Lustron Homes: The History of a Postwar Prefabricated Housing Experiment

by Thomas T. Fetters

Advertised as "a new standard for living, " the Lustron Home was introduced in 1948 in response to the urgent need for housing for veterans returning from World War II and their rapidly growing families. These enameled steel, prefabricated houses became very popular, and were heavily promoted from 1948 to 1950. Approximately 2,500 went up all over the United States and even South America. This work chronicles the history of the Lustron Corporation--how it got started and why it failed. The architectural differences between the six basic models of the Lustron Home, and how they could be built in as little as two days, are fully described. Also included is a listing that documents the location, model, color and various other particulars of the roughly 2,500 houses completed.

Genres: Architecture, History, Nonfiction

200 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2001

Reviews

[Michael Classing · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read about Columbus, OH based "Lustron" company. The book gets into the politics and federal funding of the company which was trying to extend enameling processes used on filling station exteriors and "white goods" to mid-century homes.

At times, the book drags on with details of interactions with individuals -- but overall is an interesting read.

[Angie Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The content is quite similar to previous books I have read, but I found the writing style more accessible. I appreciated the wider variety of photos, floor plans and appendix documents. I was disappointed the author had not logged the Lustron home (I believe it is home #1982) in my hometown of Lakeview, Ohio, in his directory of existing homes.