# Old Houses & History Magazine - Link: https://www.oldhouseguy.com/history-magazine/ - Published: 2024-01-30T18:26:29-05:00 - Author: Ken Roginski **Welcome to the Old House Guy – Old House & History Magazine.** Here are random articles and photos in no special order that I feel are, or possibly should be, of interest to owners and fans of old buildings and history. As I find new articles they will be added to the bottom.   Explore a captivating world of old buildings and history through an enchanting collection of random articles and mesmerizing photos! Delve into the intriguing stories and captivating visuals that will surely pique the interest of owners and fans of historical architecture. With new articles continually being added to the top, there’s always something fresh to discover. Embark on a journey of fascination and indulge your curiosity in the rich tapestry of our past. Start reading now and unlock a treasure trove of wonders! ## Wonderful Homeowners Restored this 1897 Victorian. [⌊Victorian restoration⌉⌊Victorian restoration⌉[ 1897 Alexander Black house rescued and restored. From bad to good. See more photos and read about the [restoration of this beautiful Victorian ](https://www.priceypads.com/1897-alexander-black-house-restored-by-glave-holmes-architecture/?). ================================================================================ ======= ## A Mural was Painted on This Building. [ [⌊MURAL on building⌉](https://www.oldhouseguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/352683093_10223396881451288_5715502470067600140_n.jpg) Check out this site Architecture Shaming where you will see [some crazy architecture. ](https://www.facebook.com/groups/architectureshaming/) ================================================================================ ======= ## Keeping Cool During the Hot Weather in the Early Days. [⌊historic farmhouse⌉⌊historic farmhouse⌉[ Houses were designed to keep cool during the hot weather. [Read about this here. ](https://www.facebook.com/groups/AppalachianAmericans/posts/10161128395503648) ================================================================================ ======= ## First Black Man Ever to Vote Lived Here. Kushner’s don’t like it. [⌊Kushner property⌉⌊Kushner property⌉[ Historic site unused. Kushner family owns Property where [First Black Man to Vote in USA lived. ](https://www.oldhouseguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/kushner.pdf) Will not allow archaeology before construction. ================================================================================ ======= ## The Forgotten Power of the Parlor Palm. [⌊victorian parlor plants⌉⌊victorian parlor plants⌉[ Victorian parlor plants. [[ I just had to colorize this picture. Read about the importance of [decorating with plants and showing status. ](https://www.messynessychic.com/2023/03/17/the-forgotten-power-of-the-parlour-palm/?)   ================================================================================ ======= ## The Oldest House in France. [⌊oldest house in France⌉⌊oldest house in France⌉[ The oldest house in France. The oldest house in France is located in the village of Saint-Cirq Lapopie in the Aveyron region of France. The house is known as “Maison de la Vieille,” which means“ House of the Old Woman” in French. It is believed to have been built in the 13th century, making it over 800 years old. The ground floor is a little smaller than the upstairs because in those times you only paid taxes on occupied land, so everyone built like this, ′′ cheating “! The house is a small, stone building that has been preserved over the centuries. It has a thatched roof and is built into the side of a hill, with its back wall actually forming part of the hillside. The house has two levels, with the upper level accessed by an exterior stone staircase. The interior of the house has been restored and is open to the public as a museum. Visitors can see how people lived in the Middle Ages, with displays of furniture, tools, and household items from the period. The museum also has exhibits on the history of Saint-Cirq Lapopie and the Aveyron region. The house is a popular tourist attraction and has been featured in many travel guides and magazines. It is a fascinating example of medieval architecture and provides a unique glimpse into the past. ================================================================================ ======= ## Another Evil Developer. [⌊Mission style house⌉⌊Mission style house⌉[ 1920’s Mission style. Circa 1920 Mission Style home gets a makeover by owner-developer whose parents failed in teaching them taste. ================================================================================ ======= ## Ghost Town For Sale [⌊ghost town⌉⌊ghost town⌉[ Check out the [ghost town listing. ](https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/24025-Cumberland-Gap-Ave_Warsaw_MO_65355_M77351-27948?) ================================================================================ ======= ## Marble House – Newport RI ## 󠀁[⌊marble house newport⌉⌊marble house newport⌉󠀁[ Did you ever wonder what the third floor looked like on a house like this? Yes it was a grand mansion but the design was not to appear so tall. You can see the 3rd floor servants quarters only from above. ================================================================================ ======= [⌊history of architecture⌉⌊history of architecture⌉[ You can [buy this on Amazon. ](https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Chart-Architecture-Including-Midcentury/dp/B0B3SFT4X9//kenroginskihisto?) ================================================================================ ======= ## Expensive Mansions Owned by the Rich & Famous that are Nearly Worthless Today [ [⌊expensive mansions⌉](https://www.oldhouseguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/13055604720395087323.jpg) There is a lot to look at here – addictive and interesting.