The selling of the first modern styled homes to America In 1947.
I was looking for more online libraries and books to download when I came across Google Books. And in particular, LIFE magazine scans. I was curious to page through (more like click through) the magazine and take a glance at what life was like some 60 years ago.
So I randomly picked the April 28, 1947 issue. And came across this quote on page 77.
“These houses are something new. They would have been impractical 20 years ago. They are low and ground hugging instead of high and boxy. They have small clean running furnaces in compact spaces on the first floor eliminating basements. They have wonderful glass walled rooms. Although modern, they are graciously so and would fit into any community.”
LIFE asked 3 architects to design 3 styles of homes. The “Minimum House”, “Suburban House” (shown left) and the “Country House”. Then built models of the homes to show the interiors. The floor plans are outlined as well as the cost of each home.
The article continues, “One fact that everyone must face is that houses are too expensive. Unfortunately prewar standards will never return and building cost will probably not fall much for some time to come. By 1947 Standards these houses, with their advanced design, are a better than average value.”
So the prices? They range from $7,000 for the “Minimum” to $25,000 for the “Country”. The “Country” being Modern architecture’s 1947′s answer to the McMansion of today, I guess.
And even more amazing? All of the photos shown are table top models of each home. I guess nothing like this existed in 1947. They even created the interiors as well. They look like actual modern interiors. I know you’ve seen that dining table before, right?
To see all the homes, floor plans, and read more about the making of the models go to April 28, 1947 issue and continue to page 77. Or read the whole issue. And keep in mind this is LIFE magazine so the photos range from a look at Britain after the war, to graphic images of a Monsanto factory blast to Charlie Chaplin’s latest movie.
I wonder if these specific homes were ever built? Look out your window…maybe there’s one in your neighborhood.
I loved the Article. We thought homes were high in the 60′s – so
it is all a matter of perspective
Loved the Article