The Huge Change in Housing

In the 19th Century, a house was just the material it was made of - bricks, stone, and lumber. It had no wiring for electricity, pipes for running water, garages for its cars - or insulation to keep the heat inside or central heating.

All these would be added in the 20th Century. And the lack of any of these, greatly decreased its value. Insulation would be critical, because it could not be added to an existing structure. Everything had to be designed, and built into a modern house.

Our parents were not aware of these huge changes, and thought they could buy a fine old house for much less, and live with its disadvantages. I grew up in one of these old houses, where only a few rooms were heated, and we froze most of the winter.

We made sure we would live in better housing - and we did.