The Mary M. Smith House, a significant commission from 1900, stands as a testament to Greene & Greene’s burgeoning reputation and their evolving architectural sophistication at the turn of the 20th century. As one of a remarkable trio of residences commissioned by women in that pivotal year—alongside the Mary R. Milnor and Carrie C. Sickler houses—the Smith House showcases the Greenes’ masterful ability to blend the formal elegance of the Shingle style with the rustic simplicity of the emerging Arts and Crafts aesthetic. Originally located on Colorado Boulevard, this important early work was later moved to 1030 Catalina Avenue, preserving a key example of the architects’ transition into a new era of design, where they began to more fully explore the integration of natural materials, simplified forms, and a more informal, California-centric way of life.
Architectural Significance
The Mary M. Smith House of 1900 is a crucial marker in the timeline of Greene & Greene’s architectural evolution, representing a period of growing confidence and stylistic refinement. The house is a masterful synthesis of the formal, Eastern-influenced Shingle style with the more rustic, nature-oriented principles of the burgeoning Arts and Crafts movement. This blending of styles is a hallmark of the Greenes’ work from this period, and the Smith House is a particularly fine example of their ability to create a residence that is both elegant and informal, sophisticated and unpretentious. The house’s significance is further amplified by its status as one of three important commissions from female clients in 1900, a fact that speaks to the Greenes’ growing reputation and their ability to attract a diverse and forward-thinking clientele.
The Trio of 1900: A Year of Female Patronage
The year 1900 was a remarkable one for Greene & Greene, not only for the quality and innovation of their work, but also for the nature of their clientele. The commissions for the Mary M. Smith, Mary R. Milnor, and Carrie C. Sickler houses represent a significant moment in the firm’s history, a time when they were entrusted by three independent women to create homes that were both beautiful and functional, elegant and modern. This trio of houses, each with its own unique character and charm, stands as a testament to the Greenes’ ability to understand and respond to the needs and desires of their clients, and to create architecture that was not only aesthetically pleasing, but also deeply personal and humane.
Architectural Features
Exterior Design
The exterior of the Mary M. Smith House is a masterful composition of simple, elegant forms and rich, natural materials. The house is a beautiful example of the Shingle style, with its characteristic use of wood shingles to create a continuous, flowing surface that unifies the various architectural elements. The design is a study in balance and proportion, with a graceful, sweeping roofline and a series of well-placed gables and dormers that create a sense of rhythm and harmony. The use of natural materials, such as wood and stone, further enhances the house’s connection to the surrounding landscape, while the simple, unadorned detailing speaks to the Greenes’ growing interest in the principles of the Arts and Crafts movement:
Shingle Style Elegance: The use of wood shingles to clad the entire exterior of the house is a hallmark of the Shingle style, and it gives the Smith House a sense of warmth, texture, and continuity. The shingles are laid in a variety of patterns, creating a subtle and sophisticated interplay of light and shadow.
Graceful Roofline: The house is crowned by a graceful, sweeping roofline that is both elegant and dramatic. The roof is a complex composition of gables, hips, and dormers, all of which are carefully integrated to create a sense of unity and harmony.
Natural Materials: The use of natural materials, such as wood shingles, stone, and brick, is a key element of the exterior design. The Greenes’ celebrated the inherent beauty of these materials, allowing their natural colors and textures to become a central part of the architectural expression.
Simplified Detailing: The detailing of the exterior is simple and restrained, with a focus on the quality of the materials and the craftsmanship of the construction. This emphasis on simplicity and honesty is a hallmark of the emerging Arts and Crafts aesthetic.
Interior Design and Craftsmanship
The interior of the Mary M. Smith House is a warm and inviting space, characterized by a sense of openness, simplicity, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of natural materials. The floor plan is a departure from the more formal, compartmentalized layouts of the Victorian era, with rooms that flow into one another in a way that encourages a more casual and relaxed way of life. The use of natural wood throughout the interior, combined with the simple, honest craftsmanship of the built-in furniture and architectural details, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that is a hallmark of Greene & Greene’s work:
Open and Flowing Floor Plan: The open and flowing floor plan is a key feature of the interior, reflecting the client’s desire for a more informal and relaxed lifestyle. The elimination of unnecessary walls and partitions creates a sense of spaciousness and a more seamless connection between the various living areas.
