VOL. XX. No. 4. OCTOBER, 1906 WHOLE No. 97.

iiii^S^iliii^iii

An Orchard Garden Illustrated. . 269

Some Houses by Myron Hunt and Elmer Grey 281 Illustrated. HERBERT CROLY

The Bungalow at Its Best Illustrated 296

An Architect of Bungalows in California Illus. 306 ARTHUR C. DAVID

The House of Mr. C. P. Fox at Penllyn, Pa. 316 Illustrated. HENRY W. FROHNE

Two Houses by Robt. C. Spencer, Jr. Illus. 323

The House and Garden of Mr. F. C. Culver 335 Illustrated.

Colonial Architecture in the West Illustrated. 341

Notes and Comments 347 An American Venice Detroit's Opportunity- City Parks Association, Philadelphia The Modern Hotel As Told in Germany.

C. W. SWEET, Publisher R.W. REINHOLD, Business Mgr. H. W. DESMOND, Editor H. D. CROLY, Associate Editor

Subscription (Yearly), $3.00 Published Monthly

OFFICE OF PUBLICATION: Nos. 14 and 16 VESEY STREET, NEW YORK CITY, WESTERN OFFICE: 511 MONADNOCK BLDC., CHICAGO, ILL. OCTOBER, 19O6

An Orchard Garden

The house and garden of the Rev. Mr. which has been placed in the hands of an Joseph Hutcheson, at Warren, Rhode architect from the start to the finish, and Island, which is illustrated herewith, is which is designed as a whole. Some of not only a very striking and beautiful the larger estates have been planned and thing in itself, but it is an unusually in- designed in this spirit, but the function structive modern American architectural of the architect in relation to the smaller instance. Its architect, Mr. Charles A. estates usually ceases when he has su- Platt, has afforded an example of the pervised the erection of the buildings. complete design of the kind of a country It is obvious, however, that an .estate place, which is for the most part very in- of several acres, no less than an estate of completely designed. The plot of land on several hundred acres, should be devel- which Mr. Hutcheson's house is situated oped under the eye of the architect, and is neither very large nor very small. It it is of the utmost importance that the neither rises to the dignity of a country class of Americans who buy an estate of estate nor sinks to the comparative in- this size and build upon it should be significance of a suburban villa site. It brought to realize that the architectural comprises some ten acres of land, so near treatment of the grounds is inseparably to a large city that the trolley cars skirt connected with the architectural effect of its boundaries, but so far away that the the house. When they fail to take com- immediate neighborhood is not thickly petent advice as to the proper lay-out and settled. Its owner consequently has as planting of their grounds, they are sin- much room as he needs in which to sat- ning against their own opportunities just isfy all the interests of country life ex- as flagrantly as if they erected a vulgar those connected a farm and house. one of these cept with large ; tawdry Every and when a well-to-do-family occupies a smaller estates will possess certain ad- place of this size, they generally do it vantages as to location, view, exposure, with the fullest intention of enjoying as the character and situation of the trees, varied and abundant a country life as a and the like, which call for a certain par- few acres of land will permit. Unfortu- ticular way of approach, certain particu- nately, however, they rarely believe that lar means of emphasizing its good points, an architect can be of any assistance to and of evading or concealing its bad them, except in the design of the house. points. And when such an estate starts They usually consider themselves fully with a complete and appropriate lay-out, competent to lay out the roads, select the its owner will be fully repaid for his situation of the house, the stable, and the larger expenditure by the economy wifh tennis court, and plant the flower garden. which his place can be subsequently de- The architect's advice may be asked veloped. An ill-planned estate means a about certain details, but it is a very rare continual process of tearing down and occurrence to find a place of this kind reconstructing, whereas one that is well Copyright, 190G, by "THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD COMPANY." All rights reserved. Entered May 22, 1902, as second-class matter, Post Office at New York, N. Y., Act of Congress of March 3d. 1879. THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. 270 AN ORCHARD GARDEN. 271 272 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. AN ORCHARD GARDEN. 273 274 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. AN ORCHARD GARDEN. 275 ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. 276 THE AN ORCHARD GARDEN. 277

will and older planned become larger bordered as it was by places similar in mutilation and waste. and size without Age and character, it had to be planned growth will only mean the confirmation in a somewhat exclusive manner, so that excellence the of the original of design. its beauties could not be impaired or The estate of Mr. Hutcheson consists spoiled by surroundings, which could not of a long and narrow strip of land run- be controlled. ning from an important road to the Wherever necessary, Mr. Hutcheson's Sound. This land is level, rather than land has been separated from the road or undulating; but as it approaches the from adjoining property by a concrete water its slopes gently down to the sea. wall. The precise location "of the house The most attractive view was that look- was determined partly by the desire to

THE LIBRARY REV. MR. JOSEPH HUTCHESON'S HOUSE. Chas. A. Platt, Architect.

ig towards the Sound, and the house incorporate the apple trees in the garden, had to be situated and planned so that its and partly by the necessity of seeing the inhabitants could enjoy the outlook in water and the islands beyond from a "lat direction. The important natural proper distance. The long dimension of auty of the site was an apple orchard, the house was naturally made parallel to which was situated not far from the road, the road, so that its front porch would and immediately adjoining one boundary face the approach, and its back porch of the property. The area of the estate command the water view. A straight was large enough to afford abundant drive-way bordered with trees and shrub- space for stables, gardens and out-build- bery leads from the road to the forecourt en- ings, but it was not so large that it could in front of the house, and these trees the afford to be indifferent to its neighbors. close a vista which is terminated by Situated as it was on a thoroughfare, colonnade and the entablature of the with of the drive- trolley cars passing to and fro, and front porch. On the right THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. 2/8 AN ORCHARD GARDEN. 279

the but surrounded way, near road, by advantage of the site, and carefully shuts trees, is the stable, while further along off every aspect of the land which is on the same side is the tennis court. The either less beautiful or of dubious value. narrower space to the left of the drive- As one examines the lay-out, it seems so way is occupied first by the vegetable inevitable that one can hardly imagine and then the flower other garden by garden, any arrangement of the site, yet flower is divided both but the garden simple, compact and inevitable as it ap- from the drive-way and the vegetable pears, it might in less skillful hands have so that one sees garden by high walls, gone wrong at a hundred different points. nothing from the driveway but the wall A slight change in the location of the and the trees. The garden can be reached house and the flower garden, in the meth- a in the wall but this is od of or in by gate ; gate approach, the plan of the

THE DINING ROOM REV. MR. JOSEPH HUTCHESON'S HOUSE. Warren, R. I. Chas. A. Platt, Architect. merely a matter of convenience. Archi- house iii relation to the plan of the tecturally the garden is supposed to be grounds would have thrown out the approached from the porch on the left whole scheme, which now fills the allotted side of the house. The garden itself does space very much as a well-composed not, indeed, extend all the way to this sculptured relief fills without overcrowd- porch; but one can step from the porch ing the selected surface. on to the grass, and from there a few There is a prevalent impression among steps will take one to the garden. The a number of architectural amateurs that garden, which is enclosed on every other the charm of a country place depends in its side, is, of course, left open in the direc- upon a certain inconsequence gen- tion of the water. A simpler and more eral dispositions. They seem to think a serviceable plan could not be imagined, that when every character and detail of yet it takes advantage of every natural house and garden is carefully subordin- 280 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. ated to its service in a comprehensive The highest charm is a matter of beauty scheme, the result must necessarily be and style, as well as atmosphere. frigid and uninteresting. It would be It is not necessary to describe the well for such people to consider how house and garden in detail. The pho- such a house and garden as that 01 Mr. tographs will tell the reader more as the Hutcheson fits in with this general the- result of one glance than will be most ory. Here is a place which has been elaborate and lengthy descriptions. I'.ut planned throughout without the scrupu- we should like to call attention finally to lous attention to detail, and yet it is most the admirable simplicity of the design of assuredly one of the most charming the house, both inside and out. Archi- places in this country. Moreover, its tectural ornament has been used with the charm does not depend, as does that of utmost economy, and the effect is ob- so many English houses, upon the mel- tained entirely by giving just the proper lowing and softening effect of time, for emphasis to the salient parts of the the garden had been planted only one facade. The order and its pediment, for summer when the accompanying photo- instance, has a bold projection on the graphs were taken. It depends abso- front and a still bolder one in the rear, lutely upon the propriety" of the whole but in neither case is it over-bold. It is scheme. Of course, the propriety of the always a difficult thing to make a feature whole scheme was not something which of this kind count just as it should in any architect could have reached by the relation to the house, because it takes application of certain principles or rules. only a small error in scale to throw out The scheme was the issue of one of these and appropriate big porticoes ; when the architect's ability to "see" the house they are either too weak or too strong, in- and garden which was adapted to the stead of pulling the whole design together, site, and the greater or smaller charm of they break it all to pieces. In the present a country place will finally depend upon instance, however, the porticoes are a the greater or smaller propriety of this source of integrity and strength, and by initial conception. A country house can the very bigness of their scale they have undoubtedly be charming while still be- enabled the architect to economize in the in use of smaller details. The whole effect ing inconsequential many respects ; but the highest charm can only attach to shows a combination of refinement and a place whose beauty does not reside strength which is very rare in American merely in more or less important details. domestic architecture.

