Come Fly With Me

"Sacramento Municipal Airport on South Freeport Blvd.

Fritz Vibe Postcard Service, Sacramento, California"

Our 1955 Eichler Homes neighborhood is a little over one mile from what was then known as Sacramento Municipal Airport (now known as the Sacramento Executive Airport). The circa 1955/56 terminal pictured above (which still stands today) was designed by renowned Sacramento architect Leonard F. Starks (more on him in a forthcoming post). Can you imagine riding in style in a large finned, chauffeured black convertible to the airport? Air travel was more glamorous back then!

According to a Sacramento Magazine article from October, 2007 written by Reed Parsell:

"Plopped on a then-rural 680-acre patch of land a few miles south of downtown in 1930, it was taken over by the military in World War II. The city subsequently regained control and by the 1960s... was handling about 750,000 commercial passengers a year."

"Air Terminal Building, Sacramento Municipal Airport...

This modern building serves air commerce and scheduled

air transport for the Capital City and its surrounding area.

- Color photo by Mirl H. Simmons

Published by W.C. Spangler News Agency, Sacramento, Calif."

via Ginsburgh Family Pictures

I found a great personal account of what it was like to visit the airport in 1963, per blogger Azure:

"We are going on an airplane trip and it's a big deal. Here we are at the old Sacramento Airport. We are all dressed up, my little sister and I have on dresses with our white socks and Mary janes. My brother in his jacket and tie, my mother in her smart suit. You dressed to go on an airplane then, especially to fly all the way across the country. The airport is looking pretty smart itself, everything looking shiny and well-kept, nice garden and that pervasive California light. Within 5 years, the new airport will be built way north of the city and this airport will be mostly for small aircraft. But in 1963, it was the way out of town...."

via Ginsburgh Family Pictures

Below is a familiar view that we still see across from the airport -- hasn't changed much at all!

"Sky Riders Airport Motel 6100 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95822.

On Scenic Highway 160, with the Executive Airport restaurant facilities,

and golf course across the way. Car rentals available. 32 deluxe units,

beautifully furnished in South Land Park area.... photo by Henry K. Yee."

On October 21, 1967, commercial flights out of Sacramento were handled by the newly built Sacramento Metropolitan Airport (now known as Sacramento International Airport). Our wonderful Executive Airport is still operative and is still the way to travel for the rich and influential.

Ah, the good old days when riding on an airplane was special -- and people didn't put bombs in their underwear!

VIDEO link via TCM - Frank Sinatra "Come Fly With Me"

Come Fly With Me

(click on Frank for video)

by songwriters Sammy Cahn And Jimmy Van Heusen

Come fly with me, let's fly, let's fly away
If you can use some exotic booze
There's a bar in far Bombay
Come fly with me, let's fly, let's fly away

Come fly with me, let's float down to Peru
In llama land there's a one-man band
And he'll toot his flute for you
Come fly with me, let's take off in the blue

Once I get you up there where the air is rarified
We'll just glide, starry-eyed
Once I get you up there I'll be holding you so near
You may hear angels cheer 'cause we're together

Weather-wise it's such a lovely day
You just say the words and we'll beat the birds
Down to Acapulco Bay
It's perfect for a flying honeymoon, they say
Come fly with me, let's fly, let's fly away

Once I get you up there where the air is rarified
We'll just glide, starry-eyed
Once I get you up there I'll be holding you so near
You may hear angels cheer 'cause we're together

Weather-wise it's such a lovely day
You just say the words and we'll beat the birds
Down to Acapulco Bay
It's perfect for a flying honeymoon, they say
Come fly with me, let's fly, let's fly
Pack up, let's fly away!!

"And don't tell your mamma!!"

Here's to better flying in the year ahead. Cheers!

Have a Cool Yule!

Our seven year old son was excited to tell us at the dinner table Monday night about the gingerbread house he was constructing at school: "It's a flat top -- an Eichler! And I'm the only one doing it that way."

