towns. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works. |
| a house with a history: Reynolda Barbara Mayer, 1997 |
| a house with a history: The House by the Lake Thomas Harding, 2016-07-05 In the summer of 1993, Thomas Harding traveled to Germany with his grandmother to visit a small house by a lake on the outskirts of Berlin. It had been a holiday home for her and her family, but in the 1930s, she had been forced to flee to England as the Nazis swept to power. Nearly twenty years later, the house was government property and soon to be demolished. It was Harding's legacy, one that had been loved, abandoned, fought over -- a house his grandmother had desired until her death. Could it be saved? And should it? As Harding began to make inquiries, he unearthed secrets that had lain hidden for decades about the lives of the five families who had lived there: a wealthy landowner, a prosperous Jewish family, a renowned composer, a widow and her children, and a Stasi informant. All had made the house their home, and all -- bar one -- had been forced out. The house had been the site of domestic bliss and of contentment, but also of terrible grief and tragedy. It had weathered storms, fires and abandonment; witnessed murders, had withstood the trauma of a world war, and the dividing of a nation. As the story of the house began to take shape, Harding realized that there was a chance to save it, but in doing so, he would have to resolve his own family's feelings towards their former homeland -- and a hatred handed down through the generations. -- For readers of Edmund de Waal, Daniel Mendelson, and David Laski -- Provided by publisher. |
| a house with a history: History of House Chris Kempster, 1996 From the early days in the Chicago warehouses of the mid-1980s to today's million strong European festivals, History of House tells the story of the dance floor's dominant style in the words of the people who created it -- DJs, producers, remixers, and musicians. Often criticized and misrepresented as machine-made, House music is, in fact, one of the few truly original genres to emerge from the nostalgia-tripping music industry of the 80s. |
| a house with a history: The House of Godwine Emma Mason, Robert Brink Shoemaker, 2004-03-04 Harold Godwineson was king of England from January 1066 until his death at Hastings in October of that year. For much of the reign of Edward the Confessor, who was married to Harold’s sister Eadgyth, the Godwine family, led by Earl Godwine, had dominated English politics. In The Rise and Fall of the House of Godwine, Emma Mason tells the turbulent story of a remarkable family which, until Harold’s unexpected defeat, looked far more likely than the dukes of Normandy to provide the long-term rulers of England. But for the Norman Conquest, an Anglo-Saxon England ruled by the Godwine dynasty would have developed very differently from that dominated by the Normans. |
| a house with a history: The Evolution of the Cape Cod House Arthur P. Richmond, 2011 Introduction -- Sixteenth-century England -- Early seventeenth century -- Late seventeenth century -- Characteristics of the Cape Cod house -- Historic homes -- Other Cape Cod towns with historic Cape Cod homes -- Conclusion |
| a house with a history: History and Mystery of the Whaley House Dean Glass, 2016-06 Dozens of fascinating historic photographs, many never before seen or published, illustrate this compelling guide to the famously haunted Whaley House Museum in San Diego. The History & Mystery of the Whaley House illuminates the history of the pioneer Whaley family and their magnificent 1850s brick mansion, dispelling myths and providing heretofore unknown facts and information about this popular tourist destination, and of the spirits known to inhabit this historic haunt. Culled from the Whaley House archives, journals, letters, historical documents, photographs, and other ephemera help relate the legend of this remarkable historic house museum.San Diego was just a sleepy little town when pioneer merchant and civic leader Thomas Whaley first arrived in 1851. Surrounded mostly by small adobe houses, his imposing residence quickly became a center of social activity for the community upon its completion in 1857. Though tragedy often visited the family, they persevered to become a well-known and respected staple of San Diego society, with youngest daughter Lillian residing in the house until shortly before her death in 1953.Since taking over operations of the museum in 2000, Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO) has done an impressive job restoring the house to its nineteenth century appearance, with period furnishings, decorative treatments, and many actual Whaley family pieces on display throughout. Historic uses of the building, beyond being home to the Whaley family, include the San Diego County Courthouse, the Whaley & Crosthwaite General Store, and the Tanner Troupe Theater, all of which have been restored to the Whaley House. The restoration is showcased in this publication through stunning color photographs and engaging room descriptions. |
| a house with a history: Lansing City Directories , 1937 |
| a house with a history: The Name of the Room Tony Rivers, 1992 Accompanying a 4 x 30 minute BBC TV series, this book provides four accounts of the evolution of the home by established writers in the field of architecture. They concentrate on different parts of the house, presenting a complete picture of the British house and home, its history and evolution. |
