Bennett's
Small House Catalog
1920
Ray H. Bennett Lumber Co., Inc.
[Illustration: FRONT COVER
Bennett Homes
Better Built Ready Cut
RAY H. BENNETT LUMBER CO., INC.
NORTH TONAWANDA--N.Y.]
Bennett Homes
Better Built Ready Cut
RAY H. BENNETT LUMBER CO., INC.
NORTH TONAWANDA--N.Y.
LUMBER
LATH--SHINGLES
WINDOWS--DOORS
MILL WORK
NORTH TONAWANDA, N.Y.
Dear Friend,
We send this catalog to you with just one thought in mind, Service. As
you turn the pages and study the various houses, remember that we are
planning and building for YOU. No trouble is too great, no detail too
small, if by personal consideration and supervision we can provide you
with your ideal home.
Our architects have studied the requirement of comfortable, convenient,
up-to-date houses. In the designs shown in this catalog, you will find
embodied their ideas--the results of considering the greatest
convenience at the least cost.
Not only do we supply you with blue prints of the house you select, but
our special service department is ready to assist you in your interior
decorating. Then too, our service department can give you any
information you require in regard to the erection of your house.
You naturally will want to know the approximate cost of erecting the
house of your choice, the cost of the mason work, plumbing, lighting,
heating, etc. This we shall be glad to furnish you, if you will write to
us for such information.
In buying a Bennett Home, you are really gratifying your individual
tastes. You have infinite choice of designs, any of which can be
slightly or moderately altered. You can choose your own color for
outside paint and inside finish. Cupboards and closets of convenient
size and situation, bay windows, French doors, fire places, stairways,
colonnades,--all these are yours to command.
We have already selected for you the best framing materials, lumber and
hardware. The little touches that make the home and radiate the
personality of the owners--these we leave to your individual choice.
It is YOUR home that you are to build, and we offer you our assistance
and co-operation.
Cordially Yours,
RAY H. BENNETT LUMBER CO., INC.
JAS|RN
Bennett Homes
Better-Built Ready-Cut
PRICES OF BENNETT HOMES DECEMBER 1, 1921
PRICES ARE NET F. O. B. CARS NORTH TONAWANDA, N. Y.
DELIVERED PRICES QUOTED ON REQUEST.
TERMS: Net Cash with Order.
TERMS:
=1. Cash with Order.= 5% discount from gross amount allowed when Cash
in full is sent with order, or
=2. 25% Cash with Order.= Balance sight draft with order bill of
lading attached. No discount from gross amount allowed under these
terms.
WE GUARANTEE SATISFACTION OR MONEY BACK.
5% Cash
Name Page Gross Discount Net
Aberdeen, Plan A 30 $1944.78 $ 97.23 $1847.55
Aberdeen, Plan B 30 2418.89 120.94 2297.95
Arcadia, Plan A 31 1610.33 80.51 1529.82
Arcadia, Plan B 31 1907.57 95.37 1812.20
Atherton 32 2481.17 124.05 2357.12
Auburn, Plan A 56 1074.09 53.70 1020.39
Auburn, Plan B 56 1273.94 63.69 1210.25
Avon 10 2940.28 147.00 2793.28
Beverly, Plan A 60 1142.60 57.13 1085.47
Beverly, Plan B 60 1224.00 61.20 1162.80
Bison 22 2342.62 117.13 2225.49
Bryant 12 2465.12 123.25 2341.87
Charlotte, Plan B 11 3184.52 159.22 3025.30
Clarendon 39 3345.17 167.25 3177.92
Cleo 26 2313.83 115.69 2198.14
Cloverdale, Plan A 55 1380.97 69.04 1311.93
Cloverdale, Plan B 55 1519.36 75.96 1443.40
Concord, Reg. 61 1317.45 65.87 1251.58
Concord, Plan B 61 1585.31 79.26 1506.05
Colonial 44 4243.05 212.15 4030.90
Delaware, Plan A 58 1747.45 87.37 1660.08
Delaware, Plan B 58 1949.84 97.49 1852.35