The following day we were really looking forward to seeing it and then.... he ate it.

But luckily our friend, Toni, took a snap of it before it was devoured while we were out having our "date night." Other than the flat top not sure the rest fits the modern aesthetic. When you're talking about candy, more is more after all!

Not to be outdone, our five year old daughter got to work and drew a picture of a house with the label "Ikler" and arrows pointing to the house. Her drawings always crack us up. This one has what looks to be a bird-o-copter and other interesting features. I tagged the various explanations on the Flickr pic.

Wishing all of you a Cool Yule!

Oh perforated hourglass light fixtures, how I love thee! Chance to win!

Rejuvenation has re-issued one of my *favorite* Mid-Century light fixture designs based on the 1959 Stockholm series manufactured by EJS lighting. I have to say, they look fabulous. Great names too: "Galaxy," "Asterix," "Vektr," and "Spektr."

For their upcoming introduction in February, Rejuvenation is having a giveaway contest. Entries accepted through January 26, 2010, 12PM PST; only one entry per person; winner selects ONE fixture in finish of his/her choice.

A beautiful addition to any Mid-Century household. Hope your holiday season is out of this world! Oh, and before I forget: Eep Opp Ork Ah-Ah.

Original Sacramento Eichler Home Building Permits

I was at The Center for Sacramento History yesterday trying to see what goodies I could find regarding our neighborhood. I wasn't sure exactly what they might have that would be relevant but did discover they had a cache of (mostly) original Eichler Home building permits (see more information at the bottom of this post).

 Holiday card available from The Center for Sacramento History

Putting up holiday decorations at 13th & K Sacramento 1956

The Center also had some interesting items that would make great holiday presents -- historic Sacramento maps, calendars, cards, and more -- all available at their store and at their Zazzle site. For example, they have a card of the 1956 13th & K scene above. They also sell local history books published on various Sacramento neighborhoods and subjects.

I also found a cool 45 rpm record called "The Sound of Young Sacramento" that they handed out for free at a previous event, now available for free ($5 mailing charge) from their store. This is a compilation of four tunes from Sacramento garage bands, "recorded in 1966 at the Franklin Boulevard Studios of the legendary Bill Rase." A larger compilation that can be found here. Groovy!

 

Sample permit I picked up for all South Land Park Hills Eichler Home neighbors 

Getting back to the building permits.... e-mail me if you want a copy of yours. For privacy reasons, I'm reluctant to post per usual on Flickr. No charge, I do this as a hobby.

I tried to identify all Eichler Homes in the neighborhood and will gladly send you a copy if one was to be found at the Center. I know of six existing Eichler Homes for which I could not find a permit. My email address can be found in the blog description on the upper left corner above. I also found some voided permits which demonstrate Eichler Homes intended to build an additional 16 homes all the way down South Land Park Drive to 13th Street.

Happy holidays from our house to yours!

Spirits of Xmas Past

While I'm toiling away in my workshop on other MCM posts, I thought I'd share some of my mid-century family holiday pictures. I realize it is rare for me to get personal here but 'tis the season!

My grandfather, 12.25.43

My grandmother took this picture of my grandfather

outside his Officer's Candidate School on Christmas Day, 1943.
He was an attorney in the Army during WWII.

My grandparents in Mexico, 12.6.44

My grandfather asked to be stationed in Los Angeles;

I believe they took a little vacation to Mexico near the holidays in 1944.
I was primarily raised by my grandparents and love this picture!

My mom, 12.25.51

My mom, Christmas Day, 1951. Living the Boomer childhood. Yippee Ki Yay!

 

Me, 1964

My early childhood wasn't documented that well, so I'm happy to
have these few photos to show you; especially the ones of my brother.

This is me, close to my first birthday.
Check out Santa's Mod chair and tree!

My brother and me, 1966

 My little brother and me, 1966. Sadly, this was his last Christmas.

My brother, 1966

He was a happy guy! Not quite 2 years old in this 1966 photo.

