davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-08-09

ing the hallway it is found to be wide and
well lighted. The archways are novel and
handsomely carved, and the hall ceiling Is
marvel of beauty, being finished in blue
and gold OF the most delicate tints. The
stairs are broad and easy, and are finished
in highly polished redwood, aud are after
the Colonial STYLE
The drawing-room opens OFF the hall, and
Is delicious in subdued. warm colors, being
finished in natural wood. The handsome
overmantel in this room is an ideal of
beauty. and this, with the other mantels
throughout the houses, were specially made
for Rountree Bros. by the West Coast Furni-
ture Company; and all who have seen them
speak in the highest terms of the handsome
work this well-kDown firm has turned out.
The front windows In this room look out
upon the beauties of Golden Gate Park.
A snug little sitting-room adjoins the
drawng-room, and is finished in the same
style. Then comes the dining-room, and it
is the daintiest and most tempting room in
the house. 1t is foored in oak. and the
whole Interior is in imported Eastern oak.
with paneled wainscoting, wonderfully
carved and polished. The niantel is also of
oak, and the designers of it have shown re-
markedly fine taste. The buffers pantry,
closets and kitchen ere off the dining room,
and are modern In all their appointments.
Every particle of space appears to have
been utilized. and there are many new and
original ideas, which have emanated largely
from Rountree Bros. Mr.. Rouutree put up
one of the windows in order 70 show the
Marshall sash lock, with which all the win
dows In residences built by Messrs. Roun-
tree are furnished. 1t Is a most ingenious
device, and the only one which replaces sat-
isfactorily the cords, weights, puleys,
fasteners, etc, used 10 raising windows by
the old appliance. There is no doubt that
it will revolutionize this branch Of industry
throughout the world, as its advantages over
the old style are at once apparent, compris-
ing durability, locking of the window at any
point. raising easier, no weights, pulleys,
chains or cords to break or get out of order.
The window cannot rattle, and it is of easy
application, owing to its simplicity.
The second-f1oor plan comprises four
handsome bedrooms flushed in natural
woods, and with elegant mantels and CRATES
in each. They are all light an airy rooms,
and the view from any one of them is pleas
ing. The tinting of the walls has been done
with artistic taste, and the colors blend we'll
with the surroundings. There are large
closets off each bedroom. The bathroom
and lavatory are also on this floor, and are
finished in hard wood, with the most modern
style of plumbing and large and service
able bath-tub OF the latest pattern.
The only noticeable feature about the
large and roomy attic is large aud attrac-
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-08-09
which, notwithstanding Its carr

which, notwithstanding Its capricious and
often jnmbled character, displays spright-
ly grace in all its Irregularities, and is lOgi-
cal underneath all the confusion. In house
architecture it has been said American
architects pay too much attention to con-
tour and silhouette, thus complicating their
plans. Yet, notwithstanding this defect
there is great charm about their dwellings,
villas and cottages, which are less formal
and far more homelike than their English
prototypes.
1t is a most interesting study to follow
the development of architecture through
Its various stages, from the earliest days
until the present time, and see what vast
changes have been wrought This applies
with equal force to the ornamentation and
decoration Of buildings.
The application of color to the external
ornamentation of building Is dependent
primarily npon the climate. The warm,
dry, even temperature of India, China and
Japan permits the use of an elaborate poly
chromy, and it is carried to a high degree
OF perfection in these countries. The de-
signs are sometimes fantastic, the tnts
harsh, the execution barbaric but the re-
suits are always splendid aud under the
brilliant skies of the south are thoroughly
In keeping with the environment. The
architecture of these countries is light and
graceful, almost fiimsical at times, judged
by European standards, and hence color is
necessary in order to give the char
acter 1t would not otherwise possess
The greatest care and consideration has to
TO be given TO the question as TO what con-
tractor or builder will be entrusted the
building of the home, or if about to pur-
chase, from whom will you buy. 1t is one Of
the most important things in lifetime and
You should be able to rep0se perfect conf
dence in the ability, reliability and honesty
OF purpose of the contractor with whom you
deal in order that you may obtain full value
for your money and rest satisfied and con-
tented with your purchase. If some of the
chronic croakers that are always talking
about the slow progress thai San Francisco
is making would only take day off and go
around the city and acquaint themselves
with the vast number of buildings and beau
tiful homes that have recently been and
now are in course of erection, it might alter
their non-progressive opinions.
Some few years ago verandas were the
style, but on account of them deprlviug
buildings of needful light and sun, and
offering too great opportunities for the dust
to be deposited in their corners, they were
gradually supplanted by the bay-wndows,
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-08-09

