Hobart Welded Steel House Company and its works facts for kids
The Hobart Welded Steel House Company was a special company that built houses made of steel! From 1932 to 1941, they made 22 of these unique homes in Troy, Ohio. All of these houses were built right there in Troy.
These weren't just any houses; they were "pre-fabricated," which means many parts were made in a factory first, then put together on site. This was a new and interesting way to build homes back then.
Many of these steel houses are still standing today. In fact, 16 of them, along with three garages and a shed, were added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1989. This means they are important historical places that should be protected. Ten of these special houses are found in an area called the Hobart Circle Historic District. While 22 houses were built, one at 6 Hobart Circle was later taken down.
The company offered different styles for their steel homes. The most popular design looked like a Georgian Revival house, which is a classic style often seen in Colonial Revival homes. Eight of the remaining houses have this look. Three others are in the Dutch Colonial style, known for its unique roof shape. There are also two one-story Cape Cod style houses and two one-story Moderne style houses, which had a sleek, modern appearance.
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Exploring the Hobart Steel Houses
Many of the Hobart steel houses are recognized for their historical importance. They show how people experimented with new building materials and styles in the early 20th century.
The Hobart Circle Historic District
The Hobart Circle Historic District is a special area where ten of these steel houses are located. These homes were officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 25, 1989. You can find them at addresses like 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9 Hobart Circle, and at 11 and 23 Hobart Drive in Troy, Ohio.
Other Notable Steel Houses
Several other Hobart steel houses are also listed individually on the National Register of Historic Places. Each one has its own unique story and style.
House at 1022 West Main Street
This house, located at 1022 West Main Street in Troy, Ohio, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 25, 1989. It is built in the Dutch Colonial style. You can often spot this style by its distinctive roof, which has a wide, sloping shape.
House at 203 Penn Road
Another important steel house is at 203 Penn Road in Troy, Ohio. It was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 25, 1989. This home features the classic Georgian Revival style.
E. A. Hobart House
The E. A. Hobart House is a remarkable steel house located at 172 South Ridge, Troy, Ohio. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 25, 1989. People have called this house "an engineering and artistic masterpiece" because of its clever design and beautiful look.
House at 121 South Ridge
This steel house, found at 121 South Ridge in Troy, Ohio, is another one listed on the National Register of Historic Places since May 25, 1989. It also showcases the elegant Georgian Revival design.
House at 129 South Ridge
The house at 129 South Ridge in Troy, Ohio, is also a separately listed steel house on the National Register of Historic Places, added on May 25, 1989.
House at 145 South Ridge
You can find another historic steel house at 145 South Ridge in Troy, Ohio. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 25, 1989.
William Hobart Vacation House
The William Hobart Vacation House is a unique steel home located at 995 Polecat Road, Troy, Ohio. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 25, 1989. This house is built in the Dutch Colonial Revival style and is nestled in a wooded area. It's a two-story house with three sections, all made with steel. It even has a special underground greenhouse with a glass-brick roof that doubles as a patio!
See also
- Lustron house and List of Lustron houses - These were other types of pre-fabricated steel houses, but they were covered in enamel and made by a different company in Columbus, Ohio.
