Farmhouse Plans — Story, Setting & Ideas

From Survey to Blueprint

The bulletin opens with the origin of its plans: a 1934 Farm Housing Survey conducted by the USDA and agricultural colleges in 46 states, funded by the Civil Works Administration. Ashby notes that over 100 plans were prepared, with input from home economics specialists on kitchen and room arrangements. This collaborative process grounds the designs in real-world data rather than abstract ideals. The text emphasizes that working drawings are available from state extension services, often for a small charge, making the plans actionable for farmers.

Grouping Houses by Growth and Region

Plans are categorized into three groups: "growing houses" that can be expanded, larger houses with similar features, and compact two-bedroom dwellings suited for farms needing multiple separate homes. Each plan is also tagged for regional suitability—for example, Plan 6528 is "for the North," with a hip roof to brace against wind and a central chimney for efficient heating. Plan 6526 is "for timbered sections," favoring log construction that "blends into wooded surroundings more intimately than boards, bricks, or stucco." This regional specificity reflects the survey's broad geographic scope.

Recurring Details: Kitchens, Cellars, and Circulation

Across the plans, certain features recur with notable consistency. Kitchens are described as "complete and compact" or "ample," often with built-in cupboards and dish cabinets. Cellars appear in several designs, with warnings about drainage—referencing Farmers' Bulletin 1572 on dry cellars. Circulation is carefully considered: Plan 6528 includes a vestibule and hall arrangement to conserve heat, while Plan 6529 places the kitchen's extra space into a separate workroom for laundry and rough work. These details reveal a focus on daily workflow and maintenance.

Numbers as Design Language

Each plan is introduced with precise floor areas: superstructure square footage, porch dimensions, and sometimes cellar size. For instance, Plan 6526 lists "Superstructure, 845 square feet. Porches, 300 square feet." These figures are not mere data but a design language that allows quick comparison. The text also specifies occupancy—"will accommodate 4 persons comfortably, or even 5 or 6 persons if a couch is placed in a corner"—and notes potential additions, such as extra bedrooms added by taking space from a rear bedroom. This numerical precision underscores the bulletin's practical, engineering-oriented approach.

Readers may find it useful to approach the bulletin as a reference rather than a linear narrative. The grouping of plans by size and region allows for targeted browsing. Pay attention to the recurring notes on heating, storage, and room flexibility, as these reflect the designers' priorities. The absence of photographs—only floor plans and elevations are described—means the text itself carries the burden of conveying spatial relationships, making the numerical data and descriptive phrases essential for visualization.

There’s something steadying about thumbing through Wallace Ashby’s old plans, the way each room feels considered rather than rushed. It reminds me of evenings spent with Heart of Europe — Context and Discussion, where place and history sit quietly together. Both books feel like someone left the porch light on for you, then stepped away. Just warmth, and space enough to think.