Unusual Houses 1 - Soddy Virtual Cache
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When the pioneers came west across the plains and settled, traditional home building materials were at a premium. Lumber and brick on the plains was just not available in adequate supply. Sod was a ready alternative material. Unfortunately very few homes of this type still exist today because of the very nature of the material (dirt). This location has an excellent example of a sod house. The number of sod houses that exist in this condition are rare.
As best as can be determined, the house was build prior to 1864, possibly even before 1859. By all accounts, it is probably one of the oldest sod houses still existing. It is believed that the sod was cut from near the bluffs to the north, on the other side of I-70.
The coordinates given are for the center of the back patio of the home. From there you can see the way the house was constructed through a glass panel on the wall. The walls are 2 feet thick. No lightweight construction tradoffs here! The stucco on the exterior and the modern shingle roof are concessions to the preservation process.
This building and the other historical structures located here are tended to by the very capable and dedicated members of the Wheat Ridge Historical Society. Although it is a museum, it is open even when volunteers are not present. Volunteers are normally available to explain and show off the facilities on Fridays from 10-2 (no charge) or by special arrangement at other times. Contact either Claudia Worth at 303-467-0023 (cworth1234@aol.com) or Charlotte Whetsel at 303-423-0989. It is well worth it to get a tour. I took my 84 year old father there a couple of years ago and I thought I would never get him to leave.
Send me an email with a count of the number of windows in the sod house to gain credit for this find.
The site is handicap assessible.
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