THE STAIRCASE REV. JOSEPH HUTCHESOX'S HOUSE. RESIDENCE OF MR. ROBT. C. GILLIS. Myron Hunt and Elmer Grey, Architects.

Some Houses by Myron Hunt and Elmer Grey

California has always been the land of will dominate the architecture of their the newcomer, and as it becomes older it neighborhood. does not seem to lose this characteristic. The southern part of California seems Certain it is that, however much its busi- destined, so far as its architecture is con- ness may now be carried on by the na- cerned, to run a similar course. Los tive-born, its architecture has been for Angeles is a city which has grown so the most part the work of immigrants rapidly and with such a small regard for from Europe and the East. The recent appearances that it is only recently that disastrous conflagration in San Fran- it could boast of anything which could be cisco destroyed a number of very inter- called architecture as distinguished from esting business buildings which had been building; but during the last few years, erected in the fifties by architects who which have been years of enormous had received a European training. About building activity, it has begun to pay thirty years later the revival of a good more attention to its appearance, and it tradition of architectural design in San has received some assistance in this re- Francisco was started by Page Brown, a spect from two architects who had aban- newcomer from the East, and he was as- doned lucrative practices in the Middle sisted in this work by Mr. Willis Polk, West for the sake of living in the climate another Eastern immigrant. More re- of Southern California. One of these cently the carrying out of the great archi- architects, Mr. Myron Hunt, had de- tectural scheme which has been planned signed a number of admirable residences for the University of California was en- in and near Chicago, while the other, Mr. trusted to Mr. John Galen Howard, who Elmer Grey, had been equally successful left behind in New York an enviable in the vicinity of Milwaukee. These reputation for conscientious and brilliant gentlemen, after reaching Los Angeles, architectural design, while the firm of entered into partnership, and in a few Bliss & Faville, who are among the most years they have built up a clientele in successful and capable of the younger that city which is even larger than the San Franciscan architects, are compara- one which they had left behind them a tively recent transcontinental travelers. fact which was all the more remarkable There are a number of good native-born because they insisted upon receiving for architects now practicing in San Fran- their work a percentage which was suffi- cisco, but it will be some time before thev ciently large upon inexpensive jobs to 282 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD.

RESIDENCE AND GARDEN FOR MR. R. R. BLACKER. Pasadena, Cal. Myron Hunt and Elmer Grey, Architects.

RESIDENCE AND GARDEN FOR MR. H. M. GORHAM. Myron Hunt and Elmer Grey, Architects. SOME HOUSES BY MYRON HUNT AND ELMER GREY. 283 284 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD.

THE COCHRAN HOUSE. Los Angeles, Gal. Myron Hunt and Elmer Grey, Architects. enable them to put in time and care on dwelling which an architect will have a their designs. The best possible way to chance to design will be .a suburban make people understand the value of house, surrounded at the most by a few something is to make them pay for it, and acres of land and costing at most $35,000 the ability of Messrs. Hunt and Grey to or $40,000; and the cost of the average build up a large practice in spite of their house, even when intended for well-to- higher charges was as beneficial to the do people, will not amount to as much as cause of good architecture in Los An- half the above-named figures. More- geles as it was to the welfare of the gen- over,, wonderful as are the opportunities tlemen themselves. which the soil and climate of Southern The architectural opportunities of a California offer for landscape gardening, designer of domestic buildings in Los its inhabitants have not yet come to ap- Angeles and its vicinity are abundant, preciate the value of a careful arrange- but less money is spent upon the average ment and planting of the grounds so as residence in and near that city than is to enhance or to complete an architec- spent even upon the average resi- tural effect. It is the distinction of dence in and near the Middle West- Messrs. Hunt and Grey that they have ern cities. The neighborhood has been consistently used their influence in favor increasing enormously in population and of a higher standard of design in this re- wealth, but its great prosperity is so re- spect, and recently they have been much cent that it cannot afford to lock up too more successful in persuading their large a proportion of its capital in per- clients to spend a certain amount ofUi manent improvements. The largest monev in the formal treatment of SOME HOUSES BY MYRON HUNT AND ELMER GREY.

THE STAIRCASE HALL IN THE COCHRAN HOUSE. L.OS Angeles, Cal. Myron Hunt and Elmer Grey, Architects. r 286 lHE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. SOME HOUSES BY MYRON HUNT AND ELMER GREY. 287

THE COCHRAN HOUSE. Los Angeles, Ca!. Myron Hunt and Elmer Grey, Architects THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. SOME HOUSES BY MYRON HUNT AND ELMER GREY. 289

their ground immediately adjoining this attempt carried to an extreme. They houses. They have been trying to make did not, like certain other architects in the design of each of their places as com- the Middle West, seek to ignore and defy and while in the traditions of domestic architecture plete as they could, many cases the lots were too small for any which have been handed over to us by elaborate scheme of landscape, architec- Europe; they merely sought to modify ture and planting, our illustrations will them so as to make them more appro- show that they have already made a fair priate to American conditions and mate- beginning, and when the houses which rials, and they succeeded admirably in are now under construction have been this effect. Mr. Hunt's houses were

THE HOTEL MARYLAND. D asadena, Cal. Myron Hunt and Elmer Grey, Architects.

finished Pasadena will have to its credit bold, definite, coherent pieces of design, a number of gardens which have been composed of comparatively few elements, designed with reference to architectural all of which counted in the most decisive necessities and while the best of Mr. proprieties. and emphatic way ; both of Messrs. Hunt and the most The work Grey's dwellings were among of their an Grey during the years practice charming of their kind designed by to in Chicago and Milwaukee belonged American architect. It may be inferred, what must be called the freer, more pic- Hunt and consequently, that Messrs. and less formal of turesque type design. were admirably suited, both by to break Grey It was the result of an attempt their their common characteristics and by away from traditional forms and to give one from another, to form a their houses an individual and local char- differences and successful partnership. acter. By neither of them, however, was useful RECORD. 290 THE ARCHITECTURAL

The work which they have been doing being loose in its design, and, above al in Los Angeles and its vicinity is char- it is full of feeling and charm. The in- terior has the acterized by the same qualities as their precisely same character work in the Middle West. It has free- as the exterior, and has all the admirable of some of Mr. Hunt's dom, picturesqueness and charm, while qualities earlier at the same time every house is a coher- interiors, particularly in his use of wood ent and well-centered composition. We and in his bare, simple, pleasant wall'all surfaces. have rarely seen, for instance, a shingled house with a hipped roof which we liked As much cannot be said in favor of tl2 better than the Spier house, at Pasadena. garden attached to the Cochran house as in favor of the itself. The design is an interesting mixture of house The facade economy and charm of tightness and of the building facing the garden has incident. Mr. Hunt's buildings near been centered, so as to harmonize with and complete the chief motive of the garden, and this motive is in itself appro- priate and interesting. But the garden requires both a more definite enclosure and a lay-out and a planting scheme which fills the available space to better advan- tage. The garden attached to Mr. Hunt's own house is in this respect much more successful. The architect needed in the case of his own house a little more space for his garden, but the space at his dis- posal has been properly filled, and except on one side sufficiently defined and en- closed. The dense mass of evergreen > at the back of the garden will give a per- son who has never been to Californiarnia some idea of the advantages, which tl country and its architects enjoy by of effective masses of foliage. An examination of the three sketcl= given herewith of houses which are under construction will disclose in these newer buildings of Messrs. Myron Hunt and Elmer Grey the appearance of a somewhat different tendency in their work. one of these houses is THE COCHRAN HOUSE. Every in relation to a formal Los Angeles, Cal. planned spacious and it is inevitable that this fact Myron Hunt and Elmer Grey, Architects. garden, should have a certain influence upon the Chicago always had a satisfactory way design of the house. It cannot be said of resting: firmly on the ground, and in that these houses will be classic in feel- the present instance the firmness and ing or that they reproduce any more strength which it derives from this char- definitely some traditional domestic style. acteristic has been supplemented by a But it is certainly true that the pictur- graceful and easy bearing. The Coch- esque and the incidental plays a less im- ran in Los is even more in their effect and we infer house, Angeles, portant part ; successful, because the architects had that this change is in part due to the fact more of an opportunity. This dwelling that they have been designed in relation has precisely the character of the best to a formal scheme of landscape treat- modern English houses. It is simple with- ment. As soon as the masses and lines out attenuation; it is homely without a house have to be arranged so as it is crudity or affectation ; free without complete or to fill a definite arrangem SOME HOUSES BY MYRON HUNT AND ELMER GREY. 29 I

Pasadena, Gal. THE GARDEN SIDE MR. MYRON HUNT'S HOUSE. 292 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. SOME HOUSES BY MYRON HUNT AND ELMER GREY. 293 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD.

