Our home was built in 1938 in Cincinnati, Ohio by Turck Building Company. I've tried all manner of internet research -- and contacted the local historical society and search city records -- but can't come up with much. My best source of information is my next door neighbor, who's been here since 1958!

3 (large) bedrooms, 1.5 baths, full basement, Rookwood (supposedly) fireplace, random-width, red oak floors, clay tile roof. Great house, just trying to find out more information on it.

One interesting note: when we moved in 6 months ago, I cleaned out the ash pit via the cast iron door in the garage. It had never been cleaned out since the home was built -- 69 years ago! I found lots of scrap lumber, some broken porcelain fixtures, a tin can, what looked like a steak bone (lunch?), and a newspaper dated Thursday, August 11, 1938!

The builder (Turck Building Company) signed the underneath of a riser leading up from the basement to the 1st floor.

I've attached a photo -- can anyone provide more information? I've searched the various kit catalogs, but to no avail (so far)...

Thanks!

Yes, you are right. Tudor homes were built long after A & c Bungalows went out of fashion. They were built through the 30's which includes your home.

What is the interior like? Do you have any pictures of the fireplace, or built-ins? Information like that can help confirm the date of the house. Do you have any original light fixtures?

Bev.

Wow, what a house. You are so lucky. Thanks for sharing.

The diamond patterned leaded glass window with the Heraldic style shield is 100% Tudor. The graceful arches just add to the Tudor feel. Is there more stained glass in the house? I bet that the roof is slate.

The stone like design of the fireplace recalls the feel of the castle fireplaces that were added to the bedrooms to keep sleepers warm. You say that the fireplace is Roodwood tile. It looks so much like stone that if you hadn't said it was tile--I would have assumed that it was hand cut limestone.

There are some really nice American architecture books out there that discuss styles from early colonial to post-modern. When I get back from vacation, I will find you the title of the book I am thinking of. It has a pale yellow cover and divides each style by roof type, mullion design (window dividers), porches, floor plans, etc. It is wonderful reference boos for figuring out any American house.

We leave tomorrow and I have a tire going flat that must be taken care of today. So, I will reply in about two weeks. There are plenty of people on the forum that are experts in kit houses and they may be able to shed some light on your new home.

Bev.

Unfortunately, I don't think your house is a Sears. (and I was REALLY keeping my fingers crossed on this one)

If it was a customized house it might be a Sears, but its not one of the standard ones.

Somewhere in Cincinnati there was a builder who built 40 sears homes in 1938 - 1940 - I have no more info than that - and I was hoping yours was one of them!!

I live over in Camp Washington - what neighborhood is your house in. And I must say, that is one HECK of a house!

Donna

BEAUTIFUL house, but I do not recognize it as a Sears House - it's *way* too nice! Seriously, it looks more like a custom-built home than a kit home.

Sorry I couldn't be the bearer of better news.

Rose

Do you mind saying the name of the street?
I'm just down the hill from you and I'm in Westwood all the time. I do programs at Gamble school and have a friend who works at Westwood Town Hall. Anther friend is looking to buy a house in the Westwood/ Cheviot area and so I've been looking at houses with her lately.

There are some Sears houses in Westwood. There's a Vallonia really close to Ryan Pool. There's an Alhambra on Werk near Harrison - about the third house down - it's white and blue/grey. I'll give you some street names when I have my book of listings with me!

Donna

If you found sheet plaster with the name "Goodwall" imprinted on its back, that's pretty significant, as Goodwall Sheet Plaster was offered exclusively by Sears. However, if it's just sheetplaster (nameless), that's not a big deal.

And thanks for the compliments on my book.

Rose

Finding out that the tiles are Batchelder is really exciting news. Congratulations and thanks for the update!

Rikki