always about 100000 worth of work on
hand az time. He was most courteous and
gave The CALL representative full informa-
ton with regard to the contracts the firm
have on hand or have just completed. 1--WE
have constructed" said Mr.. Rountree,
about 130 houses in the last two years, that
would average about Sl2, 900 each in value.
The most of these have been sold on the in
stallment plan and many of them were
built under contract from private parties.
We have endeavored to do all our work in
frSt-class manner, using the best materials
that could be obtained. employing the most
skilled labor and paying close attention TO
details and having it all under our own SUI
perylslon. While we press our work for
ward with yigor, we use no undue haste.
Most of our patrons prefer to leave the con-
structon entirely in our hands after they
have approved of the plans"
Continuing, Mr.. Rountree sad "There
is no doubt that the process of evolution in
the domestic architecture OF San Francisco
has, In the comparatively short period of
the city's existence, taken place much more
rapidly than in the older cities of the East
ern States. We endeavOr to design our
houses so that no two are alike, and vet not
so dissimllar as TO lack harmony, which
should always exist. 1t is grievOus mis-
take to sacrifice comfort to architectural de-
sign, as it is quite possible to have them both
together. | think the building outlook in
San Francisco is good, and will continue to
improve. We have just purchased $4,000
piece OF property on Pacific avenue, near
Devsadero street, on which we propose TO
erect some handsome houses"
Great judgment has to be exercised in
purchasing property on which to erect resi-
dences as the locality is everything In this
respect this firm seem to have been singu-
larly fortunate, as all their houses are stu
ated in the finest residential portion of the
city. They are far enough away from the
business portion of the city to rest assured
that stores will not encroach upon them.
The cut at the head of this article repre-
sents five handsome detached residences
which Messrs. Rountree Bros. have in course
of construction on the corner of Clay and
Buchanan streets. To design buildings in
harmony with the surroundings is an inter-
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-08-09

while plain. The drawing-room is magnif-
cent, and all the other rooms are in keeping,
Every modern improvement and device
known to the builders art has been brought
into requlsition in order to make this charm
Ing home model.
The same care and good Judgment has
been exercised throughout the construction
OF these homes, and only the best of ma
terials have been employed and the most
skllltul workmen engaged upon them. The
new electric road passes them. and the Oak
street cars and the entrance to the park Is
only one block distant
On the opposite corner of Page and Lyon
streets this firm has q row of six handsome
houses constructed in excellent style and in
keeping with the surroundings. They also
are modern in every respect, and, while less
pretentious and more modest than those we
have mentioned, they are in every respect
hrst class. A distinction of all these ele-
CANT houses is the glass that has been used
III their construction. The finest quality of
plate. cathedral and artificial glass has been
brought into requisltion, and the designs
throughout are chaste and beautiful. The
well-known firm of Hopper & Schroeder of
Fremont street supplied all the glass re-
CURED 10y the firm.
Another noticeable feature in connection
with the laundries in these buildings is the
patent stone wash-trays with which the
Mr.. John Dixon of Market street, and MT.
Rountree says that the universal Judgment
With regard to them is that they cannot be
excelled.
This firm has constructed so many large
and beautiful homes that 1t is invidious to
select any particular one and describe it
where all are SO perfect. We could go on
al lib. showing what this enterprising young
firm has done, but space will not permit.
They have also constructed many buildings
IN the towns surrounding San Francisco.
They have not made one failure or had one
disappointment in all their structures, and
to-day this firm are the leading bsllders in
the city, and the greatest credit is due them
for the way they are advancing the inter-
ests of the city by being large employers of
labor and erecting homes that are a credit
to themselves and an honor TO those who
purchase or order them.
At present the business Office presided
over by Mr.. M. E. Roundtree is situated az
SQl Nevada Block, corner of Pine and
Montgomery streets, where this enterprIsing
firm have recently located, as their old
offices We're too cramped. and where they
can be found, and all estimates that relate
to building or general real estate business
will be gladly givens
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-08-09

