June 8, 2009

Diedrich Rulfs: Master Architect of Nacogdoches

May 16, 2011 UPDATE: In honor of The Daily Sentinel (subscription only) having an "interview" with Diedrich Rulfs, and a link back to me, I hereby make all the pages of this ridiculously high-priced Blurb book temporarily viewable. Wouldn't you much prefer the actual, tactile sensation of finger on high-quality page? Or an attractive edition sitting on your very own coffee table?? I'm just sayin'.

Announcing the completion and publication of the 2nd (and hopefully final) edition of Diedrich Rulfs: Master Architect of Nacogdoches. This 130-page book (previous version was 112) includes all of the photographs I used in my posts devoted to the architecture of Diedrich Rulfs, and several I didn't. Two copies of this book are available at the University of Houston library. You can get a free taste at my Rulfs Flickr set.

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17 comments:

Amy said...

I enjoyed this all over again. It's really interesting even though I'm not from the area. I'd likely be happy in any of those lovely vintage houses. Seems like Rulf's house needs some TLC from a history-appreciating buyer...you need to get on that project. :)

Chris said...

Thanks, Amy, that's awesome. I fantasize about living in one of Rulf's smaller, Victorian cottages here in Nac! I only wish I could save the Judge Blount place, that's for sure. If money were no object...

Leigh said...

Wonderful news: The Book (Deidrich Rulfs: Master Architect of Nacogdoches)arrived yesterday! It is so beautiful, and I am so happy to have it.

I am going to Nacgodoches tomorrow, and of course I am taking The Book to show to my family.

Congratulations on making a significant contribution to Nacogdoches history.

Chris said...

Good deal, Leigh! It seems to take them (Blurb) forever to do make and then send out books. I hope you are happy with it!

Nacogdoches said...

Chris,
Thanks for compiling this - I recognize almost all the homes - but wasn't aware of several being Rulfs creations. Great job.
- BP

Chris said...

Thanks, BP. Rulfs was amazingly prolific, was he not? I was often stunned about the buildings I hadn't known he'd done while I was in the process of putting the post, and later book, together.

Sarah O'Brien said...

What an awesome collection Chris! Thank you so much for taking the time to put this together.

Sarah O'Brien

Chris said...

You're welcome, Sarah. I've really enjoyed the process of putting it and the book together.

Mark said...

I just wanted to let you know that someone has bought the Blount House and is restoring it

Chris said...

Thanks, Mark. You are referring to the Judge Stephen Blount House on Mound, correct? I noticed that for sale sign with "contract pending" on it a month ago or so. They also had some Christmas decorations up on it last month. That's excellent news.

Denise said...

Beautiful job. I didn't even know I was a Rulfs fan until I read this. How do you get a copy of the book?

Chris said...

Thanks, Denise. I became a real fan as I attempted to photograph each structure he designed. I also grew to respect what he had accomplished. The book is available here:

http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/837110

Unknown said...

I was wondering if you knew anything at all about the Lufkin Land Long-Bell Buck House in Lufkin? It is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.I am considering purchasing the house, and I am wondering if it could possibly be a Rulf's house? Thanks, Trace

Chris said...

Traci -

I wish I could say with certainty that it is a Rulfs. He is supposed to have a structure or structures in Lufkin, and around 1920 (when the Lufkin Land-Long Bell-Buck House was constructed), Rulfs was certainly focused on doing homes in the more American Prairie Style, as opposed to the high Victorian style he brought over from Germany. But I don't know if he was involved in the Land-Long Bell-Buck House. Here is the Texas Historical Commission Atlas entry:

http://atlas.thc.state.tx.us/common/viewform.asp?atlas_num=2088002783&site_name=Lufkin%20Lane--Long%20Bell--Buck%20House&class=2001

Leigh said...

Chris, Sandra and I happened to swing by Rulfs' house in May and found Tom Tracy there finishing up the renovation. Later went into "Wildflower" on Main and were bragging on it to the shopkeeper . . . it was his mom, Jan!

What is "imagewrap"? Would that be better for SFA Special Collections than a dust jacket?

Chris said...

Hi, Leigh. Yes, they did a really great job on the Rulfs house, didn't they? Things could have gone the other way with it, so it's encouraging to see that kind of preservation!

I think the imagewrap is basically the slip cover "burned" onto the book. So, no slip cover. The benefit of the slip cover would be that you have the flaps, on which I have two great quotes about Rulfs/Nacogdoches. Imagewrap is fine, but it would be lacking a book cover (with the flaps/quotes).

Unknown said...

Thank you foe sharing all your WONDERFUL photos!!!!