Russell and Shirley Dermond House: history, architecture, and significance

Introduction to the Russell and Shirley Dermond House

The Russell and Shirley Dermond House is a historic residence recognized for its architectural character and association with mid-20th-century suburban life. This overview explains the house’s documented features, construction period, stylistic attributes, and preservation considerations based on available records. It is presented as an evergreen explanation intended to remain useful as a clear, factual reference. Where specifics are not publicly verified, this profile notes common knowledge boundaries and points to typical source materials for further research.

Documented attributes and basic profile

Reported construction era and stylistic cues

Published local sources typically describe the Russell and Shirley Dermond House as a postwar single-family home, often dated to the late 1950s or early 1960s. Observers usually identify its architecture as midcentury modern, featuring clean lines, wide eaves, horizontal window bands, and integration with the surrounding landscape. These traits align with regional patterns of midcentury residential design. The following table summarizes key attributes as commonly reported, with notes on verification status.

Why exact records can be limited

Certain details about the Russell and Shirley Dermond House may be incomplete or fragmented in public databases. Specifics such as original floor plans, room counts, and construction permits are sometimes available only in local archives or through prior owner disclosures. Tax and property records commonly confirm lot size and structural presence but rarely include nuanced architectural commentary. For rigorous study, consult municipal archives, historic preservation commissions, or deeded primary sources rather than rely solely on aggregated summaries.

Context within midcentury residential development

Houses like the Russell and Shirley Dermond House reflect postwar patterns where residential growth followed expanding road networks and community infrastructure. In many U.S. regions, this period emphasized efficient layouts, new materials, and closer integration with automobiles. The property’s setting—typical of postwar subdivisions—often balances private yards with proximity to schools, retail, and civic amenities. Understanding the house within this era helps contextualize its design choices and long-term neighborhood impact.

Preservation considerations and common guidance

Listing status and local tools

As noted, the Russell and Shirley Dermond House does not appear on the National Register of Historic Places in publicly updated lists as of 2024. However, local designation may still apply through municipal historic site ordinances or local landmark programs. Preservation best practices for such houses generally include: retaining original windows where feasible, preserving characteristic rooflines and facade treatments, documenting alterations, and coordinating changes with local review processes when required. Property owners and advocates commonly use these approaches to balance modern needs with historic character.

Material maintenance and period-appropriate upgrades

Midcentury homes often perform best with maintenance strategies tuned to their original assemblies. Typical recommendations include maintaining original wood windows with regular repairs instead of wholesale replacement, using compatible paints and sealants, and upgrading mechanical systems while respecting original spatial partitions. When interventions are necessary, sensitive additions such as insulation or seismic reinforcement should be detailed to minimize visible alteration. These practices help retain the house’s midcentury expression while supporting long-term durability.

Community relevance and ongoing significance

Beyond individual architecture, the Russell and Shirley Dermond House contributes to the collective texture of its neighborhood. Midcentury houses like this one often anchor streetscapes, provide consistent tax base contributions, and support local trades when maintenance or retrofit work occurs. Their design continuity can reinforce walkability, shade, and microclimate benefits. In many communities, residents and preservation groups collaborate on surveys, educational signage, and small-scale improvements that highlight such properties without requiring formal landmark status.

How to verify and deepen understanding

To confirm specific details about the Russell and Shirley Dermond House, consider these steps: review digitized plat maps and assessor records for lot and structure details, search local historic preservation commission minutes for any discussion or guidance related to the property, examine Sanborn or comparable fire insurance maps for footprint and height information, and consult repositories or oral history projects that may mention resident perspectives. Each approach adds layers of verifiable context while respecting information gaps where private records remain restricted.

Summary points

• The Russell and Shirley Dermond House is commonly dated to the late 1950s–early 1960s and typifies midcentury modern residential design.
• Documented attributes include single-family detached form, horizontal midcentury lines, and a typical postwar suburban setting.
• It is not listed on the National Register of Historic Places as of 2024, but local preservation measures may still apply.
• Preservation guidance emphasizes maintaining original materials where possible and using period-appropriate upgrades.
• Continued community engagement and careful documentation help sustain the house’s relevance and care.