He was only 2.5 when he died (8 months after this picture was taken).

Hand-beaded Christmas tree made by my grandmother

In 1973, while I was away at camp, my grandmother made this

and surprised me with it later that year. She made beaded flowers

as a hobby. This took her weeks to make. A labor of love!

 She never admitted this but I know she was beginning

to lose her eyesight back then.

Detail, beaded tree

My favorite detail on the beaded tree: the candy canes!

My household now celebrates a different holiday this season but I still treasure these memories and special times. Hope you have fond memories of your holidays past.

SMUD HQ nominated for National Register of Historic Places

SMUD HQ at night via Dreyfuss & Blackford Architects website

Through the efforts of SOCA (Sacramento Old City Association) the SMUD Headquarters building has been nominated to the National Register of Historic Places.  Local architectural historian Carol Roland conducted research and wrote the nomination, which is pending approval by the National Park Service. Roland believes the building is "strongly influenced by the work of Mies van der Rohe and the International sub-style of Modernism."

The architectural firm of Dreyfuss & Blackford began in 1950, opened first by Albert Dreyfuss. According to a Sacramento Bee article written by Gary Delsohn dated June 18, 1995:

"Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dreyfuss served in the Navy before going to architecture school at Tulane University and then the University of Illinois. He spent some time knocking around the Caribbean with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

He eventually went to work for the State Architect's office and started what later became Dreyfuss & Blackford in April 1950 after a developer friend asked if he wanted to design some apartments. Blackford came on board a few years later and was made partner in 1957."

According to historian Roland, Leonard Blackford was:

"... a recent graduate of Berkeley’s architecture school, joined (Dreyfuss) in 1953, following a short stint in the Office of the State Architect.  Although Blackford did not become a partner until after the completion of the SMUD building, according to Dreyfuss, he was a very important member of the firm, exercising considerable influence over designs from the mid-1950s."

From its inception, according to the firm's website, their:

"... design approach has been rooted in Modernism. A clear and intuitive understanding of steel, concrete and masonry construction has resulted in striking and innovative projects -- buildings that have timeless, lasting character. In the early years, the firm designed many public schools, private office buildings and, in 1959, the SMUD headquarters building -- a landmark project that stirred international interest and earned multiple design awards."

Per historian Roland, one such feature that stirred international interest were the custom-designed extruded aluminum vertical louvers that could be tilted according to season:

"The louvers were a very innovative means of glare and temperature control entirely in keeping with the mission of the utility company and its desire to have an energy efficient facility. The louver design created considerable interest among the architectural community of the time. Architectural Forum magazine featured a stylized photo of the louvers on the front cover of its May 1961 issue."

Water City (1959) by local and world renowned artist Wayne Thiebaud

graces the exterior of the SMUD HQ building

Fantastic photo above via Flickr by local photographer Lorna Lou

Another striking feature of the building is Water City, a 1959 abstract tile mural by local artist Wayne Theibaud. Per Roland, this mural:

"... alludes to Sacramento's sitting near two major rivers. The mural suggests buildings aligned along a water way and the motion and reflectivity of moving water.... During the late 1950s Theibaud experimented with Abstract Expressionism and did other mural designs for the California State Fair. This is one of the few surviving representations of the early period of the artist's work before he adopted his mature and well-recognized realist painting style and the only work in a mosaic medium."

SMUD HQ during the day via Dreyfuss & Blackford Architects website

Dreyfuss & Blackford have built other notable buildings in our region, including:
- Lincoln Plaza
- Herman Miller in Rocklin (collaboration with Frank Gehry)
- the Vogel Chevrolet showroom (1959)
- the IBM building (520 Capitol Mall, 1961)
- the old Sacramento Union building (301 Capitol Mall, 1967 - demolished for dead project Towers on Capitol Mall)
- the apartment complex at 4100 Folsom Blvd.
- the Powell-Teichert Office Complex
- the first Arco Arena
- the original Nut Tree complex
- the original master plan for Sacramento Airport in 1963
- the United Terminal at San Francisco Airport plus other projects there
- their own firm's office building on Folsom Blvd. (1965)

However, one of Dreyfuss' favorites, per the 1995 Sacramento Bee article mentioned above, seems to be the SMUD HQ: "If we've made a contribution to the community... it's to produce buildings that have lasting qualities and will be here long after we've gone and still be good buildings. There's no reason a building shouldn't last 50 to 100 years."