THE McKEE HOUSE. Monrovia, Cal. Myron Hunt and Elmer Grey, Architects.

THE McKEE HOUSE. Monrovia, Cal. Myron Hunt and Elmer Grey, Architects.sets. SOME HOUSES BY MYRON HUNT AND ELMER GREY. 295

and concen- of the grounds simplification they are most needed, and surrounded by tration of the exterior design becomes a scheme of landscape architecture which necessary, and comparatively little oppor- emphasizes the salient and beautiful feat- is left for incidental ures in tunity features, and the grounds, while shutting off a similar necessity tends to work a simi- that which is ugly and incongruous all lar change in the plan of the house. The these things go together, and in propor- interior passage-ways have to be laid out tion as Messrs. Hunt and Grey have so as to lead naturally to the views and larger opportunities for making the coun- vistas on the exterior, and the English try places they build conform to a com- method of dividing a house into unrelated prehensive landscape and architectural compartments has to be abandoned. In scheme, in that proportion we shall look short, a dwelling planned as a series of for the introduction into their work of connecting rooms, whose vistas harmon- an increasing spirit of classic economy ize with the exterior lay-out, designed so and simplicity. that its masses and lines count onlv where Herbert Croly,

THE McKEE HOUSE. Monrovia, Cal. Myron Hunt and Elmer Grey, Architects. RECORD. 296 THE ARCHITECTURAL

THE HOUSE OP MR. FRANK UNDERBILL. Montecito, Cal. Designed by the Owner. The Bungalow at Its Best

In an article the work of Messrs. upon and the ocean could be seen conveniently Greene & Greene, in this number of the and to the best advantage; but the hills Architectural the is Record, bungalow themselves were so far away that they described as a dwelling in which the dis- did not count as an element in the archi- tinction between the inside and outside of tectural composition. The overwhelm- a house is reduced to the minimum. The ingly important natural characteristic structure of the building when seen from and advantage of the site he had selected without should not be to hold was' a of live designed group superb oaks ; and his its in the but should be own landscape, problem was chiefly that of situating, entirely subordinated thereto, while on planning and designing his house so that the inside the plan of the house and the it would take its place in the midst of design of the rooms should be arranged, this grove, and looks out upon the trees as far as convenience and propriety will from its windows and porches in the permit, so as to tempt the eye outside happiest and most effective manner. The and there to give it a pleasing prospect. grove of live oaks was growing in that But a type of this kind could not be com- part of the site immediately adjoining the pletely fulfilled in any one of the smaller road. The house consequently was houses designed by Messrs. Greene & placed so near the road that no separate Greene, because of a certain necessary driveway was required; neither is it limitation of means and screened ; consequently from the road by a hedge or the Architectural Record considers itself wall, for such a manner of treatment fortunate in being able to reproduce a would not have been in keeping with Mr. bungalow, which was designed con- Underhill's general idea. The house is sciously as the embodiment of the type, raised to a somewhat higher level than and the completeness of which was not that of the road, and is approached by a impaired by any insufficiency of means. straight path over two low terraces. The This is the house of Mr. Frank Underbill, upper part of these terraces becomes a situated at Montecito, near Santa Bar- species of entrance court, for it is paved bara, and designed entirely by the owner. in brick, and it is enclosed by the main The site on which Mr. Underhill's body of the house and its two wings. house is erected includes several acres of This court, which commands a view of flat land lying between a road and the the distant hills, will eventually be ocean. Situated as it was almost at sea screened from the road by tropical plant- level, it naturally did not command any ing on its outer border. considerable stretch of country, and from The location of the house so near the any point of view on the site the trees ob- road leaves the largest portion of the scured the outlines land the house and the sea and largest and features of between ; the distant landscape. In arranging the in his treatment of this area Mr. Under- plan, design and situation of his house, bill has made an ingenious and success- consequently, Mr. Underbill had to face a ful combination of formal and informal set of conditions which were less com- methods. The land immediately around plicated than is frequently the case in a the house has been cleared of almost all hilly country, such as that near the Cali- vegetation except the green grass and fornia coast. He did not have to con- the live oaks, so that from the windows of sider the location and the masses of his the house the effect is chiefly that of a house in relation to the folds of the land- lawn shaded and shadowed by the very scape in its immediate neighborhood. beautiful trees. But, of course, this lawn The high hills, by which Santa Barbara had to be terminated and the view look- and Montecito are surrounded do, of ing toward the ocean had to be defined, course, loom in the distance and in and the character of Mr. Under- up ; general to use the opposite direction it was possible to bill's treatment did not allow him obtain a glimpse of the sea. Mr. Under- architectural means in order to achieve bill had to arrange so that both the hills these necessary purposes. He has conse- 298 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. THE BUNGALOW AT ITS BEST. 300 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. THE BUNGALOW AT ITS BEST. 301 302 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. THE BUNGALOW AT ITS BEST. 303 34 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. THE BUNGALOW AT ITS BEST. 305 quently surrounded his land with a cir- in provisions which have been made for cular mask of huge and thick bamboo enjoying from within its natural sur- trees, the foliage of which will be dense, roundings. In the realization of this effect will be soft and of his but whose yielding. part idea, Mr. Underbill has, in- The only break in this screen has been deed, been obliged to introduce certain placed on the line leading directly from artificial lines, because in no other way house to the ocean. vista has could the A he profitably conduct the eye of a outlined been opened up on this line, by person, seated on his back terrace, across the bamboo hedge, and terminating in a long stretch of grass to the ocean. But trunks of three he has the straight eucalyptus planned his dining-room, which is trees, through which the water is situated in one wing of the house, so that trees from its seen. The eucalyptus appear occupant will feel as much as possible the house to have been symmetrically that he is out of doors. The walls are but their is a placed, symmetry entirely converted into large windows, quite un- matter of ingenious optical arrangement, broken by any sashes, and designed so infer as any reader may by examining as to frame the views of grass, trees and the photograph, which shows the house, foliage, which are thereby revealed. In enveloped in its live oaks, from a point this instance the wooden enclosure of the near the trunks of these eucalyptus trees. room is so far as possible broken down, Of course, the effect at which Mr. Un- so that its inhabitants may live, at least derbill is aiming has not as yet entirely with their eyes, out-of-doors. Conven- been achieved. The bamboo hedge and ience, of course, forbids that this idea screen has only just been set out, and it should be carried out in all the apart- has not obtained to of a yet enough growth ments house ; and in this as in other play its part as an efficient screen. But respects, Mr. Underbill shows how well any reader who studies the pictures care- he keeps his ideas in hand. The only in- fully can imagine without much effort stance, in which he has, perhaps, over- how the view looking towards the ocean worked them, is in his refusal to remove will ultimately be defined, and he cannot the rocks and ferns which have been left fail to agree with the writer that it under a clump of live oaks within full would be difficult to conceive a happier view of the house. Before the house and completer adaptation of informal was built and before the surround- planting to the purpose of formally de- ing lawn was graded, planted and cut, fining a view. rocks and ferns around the live oaks were The reader will notice that the house appropriate, but now that a house has plays a very inconspicuous part in the been built, and now that the lawn has all and he must not the of a cultivated bit of na- photographs ; suppose appearance that its modesty is anything but inten- ture, the pretended wildness of rocks and tional. The actual surface, the definite ferns in their immediate vicinity looks lines, and the unyielding mass of the like an affectation. A stretch of level building are not meant to be seen at all. lawn, carefully cropped and combed, is At present they show somewhat, but as artificial a piece of nature as a trimmed eventually the whole of the house, bar- hedge, but it is an artifice which is justi- ring only the roof, will be covered by fied by its propriety and convenience. It Cherokee rose vines, and the structure of stamps the surroundings with a certain the house will in this way be submerged character, and that character should be in the surrounding foliage. Thus it will preserved throughout the grounds imme- be seen that Mr. Underbill's house has diatelv surrounding the house and en- been designed throughout for the pur- closed by the bamboo hedge. This, how- pose of making it nestle down into the ever, is the only instance in which Mr. It is over-worked his idea and country. eventually to count almost Underbill has ; entirely as a mass of foliage, in relation in other respects his house is an admir- to masses of and able of the and discreet surrounding foliage ; example happy the same idea has been followed, so far embodiment in a house of an appropriate as possible, in the plan of the house and and profitable idea. RECORD. 306 THE ARCHITECTURAL

MAIN ENTRANCE, MRS. A. TICHENOR'S HOUSE. Long Beach, Cal. Greene & Greene, Architects. VIEW FROM THE WEST, MRS. A. TICHENOR'S HOUSE. Long Beach, Cal. Greene & Greene, Architects.

