Todd’s Country Homes and How to Save Money: A Practical Book By a Practical Man
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Product Description
Preface to the reprint edition:
As a remodelor and a builder of American dreams, I greatly appreciate the people and skills behind today’s standing buildings. This book, published in 1868, captures many of the skills of days gone by and gives us a glimpse into the talent of our building industry predecessors. The men and women of the centuries past possessed skills that have faded into memory. This book is a celebration of their design, construction and management capabilities that can readily supplement our learning about their finished projects.
Building in the 1800’s was an integral component of life, from the farm homestead to the suburban cottage, and it was intertwined with the domestic economy. Mr. Todd’s presentation of home life enhances our appreciation of today’s life styles. His is a practical look at contracting, estimating and construction trades. As I read his words from so many years ago, I find myself working with him on homes much like those I work on today. Then at the close of day, I can see him heading off to the family farm to toil once more at sustenance. Mr. Todd’s farming skills and insights round out our look at life in the post-Civil War years.
Today, homebuilders in America have come under increasing fire. Our political landscape heaps the negative connotations of sprawl, suburban growth, and the demise of the rural environment upon those who are in the pursuit of housing our nation’s citizens. Whatever the image, though, home building remains a necessary contributor to the success of our country. This is an industry of learned skills, hard work and risk management. We should be proud of our building history and celebrate its long-lasting value to us all by learning the how and why of what is no longer. It is as an enduring gift to the industry that I pass on Mr. Todd’s timeless perspectives, learned skills, and positive outlook.
Todd’s Country Homes and How to Save Money: A Practical Book By a Practical Man
