Now this is a Parade of Homes I would love to attend. I’m a big fan of Frank Lloyd Wright homes and would enjoy attending this tour some day. For now I will continue to enjoy the beauty of these homes through photo’s on websites. If anyone every gets a chance to see these homes in person dont’ miss the opportunity.

The Old House Journal is celebrating it’s 35th year and has compiled 35 Tips for Restoring Old Houses after drawing from their wealth of experience.

Here are the Woodworking tips by Robert Adam, Founder and Senior Advisor, Preservation Carpentry Department, North Bennet Street School

11. Use heartwood. Heartwood is always the most disease-resistant. Sapwood of most species should never be used.

12. Rift or quarter-grain cuts are best. These cuts are the most
stable. Flat grain often expands and contracts seasonally at twice the
rate of quartered stock.

13. Install plain sawn lumber with the heart side up. Flat lumber
will wear better with the heart facing up. If there’s cupping, the
edges will stay flat, and only the center will hump slightly.

14. Learn to use hand tools. Most historic woodwork was produced
by hand tools, and most machine-made millwork (late 19th century and
after) was installed with them. Historic woodwork finishes produced
with hand planes can’t be reproduced by modern machines like sanders.

15. Use traditional joinery. Component repairs should be made
using traditional joinery instead of non-historic methods like a
wholesale epoxy casting of a missing part.

This show house will be used to raise money for Holland Boys and Girls Club. The house at 191 W. 12th St. will be open to the public Nov. 30 through Dec. 16.

This pink house can be found on 12th street in Holland, MI. I read a newspaper story some time ago about how this house has been this color for several decades. The trim details around the windows and front door are really cool. Click

I really like this home. It is directly across the street from the Cappon house in Holland. I had the opportunity to tour this home and it is a great historical treasure. Click here for larger image.

CAPPON HOUSE

      228 West 9th Street

Dutch immigrant architect Jan R. Kleyn designed this Italianate style housefor Holland’s first mayor and tannery owner, Isaac Cappon, and his large family. Owned by theCappons from 1873 until 1980, the house’s stately interiors are furnished with one of the country’slargest collections of early Grand Rapids furniture in its original setting.  The house was comprehensively restored in 2000 – 2004 including the reproduction of original wallpapers, floor coverings and silkupholstery material.  A Visitor Center, in the Cappon barn is the starting point or touring both the Cappon and nearby Settlers houses. Click here for larger image.