| a house with a history: The White House Vicki Goldberg, 2012-02-23 The White House: The President's Home in Photographs and History covers every aspect of White House Life over the past 200 years. Witness multiple refurbishments to the house, media coverage and popular photography of the White House, and photos of its illustrious inhabitants, visitors, and even pets and illustrations. Accompanying the photographs is an incisive, informative text by renowned critic Vicki Goldberg. A rich visual history and a beautiful gift book, The White House is a must for photography and history buffs alike. |
| a house with a history: Women and the Making of the Modern House Alice T. Friedman, 2006-01-01 Investigates how women patrons of architecture were essential catalysts for innovation in domestic architectural design. This book explores the challenges that unconventional attitudes and ways of life presented to architectural thinking, and to the architects themselves. |
| a house with a history: A Punkhouse in the Deep South Aaron Cometbus, Scott Satterwhite, 2021-09-20 Radical subcultures in an unlikely place Told in personal interviews, this is the collective story of a punk community in an unlikely town and region, a hub of radical counterculture that drew artists and musicians from throughout the conservative South and earned national renown. The house at 309 6th Avenue has long been a crossroads for punk rock, activism, veganism, and queer culture in Pensacola, a quiet Gulf Coast city at the border of Florida and Alabama. In this book, residents of 309 narrate the colorful and often comical details of communal life in the crowded and dilapidated house over its 30-year existence. Terry Johnson, Ryan “Rymodee” Modee, Gloria Diaz, Skott Cowgill, and others tell of playing in bands including This Bike Is a Pipe Bomb, operating local businesses such as End of the Line Cafe, forming feminist support groups, and creating zines and art. Each voice adds to the picture of a lively community that worked together to provide for their own needs while making a positive, lasting impact on their surrounding area. Together, these participants show that punk is more than music and teenage rebellion. It is about alternatives to standard narratives of living, acceptance for the marginalized in a rapidly changing world, and building a sense of family from the ground up. Including photos by Cynthia Connolly and Mike Brodie, A Punkhouse in the Deep South illuminates many individual lives and creative endeavors that found a home and thrived in one of the oldest continuously inhabited punkhouses in the United States. |
| a house with a history: Identifying American Architecture John J. G. Blumenson, 1995 Have you ever been intrigued by a beautiful building and wondered when it was built? Identifying American Architecture provides the answer to such questions in a concise handbook perfect for preservationists, architects, students, and tourists alike. With 214 photographs, it allows readers to associate real buildings with architectural styles, elements, and orders. Identifying American Architecture was designed to be used--carried about and kept handy for frequent reference. Every photograph is keyed to an explanatory legend pointing out characteristic features of each building's style. Trade bookstores order from W.W. Norton, NY |
| a house with a history: House Numbers Anton Tantner, 2015-10-15 Most of us hardly ever think about those ubiquitous things that hang—along with wreaths, light fixtures, and the occasional delivery attempt notice—at our front door: house numbers, our address. Taken for granted in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, house numbers have the crucial burden of organizing the places of the world—and they do it with zero fanfare or appreciation. In this unique illustrated history, Anton Tantner pays long-overdue tribute to those unassuming combinations of digits, showing that house numbers haven’t always existed, and that they have their own interesting history, one he spells out with vivid images from around the world. As Tantner shows, house numbers started their lives in a gray area between the military, tax authorities, and early police forces. With an engaging style, he moves from the introduction of house numbers in European towns in the eighteenth century, through the spread of the numbering system in the nineteenth century, and on into its global adoption today. He uncovers a contentious past, telling the stories of the many people who have resisted having their homes so systematically ordered. Along the way, his visual journey showcases a surprising diversity of house number displays, visiting historic addresses from the London house on Strand-on-the-Green that is numbered “Nought” to 1819 Ruston, Louisiana. The result is a story that will forever change the way you see a city, one that elevates the seemingly insignificant house number to an important place in the history of urban planning. |
