Wednesday, June 15, 2011

HOF, 1957

I never get tired of photos of the old Monsanto Plastic Home of the Future. In fact, every time I see a good picture of the artificial abode, it makes me wish I could live in it (the house, not the picture!). It's so full of mid-century coolness! I'd fill it up with furniture from the Herman Miller catalog, and barbecue big ol' steaks while wearing a "Kiss the Cook" apron and have cocktail parties and smell of Hai Karate aftershave and watch reruns of The Avengers and Ernie Kovacs and listen to Les Baxter albums on my hi-fi.

In this first image, the house is looking a bit forlorn because the landscaping hasn't quite had time to fill out. An old fellow sits nearby, amazed that he's made it to the Spage Age. It almost looks like the house is glancing to the left. Sometimes it talks to me, too. Can't you hear it?


A second view shows us one of the "wings" head on; a kid in a Keppy Kap (made from real Keppys, not fake ones like today) is not so interested in the modern wonders inside. But he's only eight, what the hell does he know! The big TV inside got his attention, though - just imagine how great it would be to watch cartoons on that thing.


7 comments:

  1. House of The Future is ageless! still cannot believe the end that it came to :(

    that first shot is primo...so clear!

    i have never seen a view like the second picture before, very cool! i guess all four sides had the windows like we always see? i want to live in one of these as well. someone should definitely bring this back

    thanks for these....Tomorrowland rules! :-D

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  2. Major, I can certainly provide the soundtrack for your lifestyle. Not sure about the apron tho.

    Very unusual vantage in pic no. 2.

    Remarkable how little today's homes resemble this item. However, architects are still trying to save the world, just using different aesthetics.

    @Nancy, if you are interested, Daveland has some great photos of the original floor plan and elevation drawings by the actual architect (construction plans, not exhibit sketches) on his pictures website (not the blog). Very interesting and explanatory for those not old enough to remember the HOF.

    JG

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  3. Major, are you telling us you actually don't live in a house like this? I always just assumed...

    That first picture is super, without the landscaping filled in you can really see the shape of the HOF - Wowie! And the second picture is like a blueprint for the pathways, Nice!

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  4. Take out Pixie Hollow and put HOTF back!!! Yeah, like that would ever happen.

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  5. Very preceptive of you Major. Yes, imagineers gave the house "eyes" that follow you like the haunted mansion busts or the Casey Jr Locomotive (although the HOTF is obviously distracted at this precise moment).

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  6. WOW! These are beauties. What memories. Thanks Major!

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  7. I...am...speechless..........

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