The Herndon Woods subdivision makes its first appearance in the Washington Post and Times Herald on September 5, 1954. On that day, the paper announced that National Homes' "Ranger" model, located in Herndon Woods, would be featured in its "Homes of '54" exhibition.
The "Ranger" was well received by the house-hunting public. The Post reported that the Herndon population was "temporarily doubled when 2000 visitors came to town" to see the model.
In 1954, Herndon Woods won the Merit Award in the National Homes competition for outstanding community planning. The community was recognized for preserving its "natural wooded setting." In 1955, Herndon Woods won the Special Merit Award from Parents Magazine for the best planned home project for families with children.
Herndon Woods still exists today. Overseen by the Herndon Woods Homeowners Association, it includes many of the Customliner's original brethren as well as 33 townhomes. The wooded landscape survives, although some residents have faced termite problems as a result. It's still possible to get the feeling of peaceful, country living, even though 21st century office buildings loom at the other end of the main thoroughfare.
Sources:
Final Entries Announced in the Homes of '54 Exhibit
The Washington Post and Times Herald (1954-1959); Sep 5, 1954; ProQuest Historical Newspapers The Washington Post (1877 - 1992)
p. R1
'Homes of' 54 Doubles Size Of Va. Town
The Washington Post and Times Herald (1954-1959); Sep 19, 1954; ProQuest Historical Newspapers The Washington
p. R2
Display Ad 89 -- No Title
The Washington Post and Times Herald (1954-1959); Apr 24, 1955; ProQuest Historical Newspapers The Washington Post (1877 - 1992)
p. K-11
Local Project Honored for Site Planning
The Washington Post and Times Herald (1954-1959); Sep 18, 1955; ProQuest Historical Newspapers The Washington Post (1877 - 1991) p. G15
Herndon Woods Gets Merit Award For "Family Living"
The Washington Post and Times Herald (1954-1959); Oct 31, 1954; ProQuest Historical Newspapers The Washington Post (1877 - 1991) p. R10
Final Entries Announced in the Homes of '54 Exhibit
The Washington Post and Times Herald (1954-1959); Sep 5, 1954; ProQuest Historical Newspapers The Washington Post (1877 - 1992) pg R1
Herndon Woods Homeowners Association Website.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Wrap-Up: The Fate of the Major Players in the Customliner Saga
The National Homes Customliner was built inside the D.C. Armory as part of the 1955 Washington Home Show. Designated a featured attraction, it was viewed by more than 50,000 people.
At the end of the Home Show, the Customliner was moved to the Herndon Woods subdivision in Herndon, Virginia. A picture of the Customliner appeared in the Washington Post and Times Herald on March 27, 1955.
The Customliner remained in Herndon Woods until 2002. A demolition permit for the property was issued by the Town of Herndon on May 15 of that year. Although the actual date of demolition is not known, the first inspection of the home that now occupies the site took place on July 11, 2002.
The annual Washington Home Show continued at the D.C. Armory through the remainder of the 1950s and into the 1960s. Attractions for 1956 included "'Back Yard Vacationland,' which included a home with 'three standing walls' and an entire back yard meant to show 'homemakers how to stretch the family living area into the back yard.'" In 1957, attendees viewed a "Teen-Age Haven" (masculine and feminine versions) and a "'Miracle Kitchen sponsored by RCA Whirlpool to demonstrate possible future mechanical kitchen innovations.'"
Following the 1961 event, the next Washington Home Show was canceled over a dispute between Home Show sponsors and the District Armory Board. At that time, the Board implemented a $1 parking fee as a way to help finance a new stadium. According to James Pearson, executive director of the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Washington, exhibitors balked at investing in displays when patrons might boycot the show over the new parking charge.
In 1963, the Home Show was replaced by a "Parade of Homes" which featured newly constructed homes on a street in northern Virginia.
Sources:
Home Show House Features Outdoor Living
The Washington Post and Times Herald (1954-1959); Feb 13, 1955; ProQuest Historical Newspapers The Washington Post (1877 - 1991)
pg. G4
Save on Short Lengths
The Washington Post and Times Herald (1954-1959); Mar 27, 1955; ProQuest Historical Newspapers The Washington Post (1877 - 1991)
pg. G10
Colleen McKnight, Special Collections Librarian
Historical Society of Washington, D.C.
Building Inspections
Town of Herndon, Virginia
At the end of the Home Show, the Customliner was moved to the Herndon Woods subdivision in Herndon, Virginia. A picture of the Customliner appeared in the Washington Post and Times Herald on March 27, 1955.
The Customliner remained in Herndon Woods until 2002. A demolition permit for the property was issued by the Town of Herndon on May 15 of that year. Although the actual date of demolition is not known, the first inspection of the home that now occupies the site took place on July 11, 2002.
The annual Washington Home Show continued at the D.C. Armory through the remainder of the 1950s and into the 1960s. Attractions for 1956 included "'Back Yard Vacationland,' which included a home with 'three standing walls' and an entire back yard meant to show 'homemakers how to stretch the family living area into the back yard.'" In 1957, attendees viewed a "Teen-Age Haven" (masculine and feminine versions) and a "'Miracle Kitchen sponsored by RCA Whirlpool to demonstrate possible future mechanical kitchen innovations.'"
Following the 1961 event, the next Washington Home Show was canceled over a dispute between Home Show sponsors and the District Armory Board. At that time, the Board implemented a $1 parking fee as a way to help finance a new stadium. According to James Pearson, executive director of the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Washington, exhibitors balked at investing in displays when patrons might boycot the show over the new parking charge.
In 1963, the Home Show was replaced by a "Parade of Homes" which featured newly constructed homes on a street in northern Virginia.
Sources:
Home Show House Features Outdoor Living
The Washington Post and Times Herald (1954-1959); Feb 13, 1955; ProQuest Historical Newspapers The Washington Post (1877 - 1991)
pg. G4
Save on Short Lengths
The Washington Post and Times Herald (1954-1959); Mar 27, 1955; ProQuest Historical Newspapers The Washington Post (1877 - 1991)
pg. G10
Colleen McKnight, Special Collections Librarian
Historical Society of Washington, D.C.
Building Inspections
Town of Herndon, Virginia
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