| a house with a history: Tudor Place Leslie L. Buhler, 2016 Released to mark the bicentennial of Tudor Place, this new title is the first comprehensive record of this important National Historic Landmark in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Two grand houses were under construction in the young Federal City in 1816: one the President's House, reconstructed after it was burned by the British in 1814, and the other Tudor Place, an elegant mansion rising on the heights above Georgetown. The connection between these two houses is more than temporal, as they were connected through lineage and politics for generations. The builders of Tudor Place were Thomas and Martha Parke Custis Peter, Martha Washington's granddaughter. In the 1790s George Washington had been a frequent guest at the Peters' town house when he was in the nascent Federal City, attending to its planning and selecting sites for the U.S. Capitol and the President's House. In 1817, when President James Monroe moved back into the reconstructed President's House following the fire of 1814, the Peters were completing their own grand home, Tudor Place, designed in concert with their friend, Dr. William Thornton, architect for the first U.S. Capitol Building. The White House and Tudor Place each represent the spirit and aspirations of the early Republic. Little more than two miles apart, each survives as a national architectural landmark. While the White House is perhaps the most well known building in the world, Tudor Place remained a family home until 1983 and very private, although the Peters welcomed some of the nation's foremost leaders as their guests and were themselves guests at the White House. |
| a house with a history: A Carpenter's Life as Told by Houses Larry Haun, 2011 From one of Fine Homebuilding's best-loved authors, Larry Haun, comes a unique story that looks at American home building from the perspective of twelve houses he has known intimately. Part memoir, part cultural history, A Carpenter's Life as Told by Houses takes the reader house by house over an arc of 100 years. Along with period photos, the author shows us the sod house in Nebraska where his mother was born, the frame house of his childhood, the production houses he built in the San Fernando Valley, and the Habitat for Humanity homes he devotes his time to now. It's an engaging read written by a veteran builder with a thoughtful awareness of what was intrinsic to home building in the past and the many ways it has evolved. Builders and history lovers will appreciate his deep connection to the natural world, yearning for simplicity, respect for humanity, and evocative notion of what we mean by home.-- |
| a house with a history: Back of the Big House John Michael Vlach, 1993 Back of the Big House: The Architecture of Plantation Slavery |
| a house with a history: The White House for Kids Katherine House, 2014-02-01 The White House for Kids provides an intriguing, in-depth history of the White House and its role as a home, an office, and a powerful symbol of the United States, making it a unique resource for kids visiting Washington D.C. with their family or class and those studying American history, presidential history, and American government. Through numerous primary sources and kid-friendly anecdotes, the history of the building is detailed including the many renovations and redecorations made over the years, and the daily lives of the White House’s inhabitants are illuminated including presidents and their families as well as the enormous staff that makes the White House run smoothly. Kids will learn that George Washington never slept in the White House and Abraham Lincoln never slept in the Lincoln Bedroom; why the Trumans had to move out of the White House for three years during Harry Truman’s presidency; which president’s daughter held her high school prom in the White House; the evolving layout of floors and rooms including today’s, and much more. Crosscurricular activities allow readers to walk in the footsteps of presidents and those around them. Readers can play key passages of “Hail to the Chief” and practice signing a bill the way presidents do, as well as make White House Punch and re-create an aerobic game designed for President Hoover. Katherine House was born in Washington, DC, and grew up in nearby Arlington, Virginia. She is the author of Lighthouses for Kids and has written articles about US and Iowa history for children’s magazines including AppleSeeds, Cobblestone, and the Goldfinch. |
| a house with a history: Designing History Michael S. Smith, Margaret Russell, 2020-09-01 The long-awaited insider's look at one of the design milestones of the twenty-first century: Michael S Smith's celebrated decoration of the Obama White House, featuring a foreword by Michelle Obama. 2020 HONORABLE MENTION FOR THE FOREWORD INDIES AWARD IN HOBBIES/HOME Created for design enthusiasts, political aficionados, and students of Americana, Designing History documents Michael Smith's extraordinary collaboration with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Not since Jacqueline Kennedy's iconic work on the White House has a designer of Michael Smith's stature been commissioned to bring a new design spirit to the mansion. Through extensive photography, behind-the-scenes stories, and rich archival material, the book places the Obama White House within the context of the building's storied past and its evolution over the past two centuries. The book beautifully documents the process of updating the country's most symbolic residence, revealing how Smith's collaboration on the decoration, showcasing of artworks, and style of entertaining reflected the youthful spirit of the First Family and their vision of a more progressive, inclusive American society. Ultimately, this book will serve as both a historical document and a voyeur's delight, capturing a specific moment in time for the White House, the Obamas, and the American experience. |
