The identification and preservation of 1950s Ranch House interiors

Abstract

The Ranch House is among the most ubiquitous residential housing types in the United States. It is currently receiving recognition from the preservation community as a valuable cultural resource. The Ranch House as a housing type has been evaluated and analyzed, but no study exists on the use of space or materials used in the interior. This thesis identifies the key defining elements of the 1950s Ranch House interior, the context and significance of the interior as a component of a newly identified resource, and the challenges associated with its preservation. Suggestions for the practical approach to the preservation of these specific interior spaces are also offered.