AIMS Building, was entrusted with the
preparation of the plans for the various
buildings which ROuntree Bros. have in
course OF 1, construction or have recently
erected. The firm, however, being thor
oughly up in architectural work, suggest
and design plans for his guidance. Their
buildings stand as living witness, not only
to the ability of the architect, but to Roun-
tree Bros. as well, and reflect the greatest
credit upon them both.
The next place visited was the handsome
block of six houses situated on the corner of
Oak and Lyon streets. They have recently
been finished and view was taken of them
from Oak street. These charming and arts
tic homes stand on rising ground, and from
the rear magnificent view CT the city can
De obtained. These heights are constantly
growing more valuable us people grow more
to appreciate freedom. space and noble
ylstas unique and beautiful, yet simple.
Ihey are situated at the entrance to Golden
Gate Park, and the view from the trent of
these houses overlooking the park with its
beautiful flowers and refreshing shades,
with the mountains rising in the back
ground, cannot be surpassed.
Messrs. Rountree Bros. have been most
fortunate and exercised the keenest judg-
ment in obtaining such site. and it is daily
increasing in value through its close proX-
unity to the park, the facilities for getting
to the city, Street-cars at your door aud the
new electric railway also.
When this enterpFising firm purchased a
large tract of land on Page, Lyon and Oak
streets, on which these and fourteen other
residences have since been erected, there
was hardly q house to be seen beyond Ba-
ker street. This condition Of affairs, thanks
to the energy and push of R0untree Bros,
has all been changed, and now this neigh
borh0od is fast filling up with some of the
handsomest houses in San Francisco.
The firm went to work with will and at
once erected large saw and planning mill
on the property in order to have the sinews
of war close at hand. From sixty to sew
enty men were constantly employed in the
mill turning out the necessary materials to
be used in the construction of these houses.
As result of their labor the twenty de-
tached residences which now stand upon
the property cannot be excelled on this
Coast.
The accompanying sketch conveys good
Idea OF the handsome exterior of this block
OF residences en- Lyon street, and the interior
is equally attractive. The owners have la
bored for weeks and months to make these
homes complete in every respect, and they
are now well worthy of visit.
These houses have fine front elevation
as the sketch shows, and their Interior plan
ming is OF the most skilllul kind. While
there is similarity Of architectural design
pervadiug all these houses, yet they ara
different, and each one is a distinct type Of
its own.
Handsome stone steps lead up to the YES
ubules OF the various houses, and on enter
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-08-09
PAGE-STREET RESIDENCES.

grandeur and magniicence Of the Mob Hill
palaces have been described again and
again. but the new homes-the houses that
have been built within the last two years
and others that are now In course OF con-
struction-haye not been brought to the
public notice.
And yet the city abouDds with new and
handsome houses, that have sprung up
among the hills like wild flowers, where
few years ago there was only dreary waste
OF sand.
Great and material progress has been
made In the last few years, not only in the
construction of buildings, but In the ma
terials employed and architectural design.
The first thing to be considered when the
construction of home has been decided up
on Is the employment OF an architect; one
that will enter into the sympathies of the
owner, and, according to the amount to be
expended, evolve something that is hand
some, tasty and homelike. An architectural
style IS the resultant Of many causes. 1t Is
made up OF numerous distinctive elements.
all OF which are necessary to the whole and
scarcely one can be considered more impor-
tant than another. If any one part of the
characteristics Of style Is especially
marked it Is clearly the ornament: and decor
alton that forms large part OF the indiyid-
uality of modern houses.
otyie IN architecture does not consist In
ornament alone, but OF ornament in conuec-
tion with construction, materials, the influ-
ence OF manners, customs, environment re-
Hgion, culture, government, and similar
elements.
Architecture is the oldest of the arts, be-
cause it originated through the necessity of
man for shelter. The architecture of the
United States is of all the greater interest
because it has no past or school behind it,
reflects the manner ard civilization of
new people, an ingenious and practical
people, who have borrowed ideas from
every country they have come in contact
with, interpreting, modifying and assimia-
ting them according to their own needs and
tastes. Out of these conditions has sprung
curious and original art, and yet at the same
time copied.
The American people, although the prod
net of old and most diverse civilizations,
and imbued with a respect for traditions
that often lead to slavish imitation, has
nevertheless evolved out of the various
STYLES 4. has encountered an architecture
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-08-09