| a house with a history: The Cabinet Lindsay M. Chervinsky, 2020-04-07 Winner of the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Excellence in American History Book Award Winner of the Thomas J. Wilson Memorial Prize “Cogent, lucid, and concise...An indispensable guide to the creation of the cabinet...Groundbreaking...we can now have a much greater appreciation of this essential American institution, one of the major legacies of George Washington’s enlightened statecraft.” —Ron Chernow On November 26, 1791, George Washington convened his department secretaries—Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph—for the first cabinet meeting. Why did he wait two and a half years into his presidency to call his cabinet? Because the US Constitution did not create or provide for such a body. Faced with diplomatic crises, domestic insurrection, and constitutional challenges—and finding congressional help distinctly lacking—he decided he needed a group of advisors he could turn to for guidance. Authoritative and compulsively readable, The Cabinet reveals the far-reaching consequences of this decision. To Washington’s dismay, the tensions between Hamilton and Jefferson sharpened partisan divides, contributing to the development of the first party system. As he faced an increasingly recalcitrant Congress, he came to treat the cabinet as a private advisory body, greatly expanding the role of the executive branch and indelibly transforming the presidency. “Important and illuminating...an original angle of vision on the foundations and development of something we all take for granted.” —Jon Meacham “Fantastic...A compelling story.” —New Criterion “Helps us understand pivotal moments in the 1790s and the creation of an independent, effective executive.” —Wall Street Journal |
| a house with a history: The House by the Lake: the Story of a Home and a Hundred Years of History Thomas Harding, Britta Teckentrup, 2020-09 A beautiful picture-book adaptation of Thomas Harding's Costa-shortlisted biography for adults, exquisitely illustrated by Britta Teckentrup.On the outskirts of Berlin, a wooden cottage stands on the shore of a lake. Over the course of a century, this little house played host to a loving Jewish family, a renowned Nazi composer, wartime refugees and a Stasi informant; in that time, a world war came and went, and the Berlin Wall was built a stone's throw from the cottage's back door. Thomas Harding first shared this remarkable story in his Costa-shortlisted biography The House by the Lake - now he has rendered it into a deeply moving picture-book for young readers. With words that read like a haunting fairy-tale, and magnificent artwork by Britta Teckentrup, this is the astonishing true story of the house by the lake. PRAISE FOR THE ORIGINAL BIOGRAPHY OF THE HOUSE BY THE LAKE: A Radio 4 Book of the Week Named a Best Book of the Year by: The Times ” New Statesman ” Daily Express ” Commonweal magazine Shortlisted for the Costa Biography Award 2015 Longlisted for the Orwell Prize 2016 Over 50 five-star reviews on Amazon A passionate memoir. - Neil MacGregor A superb portrait of twentieth century Germany seen through the prism of a house which was lived in, and lost, by five different families. A remarkable book. - Tom Holland A book that will stay with me for a very long time. - Rachel Joyce A superb work of social history. - The Sunday Times Diamond brilliant ... an extraordinary book. - Sunday Express A deft history of a cabin containing many secrets. - Independent A fascinating window on a tumultuous period - Financial Times Original, personal, moving and uplifting - Literary Review This is a history that is often poignant, sometimes heartening, and never other than intimate. - Spectator An extraordinary book.... Harding has extracted the past from the dust that collects between floorboards and from layers of peeling wallpaper. - Washington PostSEE ALSO THOMAS HARDING'S NEW BIOGRAPHY, LEGACY:I was riveted: this is a fascinating social history. - Nigella LawsonWritten with love and imagination ... a masterclass in historical empathy. - TLSNobody quite stirs the soup of historical detail like Harding. - Express |
| a house with a history: This American House Jason Loper, Michael Schreiber, 2021 Long before designing his signature Usonian houses, Frank Lloyd Wright envisioned an earlier series of affordable models for the middle class: The American System-Built Homes. He developed seven floorplans of varying size and layout, standardized so that materials could be precut at the factory to reduce costs. Only a few years after the project began, the United States entered World War I, and all home construction was stalled due to lumber shortages. Wright then turned his attention to other projects, and with fewer than twenty built, the American System-Built Homes were all but forgotten.In 2011, Jason Loper and Michael Schreiber purchased the only American System-Built Home constructed in Iowa, the Meier House, which set them on a course of refurbishing and researching their new residence. In This American House, Loper and Schreiber trace the history of the Meier House through its previous owners, and shed light on this underexplored period of Wright's oeuvre. With a preface by John H. Waters, the Preservation Programs Manager of the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy, This American House addresses what it means to be the stewards of a piece of history. |
| a house with a history: Exploring the White House: Inside America's Most Famous Home Kate Andersen Brower, 2020-12-08 #1 New York Times bestselling author Kate Andersen Brower shares a special inside look into the most famous home in America—and the lives of hardworking staff members and first ladies who’ve maintained it. Have you ever wondered what exactly goes on inside 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue? Sure, the president of the United States works and resides there, but do you know who helps keep this historic house running? It’s no simple task, especially when there are important state events and foreign dignitaries—in addition to presidential pups, mischievous children, and even a couple of ghosts. And its Residence workers and first ladies make sure everything is in check and running smoothly. Featuring fascinating photos, fun facts, and memorable quotes from the residents and first ladies of the White House, Exploring the White House: Inside America's Most Famous Home is the perfect read for any curious kid! |
