Wrap-Up, Part 2: Herndon Woods

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.