The Indiana Dunes Century of Progress Homes are a blast from the past.
The 1933 World’s Fair was held in Chicago with the theme Century of Progress. An exhibit envisioned homes of the future. These houses included modern design and technological advances like air conditioning and dishwashers.
In 1935, a real estate developer moved the homes by barge and truck to what is now part of Indiana Dunes National Park. Now, they are owned by a non-profit. Private individuals lease and have restored the Indiana Dunes Century of Progress Homes.
The Rostone House
An Indiana architect designed the Rostone House to showcase a new external building material, rostone. This material was expected to last and not require repairs. Unfortunately, the rostone didn’t hold up to the forces of nature and was later covered with concrete stucco.
The Armco-Ferro House
The Ferro Enamel Corporation designed the Armco-Ferro house out of porcelain-enameled panels. This home was prefabricated and could be massed produced and affordable to consumers.
The Florida Tropical House
The State of Florida sponsored the Florida Tropical House to attract visitors. This art deco structure was the most expensive of the Century of Progress Homes.
The House of Tomorrow
The House of Tomorrow was also known as the Glass House. This home was famous for innovations such as air conditioning and passive heating.
Cypress Log Cabin
The Cypress Log Cabin stood out in the Century of Progress Homes in that it wasn’t modern. The Southern Cypress Manufacturers sponsored this house to help promote all of the uses of cypress.
Who knew that this national park held these unique historic structures! While the Indiana Dunes Century of Progress Homes are only open for tours once per year, visitors can still enjoy them from the outside. It was a treat to glimpse the vision of the future from 1933.
Planning a trip to Indiana Dunes National Park? Check out 5 Things to Do at Indiana Dunes Besides Relaxing on the Beach and Indiana Dunes Beaches.
