Exterior of Unknown House

Datec. 1920

MediumPaper

ClassificationsDocumentary Artifact

Terms

Catalog number1987.1.358

DescriptionThe location and identity of the man in this photo are not known. It is possible that this home is in Tempe or the surrounding farm district (including the old Kyrene area, or south Tempe). The approximate date of 1920 for this photo is likely correct based on the style of the house and clothing. Many of the photos in the group with which this image is associated are connected to the 1st Christian Church of Tempe, but there is no indication of whether this image has any connection to that church.

The style of the front porch with the corresponding balcony above, along with the straightforward details of the home overall give the sense that this was a “kit house” of the sort produced by Sears & Roebuck and similar companies in the 1910s and 1920s. A utility wire is visible in the photo, running from the top left down the side of the house and to the back wall. Whether this is for electrical or phone, it shows that this home receives some sort of utility service. At right appears to be a garden area, and what may be a trellis for grapes or a similar vine plant. Large trees are visible to the left and right of the house, and there appears to be a large backyard area with additional folliage.

The man in the photograph is perhaps in his 60s, has a moustache, and wears a dark, broad-brimmed western hat, a white shirt, and a three-piece suit. Seems likely that he is the property owner and may be a farmer/rancher.
The writing visible on the mailbox could provide information on the identity of the residents/owner of the property. The writing visible near the top of the mailbox is difficult to read – it might read “J. COS…” Near the back of the box is “no.2” and along the bottom of the box is “Pa Coop…” There were both Cosners and Coopers in the Tempe area from the late 1800s on, which could be a lead in identifying the property or person.

Status

Not on view