UPDATE: The building is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

Mid-Century Sacramento page on Facebook!

 Chase Bank (formerly a Home Savings and Loan) 4701 Freeport Boulevard Sacramento, CA 
- by Kris Lannin Liang

For those of you who are on Facebook, there is an open public group called "Mid-Century Sacramento" created by South Land Park Hills neighbor Kris Lannin Liang this last September.

"Mid-Century Sacramento is an online meeting place for mid-century modern enthusiasts in Sacramento and surrounding areas." Kris has added photos and posts regarding MCM in the Sacramento region.

So far there are 37 members. If you're on FB, join in!

2012 Update: the group above no longer has an administrator. Please join SacMod (Sacramento Modern) on Facebook.

Happy Tday!

Happy Thanksgiving from our MCM home to yours!

Ho ho -- oh boy!

Psssst!

The biggest modern furniture (+ more) giveaway I've seen this year is up for grabs with more to come at Apartment Therapy et al. Sign up for an account then fill out a submission form for each posted item/one entry per post for a crack at the goodies offered on a daily basis. Per their Daily Update:

"... Born from the idea that a Gift Guide is better if you give the items away, we've arranged for over 100 shops to give great design items away to you. You can enter EVERY giveaway each day and the odds are GREAT, as over 100 people will be winners."

Don't miss it. Enter early/enter often. Let me know if you get lucky!

Another stunning custom Carter Sparks home for sale

Yesterday I posted some additional information regarding Sacramento region mid-century modern architect Carter Sparks. I've also previously posted a little bit of history regarding Mr. Sparks. I wanted to do this so you had a little background on his life and work.

This beautiful four bedroom, four bath, 3,200 square foot Sparks home was referred to me by blogger J at ModernValley; we've been discussing Sparks' work and MCM in Sacramento a bit over the last few months.

Per the listing:

"A true master piece of relaxation. This warm inviting home offers custom wood working with vaulted ceilings, wood floors throughout, floor to ceiling glass windows over looking a meticulous landscape with custom ponds. You can totally relax with the privacy that will make you feel you are in the country while you are minutes away from downtown. This Carter Sparks Custom home is perfect for anyone who wants privacy with a flare. It also has a guest house for friends or staff. This is a beautiful home."

More regarding this home directly from the realtor.


Just gorgeous. If you can do it, now is a good time to break into your piggy bank for homes like these! For the record -- I'm not a real estate agent nor affiliated with one -- I am passing this information along as a public service to those who are interested and love MCM design and architecture as much as I do.

Carter Sparks: The Architect

via Eichler Network Newsletter: Winter 2004, page 4

I thought the time was right to talk more about Carter Sparks. While I've posted a little history regarding Mr. Sparks previously in this blog, I feel there is more to be said. Especially before I post yet another stunning example of his work that is currently for sale.

A synopsis of his personal history was written by Steve Gibson in Sparks' Sacramento Bee obituary, dated November 2, 1996:

Carter E. Sparks, an architect known for designing large custom homes with lots of glass and wood that blended in with the surroundings, died of cancer Wednesday at his Clarksburg residence.

He was 73.

"To me, he was a fine artist, not just a person creating a plan," said artist Greg Kondos, for whom Mr. Sparks had designed a home and studio. "His homes came out with a warm feeling."

Mr. Sparks designed some of Sacramento's most impressive homes, including some on the bluffs overlooking the American River.

Known primarily as a residential architect, he spent many years designing homes for Streng Brothers, which built thousands of units on subdivisions in Sacramento, Davis, Woodland and Elk Grove.