Dover, Reg. 50 2120.89 106.04 2014.85
Dover, Plan B 50 2275.89 113.79 2162.10
Emerson 62 1697.23 84.86 1612.37
Erie 45 2281.00 114.05 2166.95
Flanders 35 2024.85 101.24 1923.61
Forsyth 38 3049.37 152.46 2896.91
Franklin 17 2550.71 127.53 2423.18
Frederick 46 3669.70 183.48 3486.22
Fulton 25 2552.78 127.63 2425.15
Genesee 41 2202.63 110.13 2092.50
Hamilton 24 2994.63 149.73 2844.90
Harriet 33 2776.88 138.84 2638.04
Hartley 43 2753.12 137.65 2615.47
Harvard 14 2071.13 103.55 1967.58
Ideal 23 2654.70 132.73 2521.97
Ilion 13 2440.36 122.01 2318.35
Janis 40 3088.00 154.40 2933.60
Kenmore, Plan A 54 804.91 40.24 764.67
Kenmore, Plan B 54 1039.82 51.99 987.83
Lancaster 34 2905.94 145.29 2760.65
La Salle 21 3076.84 153.84 2923.00
Lawton, Plan A 53 1647.97 82.39 1565.58
Lawton, Plan B 53 1825.67 91.28 1734.39
Lincoln 16 2849.67 142.48 2707.19
Madison 66 2510.10 125.50 2384.60
Maidstone, Plan A 52 1131.47 56.57 1074.90
Maidstone, Plan B 52 1386.96 69.34 1317.62
Monroe 59 2100.69 105.03 1995.66
Nelson 47 1728.63 86.43 1642.20
New Hartford 19 2185.30 109.26 2076.04
Niagara 20 2459.91 122.99 2336.92
Olean 42 2012.08 100.60 1911.48
Ontario 64 2051.56 102.57 1948.99
Potomac 18 3124.68 156.23 2968.45
Raymond 15 2305.83 115.29 2190.54
Richard 48 2045.57 102.27 1943.30
Rochester 49 2340.15 117.00 2223.15
Salem 28 2538.93 126.94 2411.99
Shamrock, Plan A 57 1124.27 56.21 1068.06
Shamrock, Plan B 57 1429.11 71.45 1357.66
Sherrill, Plan A 51 1551.68 77.58 1474.10
Sherrill, Plan B 51 1898.22 94.91 1803.31
Stanley 65 1230.88 61.54 1169.34
Tremont 67 4051.07 202.55 3848.52
Waverly 63 2006.09 100.30 1905.79
Woodward 29 1723.77 86.18 1637.59
York 27 1914.00 95.60 1818.40
=SUMMER COTTAGES=, Pages 68-69
Wenona 68 $842.07 $42.10 $799.97
Newport 68 786.86 39.34 747.52
Ivernia 69 702.34 35.11 667.23
Linwood 69 800.36 40.01 760.35
=GARAGES=, Pages 69-70
Buick 10 × 14 $170.12 $ 8.50 $161.62
Buick 10 × 16 182.48 9.12 173.36
Buick 12 × 16 196.45 9.82 186.63
Buick 12 × 18 210.21 10.51 199.70
Buick 12 × 20 217.08 10.85 206.23
Cadillac 18 × 16 275.84 13.79 262.05
Cadillac 18 × 18 293.09 14.65 278.44
Cadillac 18 × 20 306.98 15.34 291.64
Cadillac 20 × 18 306.98 15.34 291.64
Cadillac 20 × 20 325.52 16.27 309.25
Cadillac 27 × 20 417.76 20.88 396.88
Hudson 10 × 14 169.83 8.49 161.34
Hudson 10 × 16 181.72 9.08 172.64
Hudson 12 × 16 199.97 9.99 189.98
Hudson 12 × 18 208.73 10.43 198.30
Hudson 14 × 16 212.73 10.63 202.10
Hudson 14 × 18 226.63 10.33 215.30
Peerless 18 × 16 288.10 14.40 273.70
Peerless 18 × 18 301.76 15.08 286.68
Peerless 18 × 20 315.26 15.76 299.50
Peerless 20 × 18 315.26 15.76 299.50
Peerless 20 × 20 327.42 16.37 311.05
Bennett Special 8 × 12 90.94 4.54 86.40
Bennett Special 8 × 14 97.61 4.88 92.73
Bennett Special 8 × 16 110.18 5.50 104.68
Bennett Special 10 × 12 99.22 4.96 94.26
Bennett Special 10 × 14 109.25 5.46 103.79
Bennett Special 10 × 16 122.23 6.11 116.12
[Illustration: Bennett Homes Better-Built Ready-Cut Order Form
FORM 211-5-20 120M-PK-1000]
This book is the story, in word and picture, of actual homes proven by
living people to be Beautiful, Practical, Substantial. ¶ The designs and
plans are the final creations, after years of study and experience, of
Foremost American Authorities on Home Architecture and Construction. ¶
Economy is the controlling thought in these plans--not economy that
merely cheapens but that which eliminates all unnecessary costs without
sacrifice of appearance, strength or utility. ¶ Bennett Homes are truly
Better-Built--better to look at, better to live in and better to last.
