Lakeside Cottage architecture, pt. 5

The Ross Hips, pt. 1

A hip roof, if the house were square, would look like this. A hip roof is practical and solid, ideal for stormy, windy, rainy areas and hurricane alleys. Also their overhangs can provide a lot of shade. Usually, the early 20th century hip roof, two story houses in Lakeside have a triangle shape to the street (the width), and a trapezoid shape for the length, the lots being much deeper than they were wide. On the east end of Lakeside which is some 30-40 years younger than the west end, there are 20 houses I'm calling them "Ross Hips" because W.D. Ross of Fremont, Ohio, built them beginning around 1907, maintaining them as rentals until his death in the 1940s. At that time they passed to his sons until sometime in the 1950s. One son, Harry Ross, wrote the book "Lake Erie and its Islands."

I think for the era in which they were built, and the general modesty, culture and goals of Lakeside, they were really quite magnificent. All have been remodeled, reshaped and most covered in vinyl siding during the last 90-100 years, but if you look at the roof and the lines you can still see what Lakesiders experienced for many years.

William DeWitt (W.D.) Ross was a teacher and superintendent of schools in Fremont, following in the footsteps of his father, William Ross, the longest serving superintendent (until 1906) and for whom Ross High school is named (Port Clinton News Herald, Aug. 30, 2006). He was a graduate of Oberlin and attended the University of Chicago. He gave up teaching after 10 years due to illness and began developing the east end of Lakeside around 1907. In the archive records (a big thank you to Jan Stephenson who found his obituary and the lot transfer records for me) are recorded the various lot sales and the advertisements for Ross Cottages, each of which had its own name. An obituary for W.D. reports that he died in October 1943, and within 5 hours of his death, his wife Evalyn also died. The properties passed to his sons, and then in the later 1940s and 1950s, were sold outside the family. However, some of the early transfers were also recorded in the name of his mother, his wife and his sister-in-law.

The houses on Plum and Ross Court facing Perry Park and the tennis courts down to the lakefront were apparently some of the earliest built. They had wonderful open porches with an angled window on the first floor to take advantage of the view. There had been a power plant on this site and there are no lot numbers recorded when he purchased the large tract. At some point there had been a bicycle racing track on this land.


From the clothing in this undated photo, I'd guess this is pre-WWI.


And here they are 100 years later.



The second house from the left has a gable roof and is not a Ross house. Notice the angled windows--many Ross houses even south of 2nd had these to provide a lake view. These houses all had a bathroom and kitchen, fireplace, electric lights, plastered walls, and were furnished to sleep 8-10, with living room and dining room and kitchen equipment. Quite different from "old" Lakeside where some homes had no interior walls, no indoor bathrooms, and resembled "wooden tents."


Except for having its porch enclosed, "The Noreaster" facing the lake still looks much the same today. The one next to it has had a gabled 2nd floor porch added which really changes its look. Shutters, of course, were never original to this style of architecture, but are a common "update." All the houses have had the porches enclosed, some more successfully than others. Many have managed to save the angled window, although sometimes if the porch was extended, it now resides inside the porch or was cut down to peek hole. Wood steps rotted, so most Lakeside homes now have concrete steps, which shift and move, or begin lifting the porch as tree roots get under them.

When we bought our 1943 cottage in 1988 thinking we'd remove the inappropriate 1980s factory built porch, we learned the previous owner had a variance, and we wouldn't be able to replace it if we removed it. So sometimes you have to stay with a remodel or do-over due to code changes.

Lakeside Cottage architecture, pt. 4

Side gable houses with shed dormer to the street, pt. 3

I'll wrap up this topic about shed dormers on cottages at Lakeside with a few more photographs. This by no means finishes the topic, but here's a few that have had several second and third chances or do-overs in their 70-80 year life near Lake Erie.

This house on 2nd street faces Central Park and when built probably had a fabulous view of the lake. Now with all the mature trees, you would only see it in the off seasons. It has so many additions, roof styles, and replaced windows I'd probably need a photo to figure out how it began. I noticed at least one old window that hints it may have even been a traditional 19th cottage in it's embryonic stage.