esting problem to solve. The method of
treatment adopted by this firm seems to
have been quite satisfactory, and the effect
produced on the observer is pleasant, as all
thelr houses seem to be in keeping with
those about them. These five houses ara to
cost 10 the neighborhood of Sl25, 900. They
are being pushed forward rapidly and all
about them is bustling and replete with life
and labor and a large force Of mechanics are
at work upon them. ADMINISTRATION of the
plans shows them to be of the most modern
type and laid out with the greatest precis-
ion and care. Nothing seems to have been
forgotten that will add to the comfort or the
beauty of the home. There is diversity of
architectural design and planning about
alike. A description of the corner house
may not be amiss. The porch is to be ug
and pretty.
On entering through the massive olken
door, the reception hall is found to be of un-
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-08-09

usual size and Imposing appearance. The
main stairway is concealed from view as YOU
enter, and. after passing under a most artistic
splndle-arch, is first seen. II is to be built of
solid Eastern oak in the best and most sub
sstantiai manner, without sacrificing beauty
to strength, and is after the colonial STYLE
The reception hall is also to be finished in
Eastern oak, highly polished and carved.
OF the hall. the drawing-room is first en-
tered, and it is to be completed in the most
modern and exquisite style. The ceilings
are to be frescoed and the wood finish is to
be of hardwood. 1t contains large CRATE
and massive bow-wlndow, from which the
bay can be seen.
The sittins-room is behind the drawing
room and they are connected with sliding
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-08-09

who give orders to the firm, but BY the me-
chanics with whom he has surrounded him
self. He endeayors to get men about him
IN their several lines whose abilities have
Deen tested. and who enter with enthusiasm
tions there is no room for doubt as to the
successful carrying out and completion of
whatever contracts this firm undertakes.
MIR. Rountree was found at the Claw.
street buildings hard at work porting over
courteous. and went into full details re-
garding the building enterprise in which he
and his brother are engaged. We only
build, said Mr.. Rouutree. the better class
Oh houses, ranging from $4,000 to $50, 600 and
over. While 1t is true that we sublet part
Of the work to other contractors. the whole
IS under our personal superintendent and
guidance, as we are responsible for the sue
cessfnl carrying out of all work.
AS the sanitary condition of home is OF
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-08-09

which have been modified and improved, till
the deliberately finished bay windows of to-
day resulted, which so completely fills the
requirements by furnishing space, sun and
view, that there is no doubt it will long con-
tlnue to hold its present high place in the
opinion OF the householder. Nothing could
pc nandsomer or more picturesque than the
windows In the residences which are to be
described.
1t is remarkable the way the fashionable
quarter Of the city of San Francisco has
shifted about. Though the city could boast
OIL many extensive structures built before
the destructive fire that destroyed a large
portion OF the city early in the sos, it was
not until Russian Hill assumed the lead as
the arlst0cratic residence portion of the city,
and the octag0n house and its gravel walks
became thu rage, that fine homes were con-
structed. From this beginning came the
mouse OF many angles, and the cele brated
house with sixteen corners, which was still
In existence short time ago. The fashion,
able quarter. however. soon shifted to Rim
con Hill, and took the lead with brick resi-
dences and swell fronts in imitation of the
same class OF buildings in Boston. South
fark is still to-day practical example OF
this style OF architecture, which brings us
up into the COS, when the dwelling house
became provided with finished Easements,
more or less below the level Of the side
walk, and square fronts ornamented with
long verandas and porches along the front.
with large, solid square columns.
In order to obviate the disagreeable posi-
bility OF the business portion of the city en-
croaching on the residence part, entire blocks
OF dwellings were built at one time, and dis
posed of to purchasers who wished to be as
sured of their surroundings.
The mistake made by these pioneer inno-
Vators was that their buildings were all
alike and. being cast in the same mold,
caused confusion and trouble to the jewellers
therein. The skill of the modern architect
has done away with all this d fficulty. and as
the city has advanced. the old residential por-
tons have of necessity been abandoned. and
many new places been selected.
With this end in view we give synopsis of
what one large and enterprisng young firm
have done and are doing in the building line.
We refer to the firm of Rountree Bros.
This firm Is composed of James and NJ z.
Rountree. The Rountree brothers came
from Texas to San Francisco about five
years ago and being endowed with that ia
dom!table pluck, self-reliance and push for
which the Lone Star State is renowned they
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-08-09
were only short dime In eating estnhIishef

