ozzie_73

The big question is: what is the significance of the design on the picture window?  Semaphore flags?  Military ribbons?  Some kind of art piece?  It's not there in the current photos.

According to the son, his mother and the architect came up with the designed wood blocks. It was meant to be an artistic piece no other meanings as far as he knows.  I've already sent the design to my cabinet maker buddy to reproduce.  I love it!

The nonstone exterior was stained Redwood and the roof was white limestone pebbles...this is going to be one hell of a project

some more

Had lunch with Vic Shainock (original owner's son) today and he brought a book of original pictures taken just after the house was build...I am still in shock.  I just took some quick cell pics and will get these properly scanned and re-post.  They are amazing!!!  Thanks again for all your help!!!

Just recived an email from Victor Shainock, Morris Shainock's son:

"Peter.

Morris Shainock was my Father and my parents built the 3602 Parkwood home after WW II.

I will be happy to try and answer questions you might have about the home. I also have

a book of pictures that were taken after the home was built.

Victor Shainock"

This is getting exciting!

I drove to see it yesterday before it was gone, what a beautiful road you have to drive down to get there.  Does not feel like Houston but more like a country road, absolutely beautiful.  The home already had a mesh fence around it so I couldn't get the best look at it but WOW such a shame. 

SpaceAge's pictures he sent me along with the Bolton & Barnstone home pre remodel.  SpaceAge, I have a question the room next to the master suite on the second floor, how what that set up.  When I bought the home they had closed in a walkway with dry wall to make it a 5th bedroom. Was the master a master suite? Thanks!

 

I have photographs of this house and the one across the street.  I am not sure how to post photos on here with all the changes. Last time I was in the house the plans were in the upstairs left closet just before entering the bedroom over the kitchen.  I suppose you know the large bedroom and bath on the first floor are not original to the house.

 

It is interesting to learn about Tiny Wisdom being the architect's wife.  She was a popular and wacky teacher at Houston's Robert E. Lee High School for many years. 

 

SpaceAge, that’s fantastic!! Could you email them to me if you have time? peter.w.osborne@gmail.com I have looked all over the house and the only thing I did find was a large roll of xmas wrapping.  I'll look again when I get home. I know which closet you are talking about.  That closet always struck me as kinda weird; it's a closet, within a closet, within a tinny closet that drops down to the first floor.  The second door has a lock (that’s been painted over several times) on it so I'm sure it was used to store important things that you didn't want people running off with.  Any info on the original colors, flooring, etc. will be helpful.  The large bedroom and bath is an add on for sure, you can see the curtain recesses in the main living room for a window that has turned into a wall.

What I found out from Mr. Fox:

"The address is first listed in the 1949 Houston City Directory. Morris Shainock was the original owner. 

Tiny Wisdom told me in 1989 that her husband, the architect W. Jackson Wisdom, designed the house at 3602. In 1949, Mr. Wisdom was the partner of Lenard Gabert in the firm of Lenard Gabert & W. Jackson Wisdom.

Here is a link to some basic biographical information on Jack Wisdom: http://www.geni.com/people/William-Jackson-Wisdom/6000000014159287619

I also note that his son of the same name is a lawyer in Houston.

To my surprise, I find a site for Lenard Gabert & Associates that claims descent from Gabert's architectural practice. Who knows whether they retain his architectural records or not? I hope so.

http://www.greendomeservices.com/about-us/ "

Reached out the the son, made contact but unfortunatly did not have any old plans or drawings but he did say, "Peter—first, thank you for reaching out. My dad was very proud of the work he did designing houses in the early days after he got back from WW II, and it warms my heart to know that you appreciate what you have. Sadly, I do not have any of his plans or drawings from that time period. I wish I did."

So that was nice...anyway, I'll keep digging.

Thanks Ben, side note...found out from speaking to my neighbor that the lady I purchased the home from did the window swap to two other mods in the neighborhood...sad.

Thanks Ben

9075, thanks wow!

Thanks Ben, if I hear anything from the son I will share.  The process has begun; I've pulled up all the terracotta tile in the entryway and will be laying white marble.  Some of the original tile was left under the new as a clue.  I wish I could get my hands on the original blue prints.  Oh, and that Bolton & Barnstone house you spoke about is on google street view (2007) You ain't kidding gezz unrecognizable.  I had no idea....

I've attached a picture of what it used to look like a few years ago. Just don't paint the stone. 

BenH do you have any other pictures and/or info concerning 3602 Parkwood?

L. M. Gabert, the son of the original architect/owner, is still alive and may be a good source of information on the house.

Thanks for the info Bob, gave his office a ring and left a msg...we shall see

I've attached a picture of what it used to look like a few years ago. Just don't paint the stone. 

Thanks you so much Ben!!! I noticed that the windows openings had been closed in to accommodate the crappy home depot specials.  This will help a lot!!  I would never paint the stone, however the previous owner painted the stone in the sun room gold...yes gold.  So I had my buddy Daniel re-paint to entire room....I couldn't remove the gold without ruining the stone so I went all out…here's a pano of the room and the before after I painted it white for him..just imagine sparkly gold...was such a travesty.

Back when I was single and broke, I would spend my days and nights driving around the old neighborhoods of Houston (the only entertainment I could afford at the time). Riverside Terrace was my favorite Houston neighborhood. Does anyone have a favorite house or houses that they fell in love with? Here are a few of mine on North and South Parkwood Drive in Riverside Terrace:

I live in the middle bottom (3602 Parkwood) it has been remodeled several times over the years by what looked like a brother-in-law.  I'm in the process of bringing her back (professionally) and any information, old pictures or helpful resources will be much appreciated.  All the windows except for one small one in the mud room have been replaced with cheap home depot specials.  The window opening have also been closed in to accommodate them.  I'd love to find a photo that shows the original windows.

I just purchased this home a couple of months back and am slowly bring it back to its former glory, been scouering the internet for information.  Could you please post any pics or information about the Leonard Gebhart Mansion, I see someone already did however they have been removed.  Thanks in advanced! The house was built in 1949 and has a beautiful curved staircase in the entry way with matching chandeliers in that room and the dining room. Pictures of the progress to follow.