Update: I checked with a man who had remodeled this cottage about 15 years ago, and he estimates it was built around 1880 and has had multiple updates. So the shed dormers were probably an early 20th century update to make it look "modern."

I think this one is for sale. I've attended a yard sale here--looks like it is in good condition with the usual 3/4 century updates and add ons. I think there is a garage on the other side and a decent yard, unusual for this little town of summer residents.

I like this photo because it shows 3 distinct cottage styles all in a row. On the left a cross gable with a wrap around porch, which is highly valued now, but many were so remodeled in the 40s and 50s they are hardly recognizable. The front windows appear to be remodeling ideas of about 50 years ago--remember when people were putting "picture" windows everywhere? The shed gable style in the middle would be more attractive with the porch restored, but like many Lakeside houses, most additions and remodelings are just folded into the next era or skills of the local homebuilders. Also, the Lake Erie storms can be brutal. On the right is one of the many hip roof, double porch styles which I wish had a shorter name, because they are ubiquitous here. This one has had the top sleeping porch filled in with small windows. These cottages face the lake--one of the best views in town.

Someone or ones loved this one to death. The worst of the 50s updates--aluminum siding and jalousie porch windows--the gal wearing her cheerleading outfit to the nursing home. And bushes out of control to cover the sins of the past.

I think this cottage could be a show piece. My husband and I disagree on what is original--I've looked very closely at the roof line of the side portico, and I think it fits, although it is sagging badly and looks like the front screen door might not open. If it mattered, I'd go to the archives and check. There might even be an old photo. He's the one paid to redo these cottages, not me. Those concrete molded blocks haven't been used in many years. There's a tiny little "house" added to the back with some creative trim and woodworking--probably not original, but someone tried to make it work. With the thick, stubby columns, and windows in three, it definitely wants to be a real arts and crafts bungalow, even if someone's messed it up a bit over the years.

But I have been to the archives and checked on my next topic, which will be the "Ross Hips" at the east end of Lakeside.

Lakeside cottage architecture, part 1

Lakeside cottage architecture, part 2

Lakeside cottage architecture, part 3

Lakeside Cottage architecture, pt. 3

Side gable houses with shed dormer to the street, pt. 2

It's difficult to find a cottage that hasn't been modified, filled in, or covered in aluminum or vinyl siding. But this one, which the owner thinks was built around 1910, seems to be almost original, except for an addition in the back which she added after she purchased it in 1974. Here the shed dormer roof doesn't go to the roof line and the windows extend out over the porch.

This one is very similar, with the tapered columns, shed dormer over the porch which doesn't extend to the roof line, but the cottage is wider. The front windows look very similar to the one above.

This home on the west end (older) was built in 1911 according to a plaque. It seems to have the original siding, and the dormer doesn't go to the roof line. The porch has been screened. It is just a block from the lake.


This also has a dormer that doesn't extend to the roof but is over the porch, and has a little extra awning roof over the porch.

This one is a new cottage, designed to look like the style popular 1910-1930 or so. I think it was quite successful. It has a very shallow dormer, and chunky columns with no railing. However, the front doors are double, which I think detracts from the basic style, at least as we see it in Lakeside, and those don't look like 1920s window styles. The new code requires off street parking for two cars which is why you see some odd arrangements, even for new homes. For summer homes people don't worry so much about having a 3-car garage.

I still haven't had a minute to get to to the archives and check out the history of what I see. However, if you are interested in cottages, the 53rd Cottage tour sponsored by the Women's Club is this Thursday, July 23. Two of them are new--one designed by my husband, and just a fabulous house with a great feel, beautiful design, and great attention to the view. We attended a "house blessing" there two weeks ago. Some day I'll blog about that--there are many house blessings on the internet, mainly Lutheran and Episcopal. Three of the cottages on the tour are old and older--from the early 20th, and late 19th centuries.