An Architect of Bungalows in California.

The bungalow is a distinct and inter- free circulation of all the air that was esting architectural type, the precise na- stirring; and intended as they were for ture of which is not generally under- only temporary occupation, there was no stood; and in considering the work of necessity for the use of expensive mate- Messrs. Greene & Greene it will be well rials. They were cheap buildings which in the beginning to attempt some defini- were to provide shade and shelter, but tion of the type. The name is applied planned so as to give the completest pos- loosely to all kinds of small and cheap sible communication between in-doors wooden villas, the design of which is con- and out. The apartments were large and intended to be but the not sciously picturesque ; airy, walls very tightly ceiled; in order to understand precisely what there were plenty of doors and windows, the merits and tendencies of the type are, through which the air could enter; and it will be well to seek a more specific de- the whole aspect of both the design and and obtain clue some- scription ; we can the best of the domestic arrangements was to that description by recalling the origin what provisional and informal. and the purpose of this kind of dwelling. The American bungalow, if -it is to be They originated, so far as we know, in worthy of the name, should not depart tropical countries, such as India, and essentially from the fgregotng type. Of were intended for the habitation of Eng- course, in no part of America, not even lishmen who wanted to be as comfortable in the South or in Southern California, as they could during a comparatively is the climate really tropical; and this short period of occupation. A number fact will have its influence. On the other of very definite characteristics resulted hand, in the greater part of the United from the attempt to meet such needs. State the climate is very cold in winter; Built as they were for a hot climate, they and in all these regions the bungalow has had to supply plenty of shade, and the comparatively little propriety. A house 308 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD.

GUEST ROOM, MRS. A. TICHENOR'S HOUSE. Greene & Greene, Architects

DINING-ROOM, MRS. A. TICHENOR'S HOUSE. Long Beach, Gal. Greene & Greene, Architects.

I AN ARCHITECT OF BUNGALOWS IN CALIFORNIA. 309

whose foundations must go below the galow is out of place in the Northern frost line and whose plan and structure and Eastern States, except when intended must be adapted chiefly to keeping its exclusively for summer residence, and inhabitants warm in cold weather, tends as the prevailing tendency is to build to obtain a character and an appearance country houses which may, if necessary, very different from the bungalow. We be occupied in winter, it is not to be ex- are aware that the American bungalow pected that the bungalow will become a derives more of its characteristics from popular type of dwelling in the North Japanese models than it does from build- and the East. It has, however, already in and we become an in g^s erected tropical countries, extremely popular type in the

MR. C. W. HOLLISTER'S HOUSE. Hollywood, Cal. Greene & Greene, Architects. are aware that in Japan they enjoy a temperate climate of California, and it is period of the "Greater Cold" in which there that bungalows are being built more the temperature approximates to that of and better than anywhere else in the our own Northern States, but we are also country. The chmate of California, be- aware that the Japanese do not make any ing both warm and dry, is peculiarly provision against this cold which would adapted to a low, spacious, airy house, of seem sufficient to a steam-heated Ameri- light frame construction, in which as lit- can. Their houses are open and airy tle distinction as possible is made between even in winter, and there is no attempt in-doors and out, and the character of the to plan them in the way that we Amer- social life makes this sort of dwelling Californians icans do, as chiefly and essentially for- still more suitable. Most tresses to protect its inhabitants against are people of substantial but moderate the of informal who want attacks of Jack Frost. No ! the bun- means, and tastes, 3 io THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. an attractive but inexpensive residence, quently, no matter whether it is shingled and who are not quite sure that they in- or clap-boarded, should be low in key and tend to live in their present abiding place should correspond to that of the natural for more than a few years. wood. Its most prominent architectural The California bungalow, consequent- member will inevitably be its roof, be- ly^both as a matter of design and as a cause it will combine a considerable area matter of plan, has about it a certain with an inconsiderable height, and such a practical and aesthetic tendency. Its roof must have sharp projections and whole purpose is to minimize the dis- cast heavy shadows, not only for the tinction which exists between being in- practical purpose of shading windows

THE HOUSE OP JUDGE WILLETT. Aroyo Terrace. Greene & Greene, Architects. side and outside of four walls. The and piazzas, but for the aesthetic one of rooms of such a building .should conse- making sharp contrasts in line and shade quently be spacious, they should not be to compensate for the moderation of shut off any more than is necessary one color. Its aesthetic character will neces- from should be finished 'be and it another, and they sarily wholly picturesque ; in wood simply designed and stained so should be both surrounded by trees and as to keep so far as possible its natural covered, so far as is convenient, with texture and hue. The exterior, on the vines. other hand, should not be made to count A bungalow, designed in the manner very strongly in the landscape. It should described above, constitutes an appro- sink, so far as possible, its architectural priate and an interesting architectural individuality and tend to disappear in its type. The type is not very often com- natural background. Its color, conse- pletely fulfilled, because they are gener- AN ARCHITECT OF BUNGALOWS IN CALIFORNIA.

such little that no ally cheap buildings extraordinarily successful in adapting architect's fee can enter into their cost of the masses of his houses to their sur- but it is construction ; most completely roundings and envelopment. An extra- fulfilled in and happily the houses of ordinarily intimate relation is established Messrs. Greene & which we Greene, pub- between the houses and the landscape, lish herewith. These houses are all situ- and it will become still more intimate ated in the suburban towns near Los An- when the shrubbery and the vines have and have not cost geles, they any more obtained a more luxuriant growth. than small suburban houses usually do. How simple the means are, whereby instead of like this Nevertheless, being most success is obtained ! There is no

Greene & Greene, Architects. suburban houses, at best unobjectionable straining after picturesque and episodic and at worst an are treatment for its own sake and in eyesore, they delight- ; except ful in the picturesque propriety of their one or two details there is no affectation appearance. Some of them are situated of mere rusticity. The houses are highly upon such small lots that they cannot successful, largely because they so frank- have any background in the landscape, ly meet the economic, domestic and prac- or sufficient of tical conditions which are intended any envelopment foliage ; they and in these instances the houses, while to satisfy. All of their chief characteris- still interesting, become a little common- tics their lowness, their big overhanging place. But wherever the architect has roofs, their shingled or clapboarded walls, had a bit of country or some good trees the absence of architectural ornament, in which to nestle his house, he has been the mixture which they afford of simple 312 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. means with, in some instances, almost a houses uncouth and primitive, they are >l>v'ctacular effect all these characteris- giving these buildings a much more gen- tics can be traced to some good reason in uinely natural character. It is not nec- the actual purpose which this sort of essary to discuss the theory, which per- house is intended to meet. Of course, in suades people that the way to bestow a addition thereto Messrs. Greene & Greene rural and homely character on a house is a and un- to build it as as but must be credited with happy artificially possible ; usual gift for architectural design. Their we must refer to the only instances in work is genuinely original, and if any- which Messrs. Greene & Greene have thing like as good has been done with shown any indication of this tendency. cheap little houses elsewhere in this They are prone both in their chimney-

DR. A. A. LIBBY'S HOUSE. South Orange Avenue, Pasadena, Cal. Greene & Greene, Architects. country, it has not been our good fortune breasts and in their foundations to build to come across it. their walls of large heavy boulders, which We have said that except in one or two are ugly in themselves, and are entirely details there is no affectation of rusticity, out of keeping with their surroundings and we must dwell for a moment on this and with the service they perform. The point. The designers of bungalows fre- use of such uncouth and heavy masonry quently try to give them a "truly rural" is a mere affectation. When laid character by making them look as much in the foundations of a house or as possible like log cabins. They use porch, it emphasizes something which heavy masonry and timbers which still does not need emphasis, and which retain their bark or are at best hewn when over-emphasized looks too big for T rather than cut a saw and evi- the service it hen used in by ; they' performs. W dently believe that by keeping their a chimney-breast, the effect of such heaw AN ARCHITECT OF BUNGALOWS IN CALIFORNIA. 315

is to make else in masonry everything the to small houses. It is the low, one and seem trivial. Its scale is so exces- a room half or two-story dwellings in which sive that no other detail can make itself they excel, and when they come to design the a result a felt except chimney; which building that is higher, bigger and more be in a hunter's cabin in do may appropriate expensive, they not sufficiently adapt the northern woods, but which is absurd their technical machinery to the modified in a suburban house near Los Angeles. conditions. Take, for instance, the house cabin is but a room which is A hunter's nothing illustrated herewith, at 665 built around a and it is South fireplace ; only Orange Avenue, in Pasadena. In intended to be this occupied by men who have larger and higher building the sim- been tramping and shooting all day and ple roof does not make any effect at all in wish in the evening to sit snug around a proportion to its expanse, and the whole

MRS. JENNIE A. REEVE'S HOUSE. Pasadena, Cal. Greene & Greene, Architects. blazing fire. But a bungalow is within effect, instead of being light, graceful its limits a complete human habitation, in and picturesque, is awkward and inept. which a variety of domestic refinements It looks like an overgrown boy who has and interests have their place. The evi- clung to his pinafores. Whatever de- dences and utensils of such a completer ductions we may make, however, in con- domestic life should not be subordinated sidering the work of Greene & Greene. to a big, overpowering, unwieldy chim- it remains true that they have imparted ney-breast. as much architectural propriety and a One additional comment on the work more positive charm to the design of in- of Messrs. Greene & Greene deserves to expensive bungalows as have any archi- be made, which is that their methods of tects in the country. design are not so well adapted to large as Arthur C. David. THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. 3 i6 The House of C. P. Fox at Penllyn, Pa.