In addition to his work for Kondos, Mr. Sparks designed homes for Dr. Franklin and Sandra Yee, Dr. Israel and Joan Ore, Jim and Sharon McCuen and Dr. Thomas and Virginia Marshall.

A native of Ogden, Utah, he was the only child of Faye Carter Sparks and Cecil L. Sparks. His father was a master mechanic for Southern Pacific railroad and the family eventually ended up in southern Oregon.

Mr. Sparks studied engineering at Oregon State University before enlisting in the Navy as an aviation cadet in 1944. Dropping out of flight school, he was trained instead as a navigator, and commissioned as an ensign just as World War II drew to a close. Immediately after the war, he was transferred to Washington, D.C., and assigned to the Bureau of Naval Personnel, where he met his first wife, the former Billie Dare, an enlisted person assigned to an office job there.

They began dating and married a few months later. Leaving Washington in 1946, the two Navy veterans moved to Berkeley, where they both enrolled at the University of California under the GI Bill. She studied liberal arts, while he signed up for classes at the School of Architecture.

He graduated in 1950 and worked for two architectural firms in the Bay Area before moving in 1955 to Sacramento, where he went into partnership with another architect, Don Thaden. In addition to homes, they also designed schools.

After he and his first wife divorced in the late 1970s, Mr. Sparks married the former Dolores "Dodi" Hernandez, who survives him. Other survivors include his daughter, Jennifer Sparks-Bellarbi of Sacramento; stepchildren Dennison Sheya of Phoenix, Charles Sheya of Lake Tahoe and Edward Sheya of Folsom; and six grandchildren."

Sparks' approach towards design, in his own words, were captured in another Sacramento Bee article by Patricia B. Smith dated January 24, 1988:

"The more idiosyncratic the client, the more interesting the house will be,'' says Sparks. "The same thing goes for the site. If it's interesting, it's easier to build an interesting house on it. One of my clients decided to build into a hill and that made for an interesting floor plan. Another couple, who were teachers, wanted a house that would be very flexible so they could teach at home after they eventually retired. So all the walls are storage units on wheels so they can be moved to change the number and the configuration of the rooms.

"At the moment, I am working on designs for inexpensive factory-built houses that young couples can afford. They average about 1,400 square feet and, including the lot, should cost about $75,000 in this area. My factory house designs are contemporary and can be put together in 'h,' 'l' and 't' shapes to make them more interesting.''

Carter Sparks says really listening to his clients is one of the ways he gets to know them. "I also like to look in their closets to see if I can find a favorite color and style of clothes they like.'' Though he says of the last group of volume house designs he did to fit a "general attitude,'' 35 of them sold to young architects. "I guess that says something about architects thinking alike,'' he said.

While it is well-known that Sparks designed custom homes, commercial buildings, schools, and models for Streng Bros. Homes, many are unaware that he also designed homes specifically for Blomberg (of Blomberg Windows) that were built here in town. I'll have more details regarding this in a later post.

My inner librarian wishes to share this Foster City Eichler Homes brochure with you

Plan FC-13 by Claude Oakland

From my library to your eyeballs -- the brochure for Eichler Homes of Foster City. This stuff is too good to hoard for myself.

The brochure can be seen in its entirety here on my Flickr photostream. It has some cool pix; for example:

Exterior to interior view

Interior to atrium view

Raise your hand if you have heard of Claude Oakland. OK; now:

Plan FB-4 by John Brooks Boyd

How many of you have heard of John Brooks Boyd? If you haven't, let me introduce you.

Per the Spring 2004 Eichler Network Newsletter:

".... For many years, Boyd was Eichler's architect on the spot, customizing designs by Jones & Emmons, Anshen+Allen, and Claude Oakland to meet the demands of the clients and the site.

The Eichler custom homes were based either on standard Eichler tract designs or on homes specially designed by Eichler's architects for individual clients. While Boyd was rarely involved in designing the basic homes himself, at least two of his own Eichler designs were built: one in Foster City; and another in Mill Valley, near Eichler's Harbor Point development....

