At the turn of the century, bungalows, equipped with the latest conveniences, helped fulfill Americans’ wishes for their own home. The bungalow’s popularity was the idea that simplicity and artistry could be combined in one affordable house. The appreciation for bungalows include the fact that serious architecture was found outside the realm of the rich. Bungalows allowed people of modest means to achieve something they had long sought: respectability. With its special features – style, convenience, simplicity, sound construction, the bungalow provided fulfillment of the American dream. The bungalow was practical, and it symbolized for many the best of the good life.
Most bungalows were constructed between 1880 to 1930 in the United States. A bungalow’s distinction is its low profile and most of the living space on one floor. Before World War I, a small bungalow could be built for $900. The bungalow became the architecture of the city and its suburbs.
I could have exchanged these photographs for boarded up, neglected, detierorating bungalows in Wards 1-4. I have these photos. But, I think of it this way…..When praying for people who are ill, I never picture them sick and captured by illness. If they love to walk, I see them vigorously walking. Perhaps on the tennis court, digging in their gardens. I’m confident that our bodies want to be well. I pray for open hands to receive healing. I look at the boarded housing through the lens of a beautiful restored home. I remember the safe neighborhood I grew up in, the smell of cut grass, the beautiful architecture of my home.
Join me in imploring the leadership that will be handling the HUD GRANT to set aside, “What is in this for me?” Beyond saving our bungalows and shotgun housing, remember this!
“Rehabilitating historic properties conserves taxpayers’ dollars, conserves our local heritage, and conserves the natural environment. Rehabilitating historic buildings and using the infrastructure that is already in place to serve them is the height of fiscal and environmental responsibility.” – Donovan Rypkema , Place Economics
PS: An invitation from Stepheny – Did you know you can listen to the 5 minute podcast, Talking Main Street With Stepheny at any time you please. The latest episode, after watching hours of the Afghanistan news coverage, gave me further insight into our leadership on the Council. Click on the link below and catch up with the episodes on your time. I hope you enjoy this platform where I can talk Main Street Thanks.
http://anchor.fm/stepheny-houghtlin
Main Street Rocky Mount 