[ Check out these mansions here. ](https://web.archive.org/web/20230308225442/https://za.investing.com/magazine/expensive-mega-mansions-that-are-nearly-worthless-today/) ================================================================================ ======= ## Historic Home Insurance? [⌊historic home insurance⌉⌊historic home insurance⌉[ From the National Trust for Historic Preservation – [7 Insurance Tips for Historic Homeowners. ](https://savingplaces.org/stories/7-insurance-tips-for-historic-home-owners?) ================================================================================ ======= ## Zillow Gone Wild – Crazy Listings On the Market [⌊crazy round house⌉⌊crazy round house⌉[ Crazy yet some very [cool houses for sale. ](https://www.messynessychic.com/2022/10/25/zillow-gone-wild-the-craziest-listings-on-the-market-right-now/?) ================================================================================ ======= [⌊linoleum over wood floors⌉⌊linoleum over wood floors⌉[ Never do this! ================================================================================ ======= ## Searching for Miss Peregrine – Video   The Abandoned Belgian Mansion that inspired Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. ================================================================================ ======= ## Slip Covers [⌊slip covers on a historic building⌉⌊slip covers on a historic building⌉[ What great terracotta. This beautiful department store was covered up. Thankfully all the details remain. The original windows will need to be duplicated. I don’t know if this is the first step in demolition or a restoration. ================================================================================ ======= ## Choosing Colors is NOT and Easy Task ================================================================================ ======= [⌊white house construction⌉⌊white house construction⌉[ 1950 Renovation. While one may think the White House is authentic, a lot has happened. [Check out this info ](https://www.messynessychic.com/2022/06/09/that-time-they-stripped-the-white-house-down-to-its-bones/?). ================================================================================ ======= ## Why Victorian Houses Look Like They Do – Video by Brent Hull ================================================================================ ======= ## Old Wood versus New Wood – Understand the difference and why this is important. ================================================================================ ======= ## The End of Communal Beds. [⌊communal beds⌉⌊communal beds⌉[ Read about the once common [practice of communal sleeping. ](https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/communal-sleeping-history-sharing-bed?) ================================================================================ ======= ## Pediments – the right way.   ================================================================================ ======= ## QUIZ – How Well do You Know Architecture [⌊national trust for historic preservation architecture quiz⌉⌊national trust for historic preservation architecture quiz⌉[ Take the [architecture quiz here. ](https://savingplaces.org/stories/quiz-how-well-do-you-know-architecture#.YHCdBBNKi3I?) ================================================================================ ======= ## Confused about Arts & Crafts versus Bungalow etc? [⌊arts and crafts style⌉⌊arts and crafts style⌉[ Arts & Crafts Homes is a free publication by Old House Journal. The [Arts & Crafts architecture styles are explained here. ](https://artsandcraftshomes.com/house-styles/arts-crafts-architecture) ================================================================================ ======= ## Understand Arts & Crafts Style Even Better with this Video by Brent Hull ================================================================================ ======= ## Thomas Edison’s Concrete Houses [⌊thomas edison concrete houses⌉⌊thomas edison concrete houses⌉[ Tom Edison and his concrete house model. Read about these[ Concrete Houses. ](https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/thomas-edisons-concrete-houses?) ================================================================================ ======= ## McMansion Hell [⌊mcmansion hell bad architects⌉⌊mcmansion hell bad architects⌉[ Architecture students are not required to take the necessary coursework as they once were. They now lack the knowledge needed. [McMansion Hell is a great website ](https://mcmansionhell.com/) that picks apart badly designed interiors and exteriors. McMansion 101: [What Makes a McMansion Bad? ](https://mcmansionhell.com/post/148605513816/mcmansions-101-what-makes-a-mcmansion-bad) Here is one many of my [articles explaining bad design ](https://www.oldhouseguy.com/contemporary-victorian-design/). ================================================================================ ======= ## The Mansion in the Motion Picture – “Rebecca” [⌊the house from the movie Rebecca⌉⌊the house from the movie Rebecca⌉[ The house from the motion picture “Rebecca”.   