Born in Reno in 1931, Boyd served with the U.S. Navy's Sea Bees in the early 1950s, studied architecture at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and then worked for Jones & Emmons before joining Eichler...."

More on John Brooks Boyd, including pictures can be found in the newsletter, available directly from the Eichler Network.

If anyone has any Eichler Homes (or related) ephemera they'd like to share that hasn't been posted online, feel free to drop me a note and I'd be happy to post here!

Ailing Eames or sorry Saarinen?

Looking for someone locally who can repair your Mid-Century (or other era) furniture? I have two suggestions for you -- folks with whom I have worked directly in the past and can heartily recommend.

The patient: our silly Jetsons boomerang couch

Good with wood:

South Land Park Terrace neighbor David Sundquist aka Furniture Man works primarily with wood and mostly on-site. He repaired our sagging boomerang couch that had structural framework problems after being moved several times (pictured above). South Land Park neighbors will be pleased to hear David is familiar with modern furniture (has worked on Eames chairs) and specializes in precision repairs (for surface damage such as scratches/gouges). David can also do small upholstery and leather repairs. Cabinets, built-ins and millwork are other specialties, as well as antique restoration. You may reach David via his cell phone: 916.715.5216

Upholstery specialists:

Bill and Terri of B & T Upholstery and Repair have reupholstered several pieces in our house over the last 15 years. Including the giant purple biomorphic couch pictured above. The couch was quite a sight transported on its side in the back of their El Camino -- it looked like a purple Weinermobile! Be sure to visit their gallery of "before" and "after" pictures.

Blast from the past -- 1955 Arcadia Sliding Glass Doors/Eichler Homes Ad

House + Home, April 1955, Page 258.

"Joseph L. Eichler and his prize-winning architects, Jones and Emmons, A.I.A., know the important points of difference between Arcadia and other sliding glass doors.

That's why they specify Arcadia exclusively for Eichler Homes. For even a single point of difference may pay off with added profits on your present project. Spend five minutes with Arcadia's 1955 catalog -- and see!

There's more to Arcadia sliding glass doors than meets the eye!"

I can attest our original Arcadia doors are still operating beautifully in our 1955 Eichler Home here in Sacramento!

Another Custom Carter Sparks: Open house 11.15.09 2-4pm

Update: Fantastic pictures available regarding this home have been kindly posted by J of Modern Valley on his Flickr photostream. Don't miss them! They add incredible dimension and depth, as well as a detailed account of Mr. Sparks' incredible work!


Occasionally I find out about mid-century modern homes in the Sacramento region that are either for rent or for sale. I am not an agent nor am I affiliated with one. I am passing this information along as a public service to those who are interested and love MCM design and architecture as much as I do.

Today's fresh catch: Another gorgeous Carter Sparks custom home in Sacramento's Wilhaggin area near Fair Oaks Boulevard. This home was previously featured in a June 2005 "Inside Arden" article (via The Beam Guy).

Built in 1961; Three bedrooms and three baths; 3,143 square feet. See my previous post for a brief background on architect Carter Sparks.

Description:

"Carter Sparks designed with soaring main gallery that captivates breathtaking views of pool and garden. Sophisticated living space wrapped in massive brick & wood infrastructure crisply defined by sheer walls of butted glass. Dramatic Mid-Century Classic with Honduras mahogany paneling & bleach birch floors."

More directly from realtor.

December 10th Meeting Regarding Neighborhood Safety/Watch

The South Land Park Neighborhood Association announced on their Facebook page that there will be an area wide safety meeting on December 10, 2009 from 6:30 - 7:30PM at Belle Cooledge Library.

"Neighbors, the South Land Park Neighborhood Association, together with City Council Member Rob Fong, are hosting a Crime Meeting to discuss recent crimes, Neighborhood Watch activity and organization, and how we can all contribute to keeping our neighborhood safe.