Side gable, shed dormer, pt. 1

Lakeside Cottage architecture, pt. 2

Side gable with shed dormer to the street houses, pt. 1

Next to the farm house and two story camp cottage style, I think the side gable cottage with a shed dormer over the porch or set back in the main house must be the most common. Some have been badly mangled; others lovingly restored. Some await a fairy godmother with a fat wallet or good architect. Here are some in excellent condition, probably looking close to the original.


This is one of my favorites--in beautiful condition. Appears to have native stone for the porch and chimney. I'd say this is very close to a bungalow/arts and crafts design because of the chunky porch columns, brackets and window panes in threes. It has a view of the lake, but isn't so close that it gets damaged in Lake Erie's storms. My recollection is that this home has been restored within the last 20 years and has large open rooms and natural floors inside. The bump-out is in the dining room, I think. A storage shed for bikes and yard equipment was added at the back a few years ago (time gets rather compressed here). The shape of the porch columns, the very low profile and the overhang give it an arts and crafts appearance. See the house next to it? That's what I'm calling a Ross Hip until I find otherwise.

Here's another one--very similar, but different. The shed dormer is taller, and seems to be in line with the main house. The porch hasn't been screened, and the entrance is to the side. There is no wide overhang like the traditional bungalow style, but has the windows in threes both on the porch and in the shed dormer. Those molded concrete blocks were very popular in early 20th c., but I don't know if they are original to the house. The roof line is steeper and there are extra peek-a-boo windows on the side to let in more light. Looks like there might be a basement--fairly rare around here because of the rocky ground.

Here's another one in beautiful condition--a real stop and stare cottage. I heard the tour guide say it is a Sears home, and if so, I didn't see a plan in the Sears archives, but not all are shown. It's different than the two above, and I'd call it a classic arts and crafts bungalow, and probably the only one around here. It has a very low profile, windows in three, a very shallow shed dormer (living was meant to primarily be first floor), wide overhangs, brackets, chunky columns, and the flat porch roof isn't a part of the roof of the main house. This has been a beautiful home for the 35 years I've been coming here, but a few years ago had a burst pipe and suffered interior water damage and mold, and had to be totally redone.

Side gable, shed dormer, pt. 2

New colors on our street

Not much could be done about the ugly 80s wood panel siding that had enveloped this late 19th century cottage. So the new owners gave her a new, pretty pinafore. I think this is the happiest red house paint I've ever seen. And the new landlord is lucky too--he found a renter for the entire summer, and having been there, let me tell you, that sure saves wear and tear on your newly decorated home! It's a little hard to tell after multiple remodelings, but at some time this home probably had an open porch on both levels. But before that, it might have been a "wooden tent," with walls and roof erected over what began as a platform for a summer tent. Oak is in the "old" part of town, or the original camp ground. Many cottage owners filled the porches in years ago to use as bedrooms or living space. In the 19th c. the lake air was the only air conditioning around here. But storms make it tough to maintain, and this cottage is just half a block from the lake.



Next door is a "camp cottage" and these owners have spruced up the lower porch with purple and lavender and some brightly painted adirondock chairs. The rest of the cottage is gray. The lower porch still has screens and the sleeping porch above it is now enclosed.

Further down the street on the lakefront, our neighbors have donated hours of time, labor and bulbs to give all of us a beautiful flower garden. Their payment must be the pleasure of others. These are Asian lilies, I think, but are tastefully arranged with many other types and sizes of blooms.

Housing for NOLA with good intentions, bad design

Tulane architectural students are having a design competition for new housing in New Orleans, and the reality show is on the Sundance Channel (I haven’t seen it). There are a lot of bugs in the project, according to this Chicago writer.

One of the sweetest, little houses in Lakeside was designed by my husband--has 3 bedrooms (lst floor master), 2 full baths, kitchen, dining and living areas (great room) and a nice front porch. It has a HVAC system, and parking for 2 cars (a requirement here, even with small lots). I think its footprint is about 22 x 30, probably about 1,000 sq. ft. It looks to me to be perfect for a small scale, traditional NOLA neighborhood. The problem with student design is they want something different, something to make their mark in the world; the residents probably just want to go home!

