Harriet Moody facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harriet Moody
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| Born |
Harriet Jean Moody
May 9, 1891 Santa Barbara, California, United States
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| Died | March 9, 1966 (aged 74) Santa Barbara, California, United States
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| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Architect |
| Years active | 1912–1950 |
| Known for | Storybook cottages |
Harriet Jean Moody (born May 9, 1891 – died March 9, 1966) was an American architect. She was famous for designing special homes called Storybook Cottages. These unique houses can be found in the Santa Barbara, California area. Today, groups like the Historic Landmarks Commission are working to protect the nearly 36 homes she built.
Contents
Harriet Moody's Early Life and Family
Harriet Jean Moody was born in Santa Barbara, California, on May 9, 1891. She was the oldest of five children. Her family was very talented! Harriet and her four siblings often worked together.
A Family of Talented Sisters
Harriet had three sisters and one brother. The four sisters were especially good at working together. They helped each other with building projects. They handled everything from designing houses to selling them.
- Harriet was the architect, meaning she designed the buildings.
- Brenda worked in real estate, helping people buy and sell homes.
- Wilma was a banker, helping with money matters.
- Mildred studied art and designed the inside of the houses.
Their brother, Bert, became a teacher in Palo Alto.
Harriet's Education and Training
Harriet went to college in Santa Barbara. After that, she learned about architecture from a local architect named Serferly. This training helped her become the skilled designer she was.
Harriet Moody's Career as an Architect
Harriet Moody had a long and interesting career. She started working with her father and later designed many famous homes.
Working with Her Father and the City
From 1912 to 1922, Harriet worked with her father. He was a builder, and she helped him design houses. After her father retired in 1922, Harriet got a job with the city. She worked as an Assistant City Engineer until 1925.
Building After the Santa Barbara Earthquake
In 1925, a big earthquake hit Santa Barbara. After the earthquake, Harriet teamed up with George Morrison. He had been her boss at the city office. Together, they designed new neighborhoods. These areas were in Goleta and Isla Vista.
Designing Storybook Cottages
In 1932, Harriet designed an art studio for her sister Mildred. It was a special place for Mildred's art. Later, it became an antique shop and a tea room.
During the 1930s, Harriet became known for her small, charming Storybook Cottages. These homes were affordable during the Great Depression. People loved them! She built six cottages on Periwinkle Lane in Montecito. These were so popular that she got orders for six more on Rosemary Lane.
Building Homes for Workers
In the 1940s, a wealthy man named George Owen Knapp hired Harriet. He wanted her to build houses for the workers on his large estate, Arcady, in Montecito.
Harriet's family often helped with these projects:
- Harriet designed the homes.
- Dixon H. MacQuiddy, her favorite builder, constructed them.
- Mildred decorated the interiors and found old, unique furniture.
- Brenda handled the real estate side, like buying and selling.
- Sometimes, Wilma helped with banking.
Unique Features of Moody's Cottages
During World War II, building supplies were hard to find. So, the sisters often used recycled materials. They would use old beams, doors, and windows from other buildings. This gave the cottages a very unique and special look.
Harriet's homes often had:
- High ceilings
- Clever storage spaces
- Small, gabled entryways
- Board and batten siding (a type of wood paneling)
- Canted corners (slanted corners)
- Diamond-shaped window panes
- Wall dormers (windows that stick out from the roof)
- Many different roof types, like cross-gabled roofs with steep slopes.
About 36 of Harriet Moody's designs have been found. Many of them are now protected as historic landmarks. One example is the cottage at 170 Middle Road in Montecito.
Retirement and Death
Harriet Moody retired from her work in 1950. She passed away on March 9, 1966, in Santa Barbara.
