HOUSE AND GARDEN 
March, 1912' 
13 
A modification of the mission type that preserves some of the distinctive features, yet is a 
suitable style for Northern localities 
the grouping of mo¬ 
tives and by the 
adornment of trees 
and shrubbery. The 
appearance of the 
building is one of 
quiet and rest, re¬ 
freshing to the eye ; its 
stucco walls are cool 
in summer, yet not 
oppressive in the win¬ 
ter. It has been said, 
“nothing is so much 
to be desired as re¬ 
pose in form and 
color,” and the Span¬ 
ish Mission gives it. 
The interior can be ar¬ 
ranged to suit any 
condition. The tend¬ 
ency of the present day is to build the 
house reducing the number of stories 
in height, thus eliminating the climb¬ 
ing of stairs. A house spread out has 
the preference. This gives the possi¬ 
bility of the inner court or patio which 
forms the center of the Spanish 
family life. These courts are built 
with arches forming cloisters one 
story high, or as supporting arches 
carrying a second story above. 
In the center generally is a foun¬ 
tain, around which are gathered potted 
plants and palms; here the family 
gathers and friends are received and 
entertained. The normal man, in his 
private life, hates publicity and craves 
retirement. 
Houses thus built present this to the 
best advantage, as tbe interior of the 
building can be made very attractive 
and livable. The exterior walls can 
be opened by use of arches or posts, 
giving spacious porches for those who 
desire them. In the larger courts, 
trees were planted, and rose bushes 
were cultivated. 
From the fountain often ran streams 
of water carried off in 
open channels, around 
which flowers were 
planted. These in¬ 
terior courts of the 
Spanish Missions 
were used first as cen¬ 
ters for protection, 
within which the 
monks were safe and 
free from anxiety. 
Here they would con¬ 
gregate in leisure 
hours and take their 
exercise. Then they 
began to beautify the 
open space, which re¬ 
sulted in the adoption 
of forms similar to 
the luxuriant and 
charming formal gardens. 
The writer does not advocate the 
Spanish Mission as the best type of 
architecture to be followed universally, 
but this article is intended to show how 
it can be adapted, and how appropriate 
it is to suburban life. 
First and foremost we must build 
with the materials at our disposal. We 
are entering upon a period of wood 
famine. The lavish use of wood as 
in former days, must be curtailed, and 
it will soon be out of the question as 
a building material. We are by ne¬ 
cessity rapidly advancing to the con¬ 
crete and cement age, following the 
footsteps of the old world. Concrete is 
being used in buildings in this country 
more to-day than ever before. It is 
easy of construction when properly 
handled and does not require skilled 
labor in its formation. Thus the ex¬ 
pense is reduced. This is a marked 
advantage, especially in the country 
where masons for stone and brick 
work are scarce and often must be 
transported from the city. The out- 
(Continiied on page 90) 
A fountain and recess in the Gillespie house give the 
effect of coolness, valuable in the locality 
The arched doorways and gable ends here are mission characteristics; 
the porch is an addition not found in the prototypes 
A house showing another variation from the mission type, yet retaining 
its tiled roof and characteristic arches 
