SEATTLE AREA PARADE OF HOMES STUDY DEVELOPED

State Architectural Historian Michael Houser has recently completed a study of Seattle Area Parade of Homes from 1949 to 1960.  While most studies highlight architect designed homes of prominent citizens, this study offers a realistic look at the more common dwellings and building trends typical of the era.  Houser has compiled a list of nearly 600 properties which were featured in the annual parade during an 11 year time span.  While the main focus of the parade was dwellings in Seattle, other homes in outlying communities were also featured.  For example you can find listings for dwellings in Bellevue and Kirkland on the east side, Shoreline and Kenmore to the north, and Renton and Burien to the south.  In 1952, the Parade even highlighted a home as far away as Bremerton. The purpose of the parade, developed in conjunction with National Home Week, was to highlight the work of local builders, showcase innovative construction techniques and products, and introduce potential buyers to new residential developments.  The Seattle Times newspaper, through the Seattle Association of Home Builders, first sponsored the Seattle Area Parade of Homes in 1948.  As a major marketing event for the Association, the Parade continued to be a significant promotional effort through the 1980s.  As the main sponsor of the event, the newspaper also contributed numerous articles and advertisements relating to home construction and remodeling. To download the study and to see the various Seattle Times articles relating to the parade visit: /nifty-from-the-last-50-initiative