In an article on Roman Art published In Mr. Fox's house at Penllyn we recently in the Architectural Record,* have a compromise between the de- the author in reviewing the wonderfully veloped American cottage with its of practical turn of mind the Romans, verandas and porches and the Eng- called particular attention to their villas. lish house with its low roofs and pic- These sagacious people, it was pointed turesque chimneys. We would call at- out, always disposed all their rooms on tention to the fact that, although this is one story in their country residences, a two story house, the two floors are as economy of ground was there always treated together architecturally to the a secondary and therefore negligible subordination of the customary half consideration. This admirable arrange- story attic which is expressed only by ment resulting from a perfectly appar- several slits under the gables. The first ent condition has not yet appealed to floor, too, is kept very close to the any extent to American architects. The ground-level, giving the ensemble the California bungalow designers have ar- effect of a low and attractive house. rived at the same one-story solution, In its plan disposition it does not per- but many of our even modest country haps come as near to the Roman villa houses attain a height of three stories, ideal as does the English manor house, and as a consequence lose much of but the effect which, after all, is the ulti- that charm possessed by their Roman mate object of the architect, is pleas- predecessors, as well as retaining many ing and what one would expect and of the inconveniences of the naturally take pleasure in, in a suburban country more confined and less extensible city house of this extent. houses. The English architects, as a The designer does not repeat, as is class, seem to have come nearer to the so often. the case, devices and details ideal of their manor of a monumental in a Roman ; many character, simpli- houses, even the extensive ones, are but fied and perhaps meaningless fashion; a story high, -with an attic of an extra he uses simple means to get broad, sim- half story. These houses, however, ple effects. He treats the roof as a often acquire their charm more from covering to the house, and attempts no picturesque gardens and natural acces- decoration save what perchance a hap- skill will him he sories than from the of the de- pily chosen color give ; signers. treats the walls as simply as he does American architects a few centuries the roof, and gets his effect here again doors and windows alone ago started with a French stone archi- by color. The come in for a small share of dec- tecture, which they endeavored to ren- very der in wood with certain modifications orative embellishment. The chimneys, the are dictated by the nature of the material. being considered a part of roof, dark and in tone with it. The ce- The result when applied to a country kept are house was a bare, rather cold and stilted ment with which the walls covered, it will be at the water- composition whose merit lay rather in noticed, stops table and reveals the the clever adaptation of details than in well-shaped stones of which the foundation is com- excellence of massing and general con- ception. But other foreign influences, posed. assistance of the interior growth and a change in the mode of liv- With the views shown the reader can ing, has gradually brought about a modi- herewith, in his mind the fication both in plan disposition and in readily picture plan the architectural treatment of masses. of the house of the first floor at l eas t the chimneys lending material aid in the visual picture. The spec- *Roman Art, by Jean Schopfer. June and July, 1006. tator enters from the front porch into THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. THE HOUSE OF C. P. POX AT PENLLYN, PA. 319

M 320 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. THE HOUSE OF C. P. FOX AT PENLLYN, PA. 321 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. 322

a staircase in lutely a part of the house, until the latter a large living ball, with that it is to his either side of which are can convince him every plain view, on In some a client situated the dining-room and a drawing advantage. instances, the will in throwing room, with a library or den beyond calmly acquiesce away in unsuitable and meretricious latter. Attached to the dining-room are money ornament, when he would strenuously tlu- kitchen, pantry and service depen- to for land- dencies. The chimneys, which are object spending anything out in accessories, grading and the like; plainly but attractively brought scape so that this work, in his mind, is superfluous large 'fireplaces, are arranged in the and created to indulge the indi- they occur in convenient places simply vidual fancy of the architect. principal rooms. It is in the that architects and The veranda or porch seems here to hope house owners will take a have been reduced to its lowest terms, prospective livelier interest in the treatment of the but what there is of it has been effect- as suburban lot, that this subject is called ively rendered and acts aesthetically to mind. an appendage to balance the kitchen at the other end of the house, as shown Sometimes the problem confronting of the is to that in the view (Fig. i). A falling the architect the opposite just grade in front of the veranda gives it cited, namely, to design a house suitable an admirable setting in the shape of a to given surroundings. But this problem, wall laid up dry in stones, similar to in the nature of the case, is one in which those used in the foundation. more latitude is allowed the architect. Of the landscape treatment, one can- The general Character only of the house not speak intelligently on the basis of is dictated to be worked out according the two views shown herewith, but the to the light and experience of the de- rather bleak state of affairs calls to signer. We all feel that a low, rambling, mind an important consideration, that of picturesque house goes best with rugged making attractive the average suburban surroundings, and that a more dignified lot. This problem is woefully neglected and formal treatment answers better for by many American architects, who, with less romantic conditions. a little more interest in the subject, In the house before us we have aII might materially alter the aspect of compromise between the picturesque things. Scores of little houses, other- and the dignified, a composition that wise very attractive, are annually being one cannot help but feel, would ap- built in the suburbs, and often not the pear to better advantage with shrub- slightest attempt is made to bring about bery and low, luxuriant trees. The some kind of harmony between the little dark yew trees, set down hereI houses and their surroundings. The re- and there, help to remind one that sult we all deplore, but what are we there is life within, but the roadways doing to improve the conditions? True, and paths, it would seem, might join there are large and beautiful gardens issues, as it were, to better advantage surrounding many of our most preten- with the house. Perhaps, however, this tious suburban residences, but it is of criticism is unfair, for the landscape here thfc&fciodest houses that we speak. This shown may be in an uncompleted state, iK'glect of the suburban lot is perhaps the pictures having been taken when the as much the fault of the client as of the trees were just beginning to bud. How- architect, who, if he be inclined or com- ever this may be, one feels that the petent to solve the problem, does not house would gain very much in appear- approach his client on the subject for ance if brought into closer touch with frar of being rebuffed. The small the vegetation, which could be accom- houseowner does not realize how im- plished at a comparatively small expendi- portant, commercially as well as artis- ture, and would give the house the nat- tically, is the total appearance of his ural touches necessary to exhibit it as and place, he will be loath to give such a distinctly good composition de- tlu- architect any latitude in spending serves. money for anything that is not abso- Henry W. Frohnc. Two Houses by Robert C. Spencer, Jr.

We illustrate herewith two houses by the low smooth chimneys and gen- an architect whose work should be fair- erally clear-cut silhouette of the com- to of the Architect- are ly familiar readers position ever characteristic of Mr. ural Record. In these days of specializa- Spencer's country houses. He seems tion even the fine arts have been unable to delight in sharp contrasts as be- to escape the inevitable, and we have tween differently colored materials, commercial architects, residence archi- hence the frequent use of wood and ce- tects and, more particularly, country ment on the exteriors. Deep and lumi- 'house architects. Of this last class Mr. nous shadows, too, seem to hold for him a Robert C. Spencer, Jr., is a very good strong fascination. The often excessive

FIG. 1. MRS. WATERMAN'S HOUSE AT PARKERSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA.

Robt. C. Spencer, Jr., Architect.

example. Located in Chicago, his ac- projection of the eaves gives him the tivities are, however, not confined to any chiaroscuro effects that please him and one part of the United States, as wit- reveals, in a diffused light, the mottled ness one of the two houses we propose texture of the cement work in contrast to treat herein, a house at Parkersburg, to the well-shaped and finished timbers West Virginia. In it the architect has that divide the wall space. Mr. Spen- chosen a treatment not essentially dif- cer's houses are generally well developed ferent from many of his western coun- aesthetically; they have something to try houses. It has the characteristic stand on and grow naturally from the flat, hipped roof, with far projecting soil, and do not give the appearance of eaves, cemented paneled walls, with being dumped down. Figures I and 2 is meant separating timber work. The sharp illustrate particularly well what ; projecting towers carried up in bold here we have a foundation of perfectly dormers are here likewise but brick, with a present ; plain, well-shaped THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. 324 TWO HOUSES BY ROBERT C. SPENCER, JR. 525

FIG. 3. A DETAIL OF THE PORCH SHOWN IN FIGS. 1 AND 2. MRS. WATERMAN'S HOUSE AT PARKERSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA.