[Illustration]
CATALOG No. 18
Copyright 1920 by
=_Ray H. Bennett Lumber Co., Inc.
NORTH TONAWANDA - N. Y._=
ESTABLISHED 1902
INDEX
Page
Bennett Advantages, 7
Bennett Economies, 4-7
Bennett Method, 4-7
Bennett Plant, 1
Cellars, 9
Chimneys, 9
Colonnades, 36-37
Decorating Service, Inside Back Cover
Doors, 36-37
Double Home, 46-67
Duplex Home, 46-67
Economies, 4-7
Foundation Plans, 9
French Doors, 36-37
Garages, 69-70
Buick
Hudson
Peerless
Cadillac
Bennett Special, 69
Guarantee, Order Form
Hardware, 36-37
Heating, 71-72
History--Home Building, 3
Houses, 10-35 and 38-67
Aberdeen, 30
Arcadia, 31
Atherton, 32
Auburn, 56
Avon, 10
Beverly, 60
Bison, 22
Bryant, 12
Charlotte, 11
Clarendon, 39
Cleo, 26
Cloverdale, 55
Concord, 61
Colonial, 44
Delaware, 58
Dover, 50
Emerson, 62
Erie, 45
Flanders, 35
Forsyth, 38
Franklin, 17
Frederick, 46
Fulton, 25
Genesee, 41
Hamilton, 24
Harriet, 33
Hartley, 43
Harvard, 14
Ideal, 23
Ilion, 13
Janis, 40
Kenmore, 54
Lancaster, 34
LaSalle, 21
Lawton, 53
Lincoln, 16
Madison, 66
Maidstone, 52
Monroe, 59
Nelson, 47
New Hartford, 19
Niagara, 20
Olean, 42
Ontario, 64
Potomac, 18
Raymond, 15
Richard, 48
Rochester, 49
Salem, 28
Shamrock, 57
Sherrill, 51
Stanley, 65
Tremont, 67
Waverly, 63
Woodward, 29
York, 27
Kitchen Cabinets, 36-37
Landscape Service, Inside Back Cover
Lighting, 71-72
Linen Closet, 36-37
Lock Sets, 36-37
Masonry, 9
Medicine Cabinet, 36-37
Mirror Door, 36-37
Paints, 9
Plaster, 9
Plumbing, 71-72
Prices, with letter
References, 2
Reverse Plans, 8
Specifications--general, 8-9
Specifications--detail, with each home
Stairways, 36-37
Summer Cottages, 68-69
Wenona
Newport
Ivernia
Linwood
Two Family Home, 46-67
Trim--interior, 36-37
Wardrobe, 36-37
Windows, 36-37
[Illustration: 3 Letters of Reference
REFERENCES
THE STATE NATIONAL BANK NORTH TONAWANDA, N.Y.
BUFFALO TRUST COMPANY BUFFALO, N.Y.
THE FIRST TRUST CO. OF TONAWANDA TONAWANDA, N.Y.
REFERENCES
OUR CUSTOMERS EVERYWHERE ANY BANK OR TRUST COMPANY COMMERCIAL AGENCIES.]
"_=Home-keeping hearts are happiest;
For those who wander they know not where
Are full of trouble and full of care;
To stay at home is best.=_"
--LONGFELLOW
The first home was purposely built beside the "Sacred Fire".
The story runs that fire came as a gift from the Gods to Man. And so
heavenly seemed its qualities of beauty, light and warmth, that Man
reverenced it--ceased wandering and built his abode around its glowing
radiance.
Through the ages--from the rugged cave, the rough tent of animal skins,
the crude log cabin, down to the Home Beautiful of To-day--home building
has been the strong primal instinct. Men have practiced all the pursuits
of peace and war for those things for which home stands--love, family,
hospitality, security, worship. Indeed, the home building spirit is the
very backbone of civilization. Intelligent, thoughtful men always desire
their families to live the home life, because they know that the best of
physical, mental and moral powers are developed under home's benign
influence.
Almost the first thought of the Pilgrims after they had landed on
America's new shores was of a home. And so immediately they built
themselves sturdy houses of the straight-shafted pine trees that stood
everywhere about the rugged shores. And some of these homes are still
standing, amazing testimony to the vigor and endurance of wood.
Today, more than ever before, people are seriously considering how they
shall live. They realize that the dwelling place has a marked influence
upon living and character--that the inspiration of home, next to
religion, is the greatest in life.