This is a great website that shows [numerous photos from the movie ](https://hookedonhouses.net/2010/04/11/rebecca-going-back-to-manderley-again/) and in real life with explanations. Make sure you watch the movie after. ================================================================================ ======= ## Another Wonderful Movie and House. [[ Yours Mine & Ours movie house Check out the [movie house ](https://hookedonhouses.net/2012/12/03/yours-mine-ours-victorian-lucille-ball-henry-fonda/) here. ================================================================================ =======   ## How America Became Enamored with Octagon Houses. [⌊octagon houses⌉⌊octagon houses⌉[ This Octagon house would make a nice doll house but I would do the shutters a darker color like the sash so they stand out. See some great [historic Octagon houses. ](https://www.messynessychic.com/2022/04/12/how-america-became-enamoured-with-octagon-houses/) ================================================================================ ======= ## Some Really Great Historic Homes. [⌊victorain homes⌉⌊victorain homes⌉[ 1885 Victorian For Sale These are [only viewable on Facebook. ](https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=623619246451465&set=a.472890321524359) ================================================================================ ======= ## Another Ghost Town. [⌊ghost town⌉⌊ghost town⌉[ Ghost town Read about this [ghost town. ](https://www.messynessychic.com/2018/06/12/play-the-new-sheriff-of-this-entire-ghost-town-for-sale/#google_vignette) ================================================================================ ======= ## Oldest Houses in the US that are Still Standing. [⌊oldest houses⌉⌊oldest houses⌉[ 1640-1650 Drexil Hill, PA See the [oldest houses still standing in the US. ](https://www.ranker.com/list/oldest-houses-in-us-still-standing/pierce-nahigyan?) ================================================================================ ======= ## How Fast Could You Travel Across the UA in the 1800’s? [⌊traveling across the us in the 1800's⌉⌊traveling across the us in the 1800's⌉[ This map is from 1800. See[ travel maps like this for other years. ](https://www.inverse.com/science/27562-us-maps-show-how-long-transport-took-1800) ================================================================================ ======= ## Dublin – Modest Victorian Home Design   [⌊Dublin Ireland Victorian⌉⌊Dublin Ireland Victorian⌉[ Late 19th century Dublin homes. [Modest Victorian Dublin Ireland homes. ](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2022-05-31/the-design-history-of-dublin-over-basement-row-houses) ================================================================================ ======= ## Houses Reclaimed by Nature [⌊nature houses⌉⌊nature houses⌉[ Read about and see more[ photos of houses and nature. ](https://www.treehugger.com/dreamlike-abandoned-settings-reclaimed-nature-4859183) ================================================================================ ======= ## Why Most Ancient Buildings are Fake Check out this video. ================================================================================ ======= ## The Most Unbelievably Excessive Homes in US History [⌊historic mansion⌉⌊historic mansion⌉[ [See some of these mansions here.  ](https://www.ranker.com/list/over-the-top-homes/erin-cody) ================================================================================ ======= ## The Man Who Demolished Manhattan’s Millionaires’ Row ================================================================================ ======= ## Skull Found In Garden in YOUR Backyard. [⌊skull found in garden⌉⌊skull found in garden⌉[ DIY Garden Skull **Instructions:** **Step 1:** purchase a few skulls from Home Depot Halloween decorations – they look pretty real. **Step 2:** Dig a hold about 10″ deep in your garden or where you think new homeowners will dig to plant. **Step 3:** Place skull in holes(s), cover and plant flowers or just put mulch. **Step 4:** Years later, you die or move and the new homeowner digs a hole and finds this skull. They call the police who after some time discover the skull is plastic. Sounds like fun? I buried 3 a few years ago. ================================================================================ ======= ## An Exact Replica of Salem Witch House. [⌊salem witch house⌉⌊salem witch house⌉[ [Read about it here. ](https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/a24482749/salem-witch-house-replica/) ================================================================================ ======= ## A Garden Wall Can Greatly Improve a Lawn [⌊Garden walls⌉⌊Garden walls⌉[ Use this to stimulate some ideas: Build a concrete wall in your backyard. Paint the concrete with a landscape and include perspective in your design to make your view beautiful and your property appear much larger. Who to hire? How about calling the art department at your local high school. ================================================================================ ======= ## The Hidden Truth About Home Depot. [[   [Read about how Home Depot Works here ](https://doityourselves.com/the-hidden-truth-about-home-depot/). Not a good company – go to Lowe’s instead. ================================================================================ ======= ## Drip Grooves Protect Your House From Rot. [⌊drip edge⌉⌊drip edge⌉[ ================================================================================ ======= ## 1871 Italianate Mansion Destroyed by Greedy- Bossy Wife. [⌊Holmes-Tallman House, Monroe NJ. Gwen Baker⌉⌊Holmes-Tallman House, Monroe NJ. Gwen Baker⌉[ The 1871 house, once in great condition, remained in the same family until a current** spineless descendant married a bossy woman** who saw dollar signs. There were offers from the county to purchase the home for the current market value, but the wife wanted more money than it was worth, and instead sold to developers to demolish the Historic Register-listed mansion. Contrary to what most people think, just because a building is on the Historic Register does NOT mean it is protected from demolition. A building on the Historic Register is ONLY protected when a government entity owns it. Bad karma to these terrible people. Read about it here..