Robt. C. Spancer, Jr., Architect. THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. TWO HOUSES BY ROBERT C. SPEXCER, JR. 327 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. 328 BY ROBERT C. JR. TWO HOUSES SPENCER, 329 330 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. Tll'0 HOUSES BY ROBERT C. SPENCER, JR. 331 smooth beveled cement water table, the enclmost rafter slender chains the by ; which is carried around the retaining glass of the door, as well as of the high wall of the steps, broken out in a plat- square windows on either side, is attrac- form in front of the door and topped tively treated in lead strips and color; with a brick parapet in rough cement the panels under each of the windows treated similarly to the surface of the are framed with a delicate raised mould, walls. The potted plants and vines form the field being beaded and occupied by very useful accessories in the treat- an ingeniously conventionalized plant ment, deftly softening the otherwise ornament in delicate relief. Even the

FIG. 10. MR. AUG. MAGNUS' HOUSE THE FRONT PORCH AND TOWERS. Vinnetka, 111. Robt. C. Spencer, Jr., Architect.

hard lines where the masonry pene- leaders, which conduct the rain-water trates the ground. The house being but from the eaves back to the wall and offend one story high, naturally presents, with down into the ground, hardly its deep shadows, bold tower dormers one's sense of propriety by cutting, as and well grouped windows, a very they do, through the air and across the and windows on charming little home. A nearer view panels between door ; (Fig. 3} of one of the doors, the one the contrary they seem quite proper and the decorative shown in Figs, i and 2, reveals in the intentionally a part of deep shadow of the eaves several interest- scheme. The interiors offer less of in- ing features of decoration. A simple but terest, the variety of fireplace treatment very effective lamp is suspended from being the most inviting detail. Fig. 4 is THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. 332

FIG. 11. MR. AUG. MAGNUS' HOUSE DETAIL OF STAIRS. \Viniietka, 111. Robt. C. Spencer. Jr., Arcli: I TWO HOUSES BY ROBERT C. SPENCER, JR. 333 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. 334 worthy of a passing note. The frame estly proclaim the existence of attic is the roof is paneling of beautiful bird's-eye maple rooms, broken by chimneys well managed, and shows wood used in only, and in an unemphatic way. The a proper and very successful way; the two towers, which are coupled together the rails over the entrance in a panels are happily composed, balcony, though and stiles forming an effective border appropriate and attractive enough them- around the chimney opening, which is selves, do not combine happily. They further softened by a parallel ring of give the effect of two columns whose metal over the arched top and domical bases are not on the same level. The hood, which besides its ornamental func- architect has evidently tried hard to tion, is also useful for preventing smoke make them as different in shape and from easily blowing into the room, as treatment as possible; in the octagonal well as for shielding the woodwork one the vertical lines have accord- before mentioned. Altogether it is ingly been emphasized and continued a very successful fireplace obtained by to the base, while in the rectangular simple means, which, with our gaudy one the vertical lines are abruptly and vulgar tendencies, is something rare terminated at the second floor in and cannot be too highly commended. the form of a heavy horizontal timber The broad flower frieze running around and a floor, which throws the first story the room is an ingenious device for of this mass into the entrance porch. cutting down the height of the ceil- The large screened veranda, shown also ing, and gives scale to the room. The in Figs. 7 and 8, is a useful, as well as an other two interior views show a simi- effective, architectural appendage to the lar treatment of the walls with a simpler house. and more inconspicuous frieze decora- As a composition of masses, the rear, tion. In the dining-room, Fig. 5, with its one dominant projecting mass we have a highly decorative glass and pierced in numerous windows, is more metal lamp, but much richer than the one successful than the front. The illustra- that we noted over the entrance. It tions of this house include also an at- starts rather abruptly from the perfectly tractive little servants' cottage and stable plain ceiling and is, perhaps, a little (Fig. 12) treated to match the house; its vigorous in design for its purpose. eaves have such a projection that the In the other house, that of Mr. Aug. squatty second story windows are en- Magnus, at Winnetka, 111., we immedi- tirely in shadow. The flower boxes in ately recognize many of the architect's the porch and one in the second story characteristics, his likes and dislikes. are very effective touches inexpensively I 1 Fig. 7 shows the front of the house secured. The other view ( Fig. 1 ) shows standing on a very low cement a simple, but very admirable wooden base, so low that one is compelled stairs, in which the characteristics of the to look at the nearer views to make material are satisfactorily brought out. it out. It is nevertheless there, and It runs up in the octagonal tower, of serves its well. which have this accounts purpose Compared we just spoken ; with the Parkersburg house, this is a for the curving inside string which con- really large establishment, but lacks forms in its rise to the general shape of somehow the picturesque charm of the the mass in which it mounts. If now we smaller one. This shortcoming is, how- go back to our peculiar tall tower (Fig. ever, amply compensated for, by an air 10) and regard it as a staircase inclosure, of repose and dignity, due largely, no it explains itself more to our satisfaction, doubt, to its sharp, clean-cut masses. Ex- even if we do not altogether approve of cept on the back (Fig. 8), where sev- the treatment that has been accorded it eral small inconsequential dormers mod- in the massing of the composition. The House and Garden of Mr. F. C. Culver

It is a very unfortunate thing for houses of a certain cost are either placed American domestic architecture that the in the hands of builders or else are turned better architects, particularly in the East, over to inferior architects or draughts- so rarely design small houses. The plan men. It is only in the West that the best of a small house is frequently even more local architects are still willing to under- difficult to work out than that of a much take this comparatively unremunerative larger one, and, as like as not, it is class of work, and that is only because equally difficult to fit a good-looking de- the proportion of highly remunerative

THE HOUSE OF F. C. CULVER, ESQ. Hadlyme, Conn. Chas. A. Platt, Architect. sign to the plan. It requires ingenious domestic work is still comparatively contriving to make a modest sum of small in that part of the country. It money go a long way, and an architect seems inevitable that the man who wants is, of course, paid very much less for all to build a good but inexpensive house will this work in the case of an inexpensive have to pay comparatively more for his house than he is in the case of an expen- plans than a man who wants to build a sive one. The consequence is that many good but more expensive house. architects, and these the most conscien- The discovery of a comparatively in- tious members of their profession, cannot expensive house design by a good archi- afford to undertake small jobs, and tect is consequently an extremely wel- 336 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD.

THE HOUSE OF F. C. CULVER, ESQ. DETAIL OF ENTRANCE. Hadlyme, Conn. chas _ A _ platt Architec t. THE HOUSE AND GARDEN OF MR. F. C. CULVER. 337

THE HOUSE OF F. C. CULVER, ESQ. THE PERGOLA AT THE BACK. Hadlyme, Conn. Chas. A. Platt, Architect. 338 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD.

THE HOUSE OF F. C. CULVER, ESQ. A BIT OF THE GARDEN. Hadlyme, Conn. Chas. A. Platt, Architect. THE HOUSE AND GARDEN OF MR. F. C. CULVER. 339 come one, and the residence of Mr. F. C. amid its somewhat rough surroundings Culver, at Hadlyme, Conn., is such a dis- as a good New England farmhouse covery. It was designed by Mr. Charles would look, and at the same time it gains A. Platt, and is perhaps the best of the the distinction imparted by a very much several less costly houses for which that higher tradition of style. architect is responsible. About ten years Very simple means have been used to ago he designed a number of modest obtain a most charming effect. The site frame dwellings, with gardens attached, affords a prospect across and along a situated chiefly at Cornish, N. H., and all river which is one of the most beautiful of these houses consisted of an adapta- views of the kind in this country, and

THE HOUSE OF F. C. CULVER, ESQ. A VIEW OF THE RIVER. Hadlyme, Conn. Chas. A. Platt, Architect. tion of the outlines of an Italian villa the house is situated and planned so that to a frame building and a New England its porches and living rooms overlook landscape. In the earlier houses the this river view. The edge of the plateau frame was covered in with a sheathing of on which the house is located is outlined broad rough boards, but in the present by a low stone wall, which is separated so instance he has used the large Long from the building by a flat bare lawn, interfere with the Island shingle, which is a distinct im- that there is nothing to provement. They afford a more interest- enjoyment of the natural beauties of the one ing surface and give the house a more site. The garden has been placed on natural and idiomatic appearance. Mr. side, its axis coinciding with the central colonnade Culver's residence looks as appropriate line of the two porches and the THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. 340 which connects them, and it is assuredly affected or slovenly. It is merely an ad- one of the most charming small gardens ditional illustration of the happy com- in this country. Its scale harmonizes pleteness with which the design of the perfectly with that of the house and its house and the garden has been wrought character with that of its surroundings. into the site. A better example could not In general appearance it is just a little be desired of a "formal" plan which de- rough, as it should be, considering the pends upon the use of simple means and roughness of some of the immediately which reaches a novel, picturesque and adjoining land, but its roughness has not idiomatic effect. the remotest suggestion either of being H. D. C.

