Columbia, S.C., Jeffrey Makala
My 1910 bungalow is located in Elmwood Park, Columbia’s first streetcar suburb and a National Register neighborhood of wood and brick bungalows and foursquares located in the present-day downtown. It has original heart-pine floors, large windows and 12-foot ceilings that help keep it cool on even the hottest summer days. While the pink exterior was the previous owner’s choice, I’m keeping it until it needs repainting; I think of it as a tropical, Key West variant on the standard bungalow color schemes. I’ve added a rear screen porch for outdoor living without mosquitoes and am constructing a Japanese garden in the backyard.
Ann Arbor, Mich., Judith Marks
I first saw my bungalow in spring 2000 and fell in love with its hardwood floors, natural woodwork, plaster walls and original kitchen cabinets. It was built in 1927 for Ottmar and Melita Kaercher and has been lovingly cared for since then; only minor upgrades and painting were needed when I moved in. The wonderful front porch is one of my favorite places to be during warm weather. I have met a relative of the Kaerchers as well as the second owners. I would love to find out the name of the craftsman who did such a good job building my house.
Houston, Texas, Robert Raney, III
This gorgeous two-bedroom, one-bath Craftsman bungalow in Houston’s historic Woodland Heights neighborhood (which is celebrating its centennial this year) became my home two years ago. It was built in 1926. The original family lived here for almost 70 years. The gardens are planted with tropical foliage such as angel trumpeter and sago palm and Southern staples including mature pecan, oak, lemon and tulip trees. A recently transplanted fig tree in my backyard has been with my family for five generations through North Carolina, Tennessee and Arkansas.
Tucson, Ariz., Robin Steinberg and Phyllis Webster
This modest little two-bedroom brick and stucco California bungalow, built in 1920, is a contributing residence in the Feldman Historic District near the University of Arizona. Within its 935 square feet of open, well-lit space, it features oak and fir flooring, intact built-ins, original interior and exterior doors, and original light fixtures in the dining room and kitchen alcove. In the last year, we have re-roofed the house and had the exterior re-stuccoed and painted. It may be small, but it sparkles with charm and sweetness.
Miles City, Mont., Julie Axelberg and Roger Bessler
We purchased our 1916 Prairie Style home in 2005. Beautiful oak woodwork, immense built-ins, gorgeous light fixtures and three sets of beveled-glass French doors grace the main floor living area. Original hot-water radiators and a massive fireplace keep us warm and toasty in the winter despite having 80-plus windows — complete with wavy glass! The home had been painted a solid, flat white; we couldn’t stand having the wonderful architectural details remain unnoticed any longer. Ladies Home Journal featured the house in its March 1916 issue. We proudly display a copy in our living room.
DeKalb, Ill., Mary Gendusa-Hedin and David Hedin
Built in 1925, this Gordon-Van Tine mail-order kit home was marketed by Montgomery Ward. Although they were not usually distinctive architecturally, these were well designed, practical homes copied from the most popular styles of the times. The original cost is estimated to have been under $6,000. We are slowly restoring the original woodwork and maintaining the spirit of the times with modern power tools and materials.
Canton, Ohio, Cynthia Vignos and Allen Claxton
We are the third owners of this California-style bungalow. Built in 1922 by Ellsworth Smith (watercolor artist and art director of the Hoover Company), the home was originally a honeymoon cottage for his wife, Ernestine; a second story was added in 1924 to make room for their children. The family was quite active in the local arts scene and in other community endeavors. They lived in the home for more than 70 years. We are fortunate to have old photographs of the house, when there was little else around.
Huntsville, Ala., Cheryl and Ken Hovanes
Our 1921 craftsman bungalow is in Huntsville’s Twickenham Historic District. We purchased the house at auction in 2003. We have made changes to the exterior to highlight its architectural features. It is within walking distance of small groceries, restaurants, coffee houses and museums. It provides a true home and neighbors that smile and say hello as they walk and drive by. We feel so happy to live in our little bungalow, and we think the house is happy we are here, too.
Tags: Ann Arbor, Canton, Columbia, DeKalb, Houston, Huntsville, Miles City, Tucson