[ Read about it and see more photos here. ](https://centuryhomesamerica.com/monroe-bids-farewell-to-the-iconic-holmes-tallman-house/) ================================================================================ ======= ## Virtual Tour – View this Mansion as if Your Were There in Person. [⌊detriot mansion⌉⌊detriot mansion⌉[ Not only is this house amazing but the technology to view every room as if you were there in person. [Click here. ](https://mpembed.com/show/?m=WGH5vdGxDv2&mpu=251&fbclid=IwY2xjawKdqhZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFIanlhMHJ4aXZrdmZzZjV3AR7hP7dx6GWzwqjdJM4bxdEEl5ul2C-FL5nLHa4V2ZGxxtvnadypRPGDQSFtNw_aem_494Stxct-NA3TXxex-bc3A) ================================================================================ ======= ## What Bad Homeowners Can Do When There are No Historic Guidelines or Regulations. [⌊buffalo NY⌉⌊buffalo NY⌉[ Here are some once beautiful homes that were destroyed by awful homeowners. Why would anyone want to be friends with these people or live in a neighborhood that does not have the protection of a historic district? While these ugly houses are located in Buffalo NY, there are a lot of restored historic houses and a community who cares about their historic architecture. I have had quite a few clients from Buffalo. [See what bad homeowners can do when there is no protection with a Historic District. ](https://www.buffalorising.com/2025/05/how-to-take-a-walk-in-buffalo-and-beyond-bad-remodeling/) ================================================================================ ======= ## Art Deco Returns Good info on Art Deco style that may surprise you. ================================================================================ ======= ## Where is This Fairy Tale Ghost Town? [⌊ghost town⌉⌊ghost town⌉[ Check out this [Ghost Town in Turkey. ](https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/turkey-castle-ghost-town) Then [check out Google Maps here ](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Burj+Al+Babas/@40.4457216,31.1980003,2738m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x14cd36ee7b9820ab:0x33aaad8a5d159abf!8m2!3d40.4444011!4d31.2029726!16s%2Fg%2F1yfj43hpk?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDcyMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) so you can zoom in as if you were there now. ================================================================================ ======= ## Old House Details That Time Forgot Video. This video has 25 features no longer seen. Here is a shorter video with [30 features no longer seen in homes today ](https://youtu.be/Ur9IFK3ehz0?si=7DQjNaaq8o7y8aBq) They both are good but the longer one has more pictures. ================================================================================ ======= ## Tour Interiors of TV & Movie Houses. [⌊its a wonderful life interior⌉⌊its a wonderful life interior⌉[ See and hear a detailed explanation of the [interior of the homes you loved on TV & Movie ](https://www.mockingbirdlane.design/) s. ================================================================================ ======= ## Historic Paint Colors? [⌊Approved Historic Paint Colors⌉⌊Approved Historic Paint Colors⌉[ Homeowners of this historic house in Charleston SC, painted their house in historic colors approved by the city’s Board of Architectural Review. These colors however, were painted in a camouflage pattern – not what preservationists had in mind. They also stenciled the name of each color on the house. I have since learned that this was an art installation and was soon repainted afterwards. ================================================================================ ======= ## Ghost Town in India. [⌊India,s Ghost Town⌉⌊India,s Ghost Town⌉[ [Check it out here. ](https://www.messynessychic.com/2024/03/26/not-old-world-europe-this-is-indias-ghostly-town-of-sidhpur/) ================================================================================ ======= ## The History of the Cape Cod House. [⌊cape cod house history⌉⌊cape cod house history⌉[ [Read about it here. ](https://newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/the-history-of-the-cape-cod-house-americas-favorite-dwelling/) ================================================================================ ======= ## Old Photos Then & Now [⌊old photos⌉⌊old photos⌉[ OldHouseGuy.com [Check out these photos. ](https://themindcircle.com/old-photos-in-real-life/) ================================================================================ ======= ## The Victorians of George F Barber. ================================================================================ ======= ## Mail Order Houses That Changed America. ================================================================================ ======= ## Biggest Changes to the White House, Ranked by how Necessary They Were. [⌊white house⌉⌊white house⌉[ [Read here. ](https://www.ranker.com/list/white-house-history-changes/melissa-sartore?)