were only short time in getting established
and to-day stand as tie leaders in the house
building trade. While comparatively very
young men they have succeeded in attaining
a most enviable position by the work which
they have done and the difficulties which
they have overcome by their energy, bust
ness ability and honesty. They are both
practical builders and architects and able
to at any time take hold and do any portion
of the work on building. BY this means
they are enabled-to watch every detail with
care and see that all work is performed in a
workmanlike manner.
Mr.. N. E. ROuntree devotes his attention
to the financial end of the business and an
idea Of the cares and worries to which he is
subjected can be imagined as the firm has
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-08-09
MSTALLMBNT-PLAN HOMES.
Material Progress Made in the Last Two
YGarS-AptiStiG Taste and ATChi-
tGGtTal Design Displayed If
About to Build or Purchase a
Home, From Whom Will You
Buy New Localities Building
Up Near Golden Gate Park.

Nature has been so lavish and kind in dis
pensing her beauties to San Francisco that
1t is not matter of wonder the numberleSs
beautiful homes with which this cosmopoli-
tan city Is surrounded The marvellous
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-08-09
FOR PORTLAND g. ASTORIA. OREGON,

THE UNION PACIFIC RAILWAY 1z
1 ocean DivisiOn-and PACIFIC COAST fIEfTy
STEAMSHIP COMPANY Will dispatch from S6gir--
street Wharf at 10 N. for the above ports ons OF
their IL iron steamships VIZ:
STATE or CALIFoRNIA-May 81, June IL, "a
Juy 8. - 30. August IL IS
COLUMBIA-May 81, June l. 10. g. July 10. 81
August 3, o, n
OREGoN-May %. June g. 90.
Connecting via Portland with the Northern PacIas
nanroad oregon Short Line and other dIverglny
ines LOT all points in Oregon washington, British
nolulnDia. Alaska, Idaho. Montana Dakota. Utah.
myonlng Yellowstone Park, and all points East AMI
Fare 10 PortlandTCabln. SIS; steerass. So: round
trip. cabin, $50
tel. New Montgomery st.
GOoDALL. PERKINS & CO. Supt Ocean Lina
LIST IT 10 Market St, San Francisco
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-08-09
ANCHOR LINE,

Steamers Leave New York Every Saturday,
For Glasgow via Londonderry.
Rates for Saloon Passage
BY SIS. CITY OF ROME, $50 AND UPWARD
according to accommodation and location of room
Other Steamers Of the line $50 and upward
Second Cabin $50. Steerage SO.
Passengers booked at through rates to or from any
city in Great Britain or on the Continent,
Drafts on London Sold at Lowest Rates.
Book OF information, tours and sailing lists fur.
nished on application to agents.
HENDERSON BROTHERS, z Bowling Green " Y.
to GEORGE w. FLETCHER. 61S Market st; or
TO T. ID. MCKAY, 81 Montgomery street; or to
d. +. FUGAZI & CO., Montgomery avenue: or
GEORGE B. SEAMAN, 1913 Broadway, Oakland