The meeting will also be attended by Sacramento Police Department and Sacramento Neighborhood Services. We encourage all residents who are concerned about safety to attend, and we especially encourage those interested in coordinating a Neighborhood Watch to attend, as you will be provided with all the necessary tools and resources. The meeting will be from 6:30-7:30PM and will be at the Belle Cooledge Library. Save the date!"

I've mentioned the SPLNA before in a previous post and recommend joining and getting involved if you haven't done so already.

You look radiant!

Here in Sacramento, it is my understanding that most -- if not all -- of the original radiant heating systems with galvanized pipes are no longer operable. If you are one of the lucky neighbors that has a system that still works, I'd love to hear from you in the comments section below this post!

I ran across some information today via Ideal Bite (a blog devoted to "green living") that struck me as worth sharing here. Per Ideal Bite:

* ... Depending on the size of your house and how high your ceilings are, radiant heating can save 30% on your heating bills (and might help you snag a tax rebate).
* Since it doesn't involve vents, forced air, or ducts, radiant floor heating can reduce dust mites by 80% - good news if you or your fam have bad allergies.
* You'll get more-even heat distribution throughout rooms - so you won't have to hang out near vents to feel warm.

Go to Ideal Bite's post directly for further information and links.

If you are interested in exploring "green" options for replacing your original radiant heating system in your Eichler Home, I recommend consulting with Matthew Piner of Piner Works Architecture and Building Group here in town, located within the Green Living Center. Per my conversation with Mr. Piner, there are a number of viable solutions for Eichler Home owners. Mr. Piner would assess your particular needs and situation and route you to the very best solution and an installer. Per a recent Sacramento Press article, "radiant systems offered by the Green Living Center ... employ sunlight and other natural environmental features to provide comfortable home temperatures."

Joe Eichler: The builder's builder

In July 1955, an Eichler Home -- similar (if not identical) in style to some of those built here in Sacramento -- graced the cover of House + Home magazine. Inside the magazine was an effusive article regarding the evolution of Eichler Homes over the last (then) eight years plus marketing strategies ("built-in merchandising") used by Eichler to sell them. Full scans of the article in its entirety are posted here on Flickr.


A floor plan identical to that of JE-85 (one of the Sacramento models -- see here for a brochure with more plans) by Jones and Emmons is featured in the article, as well as photos of other new design characteristics featured in our neighborhood. The article was written right after the Grand Opening of Eichler Homes here in South Land Park Hills and even mentions the practice of using the garage of the model as a showroom.

Special mention/credit: Associate Emiel Becsky worked with Jones and Emmons on their designs.

Also of interest is the number of homes originally planned for our subdivision: 142! As those of you who live here know, not all 142 were built. The reasons for this are likely a combination of economics as well as demand. At any rate, check out the whole article. You will undoubtedly see many familiar sights!


For a further look at Eichler Homes that preceded those in our neighborhood, see also an older article from American Builder, August 1952 scanned by SLP Hills neighbor Dane Henas.

Happy Halloween!

My mom, October 1950

Wishing everyone a very safe and happy Halloween!

And for those of you in an Eichler home here in town, hope the ghosts and goblins are able to find your front door :)

Anniversaries

My grandparents, 1951

This week marks the one-year anniversary of our falling in love with our Eichler Home. I still remember the first time I walked into the middle of the estate sale and being overwhelmed with how wonderful it was. I only bought a $2 vase that day but the house haunted me and we made an offer on it a couple of days later.

This week also marks a sadder anniversary -- two years since my sweet grandmother passed away on November 1st. Halloween has always been my favorite holiday (one of my grandmother's favorites too) but when I light the pumpkin candles I now also light at yahrzeit candle in her memory.

My grandmother and me, 1965

My grandmother primarily raised me and made my childhood happier; we were very close. She and I shared many Halloweens together. She always made it a point to put together a special treat for the neighborhood children. This tradition continues at our house.

Hope all of you have a very happy Halloween!