How I Got the Idea, Part 2

The next day, I was in front of the search screen for the historical Washington Post, with no idea what to look for.

At one time I'd seen an article entitled "Homes of '55," so I decided to start there.

The search yielded 2813 hits. Yikes! When in doubt, start with the first page. I clicked on "Display Ad #96," dated January 2, 1955.

On the left side of the page were three pictures of neat but modest dwellings. The heading announced "No Matter What Your Income ... There's A National Home for You!" The pictured homes represented three models built by National Homes of Lafayette, Indiana. The Delta, Cabot, and Avalon models were all available for less than $10,000, including the cost of the lot.

What more could I learn about National Homes, which boasted production of "one out of every 48 homes being built in America"? I did a search on "National Homes."

This time, I learned that "a 60-foot Custom Line National Home" was to be built inside the D.C. Armory as part of the 1955 Home Show.

According to the article, the model, to be known as "A Home for the 20th Century," would have three bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths, carport, "gas air conditioning and kitchen equipment," and would be "furnished in contemporary style by the Hecht Company." Dimensions: 45 feet long by 25 feet deep.

When the home show closed on February 27, the house was to be moved to Herndon, Virginia.

Did the Home for the 20th Century make it into the 21st Century? I was resolved to find out!

Sources:
Display Ad 96 -- No Title
The Washington Post and Times Herald (1954-1959); Jan 2, 1955; ProQuest Historical Newspapers The Washington Post (1877 - 1991) pg. AW6

Model Home To Be Built in 3 Days
The Washington Post and Times Herald (1954-1959); Feb 6, 1955; ProQuest Historical Newspapers The Washington Post (1877 - 1991)
pg. G4