THE HOUSE OF F C. CULVER, ESQ. A GARDEN VIEW. Hadlyme, Conn. Chas. A. Platt, Architect. Colonial Architecture in the West

That the arts and sciences follow civi- composition or its detail to undeceive one lization was never more conclusively il- for a moment, not even the attractive lustrated than in our own country. The bow window supported on vigorous- hardy pilgrims that settled our rugged looking consoles, a detail of which ap- shores brought with them recollections pears herewith. There is something of the architecture in vogue at that time frank, something naive and ingenious in their countries. These recollections about Colonial houses that an English- found their fullest expression in what we man would perhaps sum up in one word know as Colonial Architecture, examples homely. The exteriors are inviting of which may be seen to-day all along but not pretentious, decorative but not the coast from Maine to Georgia and ornate. On the interiors they are frank, Florida. As civilization advanced west- giving what their exteriors promise ward, places of abode for the settlers had cosiness, delicacy and refinement of de- to follow. These structures, compared tail. even to the rudest of the coast houses, The expression that an architect gives were positively primitive, but even after a house, is to a certain extent an expres- conditions had become sufficiently stable sion of his relation with the client. If the for the establishment of permanent latter be particularly amenable and ami- homes, and people had acquired money able in his intercourse with the archi- to build them, the result in most cases tect, there can be no doubt that the work was by no means happy. The architec- the architect -does for him, will be per- ture of these first western houses was in- formed with a keen pleasure which can- fluenced, very often, by other foreign not help making itself visible in the tendencies less admirable than those of aspect of the finished product. If, on the the Renaissance. In many cases archi- other hand, the client is a difficult person tectural tradition had become so weak to deal with pleasantly, the architect will that the result was positively ludicrous. approach his task with a necessarily dim- But we have now arrived at a period in inished interest. Then, again, the de- which artistic education is fast becoming signer's state of mind and all the petty more general throughout the United troubles of the day's work show their in- States than even the most sanguine had fluences in the architectural composition hoped for half a century ago. The as they would in a painting or a piece of American architect is continually en- sculpture. countering new problems and solving Little do we think when we behold them in his own way. He has even one of the world's masterpieces, what struck out on new lines. The country must have been the complex causes for house is a strictly American product, and the ideas that prompted the master to it is at this kind of work that the Ameri- express himself as he did and how his can architect shows at his best. work would perhaps have taken on a We show herewith two Colonial different form .amid other surroundings houses in Kenosha, Wis. Colonial archi- at another time. But it is the idea in a tecture, it seems, has got to be almost as work of art that is striven after, and it well known and as effectively and cor- is that that the interested spectator should rectly rendered in the west as anywhere try to follow in his study if he would be in the Atlantic States. So accurate is rewarded for his labor. It is in this the architect western architect's knowledge on spirit that the Western appears the subject nowadays that one might to have studied the Colonial country look its at the house of Mr. Charles Jeffrey house and transplanted it, not simply (Fig. i) and imagine it were in New external signs, to the remotest parts of England. There is nothing in either 'its the United States. THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. 342 COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE IN THE WEST.

THE HOUSE OF MR. CHAS. JEFFREY DETAIL OF THE ORIEL AND PORCH. Kenosha, Wis. Pond & Pond, Architects. THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. 344 COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE IN THE WEST. 345 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD AN AMERICAN VENICE CANAL THOROUGHFARES AND LAGOON IN THE RESIDENTIAL SECTION. Near Los Angeles, Cal. Marsh & Russell, Architects. NOTES ^COMMENTS

Out of the hundred which line it. He came as do thousands of thousand Americans who others merely out of casual interest, but AN yearly "do" the Old World he returned to America an enthusiast in his AMERICAN are some who turn to admiration of the Italian Renaissance. His the United States with enthusiasm shaped itself into the idea of VENICE, ideas and w'ho have the imitating some of the designs of making a money to give these ideas monument to his name by reproducing them practical form. We need .permanently. Calling to his aid two of the nut dwell upon the fact that many an art leading architects of Los Angeles, where he collection has had its inception in the casual resides, Mr. Kinney practically gave them visit of the millionaire to the Louvre or carte blanche to plan this Venice in 'minia- some of the galleries of Italy and Holland. ture, so that fully $5,000,000 will be ex- The Italian garden, now so popular as an pended when the principal structures it is ornate feature of the country seat and to contain are completed and its network of suburban grounds, is the result of the ob- canals is ready for the gondola. servation of the American traveler. With- The California Venice also affords an illus- out number are the churches, halls, schools tration of how a barren spot of ground can and other structures modeled after Old be beautified by the efforts of the landscape World edifices whose architecture has caught engineer in connection with the architect, the fancy of th re one who would be a bene- for its site is merely a strip of sand beach factor to his home community. adjacent to the waters of the Pacific. Prior Thus it is that in the State of California to tire beginning of the project, it was desti- a miniature Venice is in process of creation. tute of tree or shrub. It is about twenty Although the work of the designer and miles from Los Angeles and situated in the builder has progressed so far that a very vicinity of several beach resorts which are truthful facsimile of parts of the city by so familiar on the Atlantic as well as the the Adriatic can be seen by the visitor to Pacific coast rows of monotonous wooden the site of the American model. A few years cottages and bungalows for residences, the ago Mr. Abner Kinney in a tour of Europe business thoroughfares lined with ugly frame saw St. Marks and the Campanile, wan- shops, and hotels and "summer" boarding dered through the Palace of the Doges, houses which are merely huge wooden boxes glided along the Grand Canal past those designed to hold as many human beings as wonderful examples of the architecture can be crowded into a given space, regard- THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. 348 less of harmony, taste or anything that there are colonnades. The decorations savors of the aesthetic. the exterior walls include carvings of figui Consequently Venice stands out in con- familiar to all who have visited the Italiai spicuous contrast to its neighbors, for the city, nor are the various buildings out architects as far as possible have outlined proportion. No "skyscrapers" have beer structures which, while suitable for the built, nor is any structure allowed to ex- various purposes intended, are in keeping ceed a certain height. The material anc with the Venetian idea. In a few instances exterior finish also lend themselves to it has been impossible to conform to this general scheme. The one essential in whic idea, as for instance in the bathing pavilion, the "business part" of the new Venice dif- which is of more modern design and neces- fers from its prototype is in the absence sitated construction suitable for the pur- the canal, but the arrangement of sue

AN AMERICAN VENICE THE MAIN BUSINESS THOROUGHFARE. Near Los Angeles, Cal. Marsh & Russell, Architects. pose intended. But as the photographs ac- waterways was impossible owing to the companying this article plainly show, the character of the site and the material of the impression produced as one traverses the various buildings. principal thoroughfares is distinctly Vene- Three thoroughfares are devoted to theI tian. On every side are evidences of the business interests of the town. Each has a Renaissance. Even the smaller details have width of about one hundred feet exclusive of been faithfully reproduced. The footways the loggias, forming the ways for pedes- for pedestrians are through loggias mas- trians. The streets terminate upon the sively yet gracefully built, forming not only ocean front and extend backward to a a protection from the weather, but adding lagoon into which the principal canals con- greatly to the general effect. Here and verge. As the photographs show, the ma- NOTES AND COMMENTS. 349

terials used in the larger structures are of into sleeping apartments, a restaurant, a such a character that they may be con- kitchen, office and all of the appointments sidered permanent. The more important of the m -aern hotel. Some of the titles buildings have a framework of steel, con- familiar to the visitor in European Venice crete or reinforced concrete. The exterior have been utilized in its American imitation. walls include not only brick and natural The canal system at present is about four stone but concrete as well, while the interior miles in length and embraces a series of fir.ish in many instances is of hardwood of waterways upon which dwellings are being a design appropriate to the general archi- erected. Small steamboats as well as gon- tecture. In short, the designers of Venice dolas have been provided for transportation are building a city intended for all seasons on the canals, being utilized for communi- of the year. It Is neither a summer nor a cation between the various parts of the

AN AMERICAN VENICE A TYPICAL BUSINESS STRUCTURE. Near Los Angeles, Cal. Marsh & Russell, Architects.

winter resort, but intended to be occupied town as is the ordinary street railway sys- permanently. tem in other communities. The lagoon, In the plans, provision has been made not which is nearly circular in form, is intended merely for stores and dwellings, but for as a pleasure resort, while it enhances the structures especially suitable for banking, civic beauty of the place. It is approached for apartments, offices and for hotels. from the business part of the town by a Among the hotels is one of extremely novel series of broad steps and is spanned by con- design, as it is afloat. The founder of crete bridges patterned to a certain extent Venice conceived the idea of having a gal- after some of those seen in the older Ven- leon mod'eled after the craft In which ice. The canals have been excavated by Balboa is supposed to have discovered the large suction dredges and are filled with Pacific. This has been moored to a pier ex- salt water. Including the lagoon, the tending out into the ocean and is divided waterways have enough current to prevent