| a house with a history: Arts & Crafts House Styles Trevor Yorke, 2011 The Arts and Crafts movement began as an instinctive reaction against the new industrial age. Seeking a return to simple craftsmanship, with traditional materials, its influence spread both to Europe and North America where the term craftsman denoted a traditional style of architecture and interior design prevalent before the 1920s. In England, the |
| a house with a history: Recipes from the President's Ranch Matthew Wendel, 2020-10 Chef Matthew Wendel provides a first-hand account of his years working for President George W. Bush and his family at Camp David and at their Texas home on Prairie Chapel Ranch. He offers a collection of recipes, photographs, stories, and memories of daily life as senior advance representative in the Office of Presidential Advance and as the personal chef and personal assistant to the president. Included with recipes of the author's signature hot cinnamon rolls and fried chicken are the Bush family's favorite dishes, meals that world leaders were served, and a behind-the-scenes look at how he prepared for head of state visits and shopped for the first family. Wendel's account reveals a unique window into the hard work, detail, and protocol involved in working for the first family and reveals how the president welcomed world leaders using both his home and the power of sharing a meal in an intimate setting as a bridge-building diplomatic tool. Smoked beef tenderloin, stacked enchiladas, hot rolls, soups, and plenty of fresh salads were staples for the Bushes, but cheeseburgers became a tradition for their luncheons with world leaders at Prairie Chapel Ranch. Providing wholesome, delicious, comforting food to guests was their way of saying Welcome. We're glad you are here. -- Amazon.com. |
| a house with a history: James Hoban Anthology , 2022-02 |
| a house with a history: The White House , 1982 Describes the mansion's history, its architectural significance, and its contents. |
| a house with a history: House Histories Melanie Backe-Hansen, 2019 How to reveal the secrets hiding behind your own front door |
Tips on if Your pellet stove is burning lazy and or getting smoke in ...
Jan 6, 2006 · The last time I was at that house MY SELF for a full service about 3 years ago it had a wood stove cap on it. We took it off and put on a wood stove cap and ran the stove. Worked …
Distributing heat in multi-story house with open stairwell
Nov 17, 2021 · When I use the woodstove to supplement the HVAC system in my four-story house, I get a substantial heat gradient between floors. I’m looking for solutions to reduce this. …
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Jan 14, 2025 · The Mini-Split can move a lot of air, while in fan mode and distribute the warm air from the wood stove in the house. When the wood stove is not on, the Mini-Split is a more …
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Nov 4, 2015 · So if you tie the burner & pump together, the pump will stop every time the boiler gets up to temp. If the 8148 aquatstat is faulty, I would replace it. $130 on Supply House …
Alcove Design for Wood Stove in ICF House - Feedback?
Jan 12, 2023 · New house with exterior walls built with ICF (insulated concrete forms), 6" concrete sandwiched between 2 1/2" of eps foam on each side. Proposed alcove is to be built in great …
Using a woodstove for COOLING your house in the summer?
May 31, 2006 · Boy I'm glad I didn't waste time and money installing an ac system-with two stoves in my house now it should feel like a walk-in cooler come July!Seriously though,if this scheme …
mini split usage in 2-story home with small bedrooms on second …
Oct 9, 2012 · In your house, that'd be less likely to happen, unless you have a habit of leaving windows open while running AC. There have been many drainage issues tied to minisplits, but …
House layout | Hearth.com Forums Home
Feb 23, 2008 · House size is about 1225 sq.ft., and not well insulated (MAYBE r-11 in the attic), and I lose heat somewhat quickly. I'll be working on the insulation. The stove we have now is …
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Pellet stove blowing smoke into house - Hearth.com Forums
Jan 10, 2011 · I have been having an issue with my newly installed Harman P35I insert, it is blowing smoke into the house at times. I have had the dealer come out and they replaced the …
Tips on if Your pellet stove is burning laz…
Jan 6, 2006 · The last time I was at that house MY SELF for a full service about 3 years ago it had a wood stove cap on it. We took …
Distributing heat in multi-story house w…
Nov 17, 2021 · When I use the woodstove to supplement the HVAC system in my four-story house, I get a substantial …
Wood stove whole house heating | Hea…
Jan 14, 2025 · The Mini-Split can move a lot of air, while in fan mode and distribute the warm air from the wood stove in the house. …
No power to circulator pump | Hearth.com …
Nov 4, 2015 · So if you tie the burner & pump together, the pump will stop every time the boiler gets up to temp. If the 8148 …
Alcove Design for Wood Stove in ICF …
Jan 12, 2023 · New house with exterior walls built with ICF (insulated concrete forms), 6" concrete sandwiched between 2 …