From the story:

“Architecture School” is compelling on a number of levels. It depicts high-flown architectural concepts coming into contact with the practical realities of building a low-cost house. Instructor Byron Mouton tries to get the students to watch out for clichés and lazy thinking, with limited success. And the students and the instructors seem more enamored of their forward-thinking designs than the local residents.

“Ugly” is the verdict of one resident who lives near an existing Tulane-built home. Many residents want traditional re-creations of the narrow “shotgun” houses that they’ve always known, but the idealistic students naturally want to do something more adventurous.

Then there’s the matter of finding someone to live in these houses. One woman who applies for a home loan at Neighborhood Housing Services, the New Orleans non-profit that is paying for the construction of the Tulane houses, has $18.23 in her savings account.

Lakeside 2008, week 5

Last night at the auditorium we enjoyed the wonderful toe tapping performance of Rhythm in Shoes from Dayton. Their program says, "Based in Dayton, Ohio, the creative capitol [sic] of the Heartland, RIS has toured in 47 states as well as Canada, Japan and Ireland, pursuing the company's mission: to engage the world in music and dance." I had no idea Dayton was more creative than Columbus, Indy or Chicago.

Today the craft show on the lakefront begins. I've already inspected the early set ups and saw some great things. The Women's Club Tour of Homes is also today. Marian the Librarian called me Saturday with a plea to help as a hostess. Usually, I say No to these things, but based on the time schedule and job requirements, it looked pretty easy. So today I'll be telling people about the architecture and history of Green Gables, the home of the Women's Club, which is Steamboat Gothic and built in 1883. I have an encyclopedia of American home styles here at our cottage (picked up for $1 at a Port Clinton book sale) and looking at it, I think Green Gables is actually "carpenter Gothic," not "steamboat Gothic."

Steamboat Gothic architecture, a term popularized by Frances Parkinson Keyes novel of that name, is sometimes confused with Carpenter Gothic architecture, but Steamboat Gothic usually refers to large houses in the Mississippi and Ohio river valleys that were designed to resemble the steamboats on those rivers. From Wikipedia

This week I'm taking a watercolor class from Bob Moyer. We bought one of his paintings last year in the art show. I missed the first two classes because we were in Columbus.

There was a huge storm when we got here yesterday, but it then cleared and now it is cool and sunny, just perfect for all the activities and visitors today.

A hot job

Returning from the coffee shop this morning, I found this couple scraping paint at the Maxwell Bed and Breakfast on Walnut. I think this house is about 125 years old, and it's always fun to see the folks chatting on the porch enjoying their morning coffee and new friends. It's across the street from the auditorium, so they can sit on the porch and enjoy the music if they don't want to walk across the street.

The ladder didn't quite reach the overhang, so he was scraping with his arms above his head and his head down while she held the ladder. Hope they make it!

The most precious new house in Lakeside

Not quite finished, but it is a winner. Across the street from a woods, this house is 23'4" wide. Our lots are narrow, and they have set-back and coverage requirements. The overhangs take 16" and that has to be included in the coverage as well as deck and patio and driveway. Each lot has to have space for 2 cars. Quite a challenge! But my husband was up for it--and this brought him out of retirement. He fell in love with Lakeside in 1974, and wants it to keep its beauty and nostalgic feel. Every house he's done here has been a different style, and the ones he's remodeled have been made more handsome than they ever had been in their ugly, pimply youth, having been through a variety of makeovers in the 1930s-1960s from jalousie windows to aluminum siding to picture windows overwhelming the size.




I've been through it, and the floor plan is fabulous with a first floor master + bath, laundry room and pantry storage, living and dining room oriented to the woodsy view, fireplace, front porch for chatting with the neighbors, full basement, 3 bedrooms, bath and loft up stairs. Lots of light in every room. I want it!