Natural Wood Finishes: The extensive use of natural wood finishes, such as Douglas fir and redwood, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The Greenes’ celebrated the natural grain and color of these materials, allowing their inherent beauty to become a central element of the interior design.
Built-in Furniture: The inclusion of built-in furniture, such as benches and bookcases, is a characteristic feature of the Arts and Crafts movement. These simple, well-crafted pieces are an integral part of the architectural design, creating a sense of unity and harmony between the architecture and the furnishings.
Honest Craftsmanship: The simple, honest craftsmanship of the interior details, such as the exposed joinery and the hand-finished woodwork, is a testament to the Greenes’ commitment to quality and their deep respect for the traditions of the building arts. This attention to detail and the celebration of the craft of building is a central tenet of the Arts and Crafts philosophy.
Historical Context
A Pivotal Year: 1900
The Mary M. Smith House was designed and built in 1900, a pivotal year in the history of American architecture. The turn of the century marked a period of significant change and transition, as architects and designers began to move away from the historical revival styles of the 19th century and toward a more modern and expressive approach to design. The Arts and Crafts movement, with its emphasis on simplicity, honesty, and a return to traditional craftsmanship, was a powerful force in this transformation, and the Smith House is a beautiful and eloquent expression of this new architectural spirit.
Greene & Greene’s Evolving Style
At the time of the Smith House commission, Charles and Henry Greene were in the midst of a period of intense creative exploration and growth. They had established their practice in Pasadena in 1894, and had spent the first few years of their career designing a series of houses in a variety of historical revival styles. The Smith House, along with the other commissions from 1900, marks a significant turning point in their work, a moment when they began to more fully integrate the principles of the Arts and Crafts movement into their designs. The house is a testament to their growing confidence and their increasing mastery of the art of architecture.
A New Century, A New Clientele
The commission for the Mary M. Smith House, along with the other two female-led commissions of 1900, is a testament to the Greenes’ growing reputation and their ability to attract a new and more progressive clientele. These women, with their independent spirit and their appreciation for modern design, were the ideal patrons for the Greenes’ evolving architectural vision. The Smith House, with its blend of elegance and informality, sophistication and simplicity, is a perfect reflection of this new and more modern way of life.
The House’s Journey: From Colorado Boulevard to Catalina Avenue
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Mary M. Smith House is its history of relocation. Originally built on a prominent site on Colorado Boulevard, the house was later moved to its current location at 1030 Catalina Avenue. This act of preservation, while not uncommon for important historical structures, is a testament to the enduring quality and significance of the Smith House. The move, which was undoubtedly a complex and challenging undertaking, ensured that this important early work by Greene & Greene would be preserved for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.
Current Status
Original Location: 125 Terrace Dr., Pasadena, California (Demolished in the 1960’s)
Year Built: 1900
Architectural Style: Shingle Style with Arts and Crafts influences
Significance: One of a trio of female-commissioned houses from 1900, pivotal transitional work
Historical Context: Greene & Greene’s seventh year of practice, “Growing Reputation” period
Preservation: The Mary M. Smith House, now located in a quiet residential neighborhood, stands as a beautifully preserved example of Greene & Greene’s early work. The house is a private residence and is not open to the public, but its exterior can be appreciated from the street. The house’s relocation and its continued existence are a testament to the enduring power and appeal of Greene & Greene’s architecture.
The Mary M. Smith House is more than just a beautiful and well-preserved example of early 20th-century architecture; it is a story of transition, of a new century, a new clientele, and a new and more modern way of life. It is a testament to the enduring power of Greene & Greene’s vision, and a reminder of the importance of preserving our architectural heritage for future generations.