8 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. 350

there is a for the the water from becoming stagnant and a book "study improvement of the Schuylkill River embankment," pre- supply is secured by pipe lines from the C. C. C. L. ocean, which is a few feet below the site of pared by Zantzinger, Borie, Jr., P. Cret. If the latter seems an the town. and Paul ambitious it has better The plans for Venice at present cover an dream, precedents which is area of about two hundred acres, but as it than had the parkway already a and it has less increases in population the boundaries will dream coming true; compli- cated to overcome. an be enlarged accordingly, for provision is opposition Besides, made also for the expansion of the business improvement here is a favorite project of the secretary of the City Parks Associa- portion as becomes necessary. The archi- tion tects for this interesting community were Andrew Wright Crawford and he a remarkable of to Messrs. Marsh and Russell, who not only has way bringing pass the results he desires for tne good of Phila- delphia. The report is profusely illustrated. mainly with photographs taken by Mr. Crawford, and these present strong argu- ments to persons who lack the patience or the time to read of the opportunities of their city. But the text is interesting, too. The City Parks Association is in business for parks, not for politics; and the report declares almost at the beginning that it is the association's policy to eschew the lat- ter though, it says, "the city in which its citizens take pride, not -because they leel that they ought to, but because it is really beautiful and they cannot help being pr.md of it, is apt to be the best governed city." Philadelphia has rare park opportunities, tha report adds; but they are of no value if suffered to go to waste. "It is time to stop shouting and get to work," and the as- sociation adopts this excellent motto: "Agi- tate, educate, but do not exasperate." The report notes several great successes and one great failure for the two years. The former are the preservation, by ordinance, from Venice Down One of the An American Looking building of six and a half miles of the val- Loggias. ley of Pennypack Creek, and of four miles designed the buildings but conceived the of the east side of the vall-ey of Cobb's scheme of waterways which has been de- Creek; the placing upon the city plan of a scribed. plaza covering four squares around the in- DAY ALLEN WILLEY. tersection of Broad and Johnson Streets, the creation therefrom of a system of radiating The City Parks Associa- streets, 'and the widening of Broad Street tion of has to 300 feet from the to League Island CITY PARKS Philadelphia plaza issued another report. It Park, and the beginning of the construction ASSOCIATION contains tho seventeenth of the Torresdale and the Fairmount Park PHILA- and eighteenth annual re- parkways. The failure was the loss of DELPHIA ports c o m b i n i n g the Sherwood Forest, the magnificent trees of years 1905 and 1906, and which were felled despite 'earnest efforts the many who have learn- to create a flat and dreary field for build- ed to expect of these publications the ing operations. The recommendations of models of their kind are glad to welcome the association are a loan of seven millions, another one, and to find their expectation to be apportioned as follows: $3,000,000 for once more justified. Folded into the front an outer park system, $1,000,000 for recre- of the book there is an interesting plan of ation centres, $2,000,000 for the extension of the parkway, from Logan Square to Fair- Fairmount Parkway, and $1,000,000 for the mount Park; and folded into the back of the beginning of an improvement of the Schuyl- NOTES AND COMMENTS. 351

AN AMERICAN VENICE THE UNIQUE CARAVEL RESTAURANT. Near Los Angeles, Cal. Marsh & Russell, Architects. kill River front; -also a loan of $2,000,000 not one of the committee having the matter for a library site on the parkway; and finally directly in charge, the late James E. Scripps the creation of a City Improvement Com- was deeply interested in the procurement of mission and of a Municipal Art Commis- these reports. On invitation of the commit- sion a step in favor of which the Fair- tee he accompanied the investigators on mount Park Art Association lately took some of their rounds, and in honor of Mr. action. The report also notes a number of Robinson he threw open his house for an lesser undertakings, various gifts and the evening reception. His death occurred a vigorous growth of the association. few weeks ago, and it is found that his will includes a bequest of $50,000 for a public About two years ago, in improvement m the city of Detroit. The reflection of a consider- nature of this improvement is left to the DETROIT'S able public interest, the judgment of the three trustees of his estate: Board of Commerce of the and there has inevitably risen the hope that OPPORTUNITY city of Detroit engaged they may choose the river esplanade, of whic'h two students of municipal he was an earnest advocate. In favor of aesthetics -to make reports this, as against any other improvement, on the improvement possi- authoritative decisions have already been bilities of Detroit. The investigations were rendered; the utility, practicability and even independently made and the reports sepa- the manner of the improvement has been in- that this would rately submitted; but when they were dicated, and it is obvious Detroit's most distinc- handed in it was found that both Messrs. be a development of Olmsted and Robinson who were the men tive claim to attention, the utilization of the as com- employed had laid their special stress on noblest asset of the city. Indeed, the improvement of the waterfront. This pared with this it is difficult to sp-eak with that have was not surprising, but as an argument it patience of the two other projects viz.: the erection of was convincing, and the Board published the been brought forward, in a that two reports together in a pamphlet. Though a memorial to Mr. Scripps park THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. 352 he gave, or the erection of a convention hall. An article several col- The one is always a dangerous experiment AS umns in length, in in- and in a good park not being a cemetery TOLD teresting review of civic this case seeming to give to the bequest a art developments in the mean and wholly unjust quality of self- IN United States, is going assertiveness; and the other would be a GE.RMANY tne rounds of prominent miserly use of a free and princely gift. But newspapers in Germany, no doubt the decision can be safely left to having oeen published in the three trustees. The bequest illustrates Cologne, Strasburg and elsewhere. The one of the advantages, by the way, of se- writer starts out by quoting a statement curing, even before there appears to be a that the low estate of civic art in the chance to do things, a report on the right United States is a reflection of the repub- things to do. lican form of government throughout the world, apparently forgetting the mediaeval The plans for the great republics of Italy. But he says that how- addition to the Auditorium ever true this may once have been, it now THE Annex in Chicago which should be recognized that "in the last fifteen there has been a remarkable MODERN on completion will be re- years very christened, with the Audi- civic art awakening and increase in general HOTEL torium, "Congress Hotel culture in the United States." Finding the and Annex" provide a first impetus for the civic part of this in the ideal hostelry with 2,000 rooms, created by the beauty of the World's Fair at he and representative of an outlay of about Chicago, traces with fair the of $14,000,000. This is doing things is real accuracy spread and growth the sentiment the Chicagoese style. Tire addition is to be throughout country. The similar to the present structures a huge, article quotes freely from the principal many-windowed box, massive at the base, American books on the subject, describes by but, in the addition, weakened above by name the national and the more prominent of the local seried ranks of bay windows. It will be, societies organized to promote that is to say, neither particularly credit- town and city betterment, and on the whole to the an able nor impressive in itself; while yet mak- gives foreigner interesting and just ing a very remarkable and vital part of the account of a movement that really has lakefront development, which promises in a reached such proportions as to make it few years more to be one of the fine civic world notable. The identity of the author achievements of the country. And there is is not revealed; but it is a comfort to know this to be said for the 'hotel: In its fourteen that at last Europe, long surfeited with ac- stories and its long fagade, it will set up a counts of the ugliness of our cities, is get- wall that, as far as it goes, will screen in ting a truer picture of the actual present orderly, dignified fashion the vast ugly city conditions and as the writer sums it up it behind. Thanks to the angle of vision, is a very creditable record.

hardly a skyscraper will show behind it, and we shall have, what is seldom 'had in Ameri- Pages 190 and 217 of the September issue can towns, a waterfront beautiful in fore- contain errors for which we wish to express ground and harmonious and comparatively regret to all parties concerned, and which restrained at back. As to the hotel's in- we correct herewith. The title to the illus- terior, the present features the classic cor- tration on page 190 reads, Mr. F. W. Van- ridor of white marble and the Pompeiian derbilt's House, Hyde Park, N. Y., while the room are to be with retained, extensions; illustration shows the Marble House at New- while cosmopolitanism is to have its cus- port, R. 1., by the late R. M. Hunt. On tomary emphasis in a Louis ban- Quatorze pag-e 217 is shown the Rockefeller Institute quet hall, a tea Japanese room, and an for Medical Research, COth St. and East Elizabethan room. is lounging It no mere River, New York City, of which Shepley, figure of that speech the modern hotel is a Rutan & Coolidge, of Boston, Mass., were world in itself! The thought of a home and the architects. The title to this illustration, a haven has been forgotten, and we travel as well as the architects' names, were in- most furiously while we pause. correctly given.