Perforce, many must live part of their lives in the rented house. But
however desirable, no family can ever acquire quite that deep-seated
love and interest for, nor have the incentive to adorn and beautify, a
dwelling place for which they pay toll to a landlord. But when the place
which shelters the family belongs to them, when they know that every
thought and every dollar they put into it is a permanent investment
which pays big dividends in the family happiness and contentment--then
that place, however lowly or humble, becomes truly a home. Naturally
then, the tendency is strongly toward the owned private home.
The dainty cottage--the inviting semi-bungalow--the comfortable
Colonial--the cosy story-and-a-half--these are the leading types of
homes to-day. And when there is built into them that particular beauty,
and those conveniences--modern sanitation, lighting, ventilation and
heating--that will suit the taste of the individual family, their mode
of living and their pocketbook--then indeed does the dwelling place
become "a thing of beauty and a joy forever".
Bennett Homes, Better-Built and Ready-Cut, satisfy every desire and
every need of home-lovers--for the dwelling-place which shall possess
charm, convenience and endurance to the greatest extent consistent with
the desired investment.
[Illustration: =A Better-Built idea--routing (instead of cleating)
stair-stringers for fine workmanship, and accurate fit.=]
HOW SCIENCE SOLVED THE HIGH COST OF HOME-BUILDING
Up to the present, the great drawback to home-building has been the
excessive cost, by the individually-built-house method.
Plans by experienced architects have been costly; the cost of lumber has
been high; the amount of labor necessary to cut and trim rough and
finished lumber has been a serious item; there have been endless
worries--delays--extra costs; plans have looked good on paper, but have
not worked out well; contractors have been known to be careless about
the quality of the material and of the work on the job.
What will avoid all the usual waste, delays, disappointments,
and--what will cut the cost of building a home? Science
says--"_simplify_"--"_standardize_"--"_eliminate waste_."
"_This is the day of brains that plans for thousands_ at a time, instead
of one. Why is it necessary to plan every individual home that is built?
There's a wiser, more economical way. Once the plan for a house has been
tried and proven true, use it many times over; let hundreds of people
divide the cost--let hundreds of people reap the benefit of these
plans."
"_This is the day of machinery_, the day for producing in tremendous
quantities, thereby accomplishing in minutes that which would consume
hours, days and weeks to achieve by usual methods. After having worked
out plans to the highest point of economy, why not cut the materials by
labor-saving machines _instead of the old hand method_, thereby reducing
labor and waste to a minimum."
+==================================+
| ¶ ALL CHANCES FOR ERRORS AS TO |
| QUANTITY AND QUALITY ARE |
| ELIMINATED BY PURCHASING ALL |
| MATERIALS AT A STATED PRICE FROM |
| ONE COMPANY--FROM BENNETT. |
+==================================+
SCIENCE'S ANSWER IS THE BENNETT-WAY
The best designs and plans have been produced for hundreds to share the
benefits--a huge modern mill in the heart of the lumber market has been
equipped with labor-and-waste-saving machinery of the latest type--and
YOU, who want to build a home, reap the advantages and savings of the
Bennett-Way in securing one of finer design, greater convenience, and
genuine durability.
Perhaps right here, it is well to establish the difference between a
Bennett Ready-Cut Home and a portable house.
The object of the portable system is to produce a building construction
which may be put together to form a temporary shelter--taken apart
again--moved from place to place as desired. Manufacturers of portable
buildings cannot and do not represent their products to be permanent.
But Bennett Homes, Better-Built and Ready-Cut, are built for permanency.
Once your Bennett Home is completed, there is absolutely no difference
between it and any well constructed home, except, perhaps, that our
designs are more attractive and impressive than the average homes one
sees.
HOW RENT-MONEY COUNTS
This table shows what rent amounts to in ten and twenty years, with six
per cent interest compounded annually, and gives an idea of the value of
the house one can pay for by applying rent toward paying for a home.
Rent per Month In 10 Years In 20 Years
$ 8.00 $1,265.35 $ 3,531.41
12.00 1,898.02 5,279.11
17.00 2,688.86 7,504.24
20.00 3,163.36 8,828.52
25.00 3,954.20 11,035.65
30.00 4,745.04 13,242.78
35.00 5,535.88 15,449.91
50.00 7,908.40 22,071.30
[Illustration: =Tonawanda, heart of the Lumber Market. Great lumber-docks
on one side, main trunk-line railroads on the other.=]
ATTRACTIVE DESIGNS
There are more than fifty designs and plans offered on the following
pages. They have been carefully and expertly selected from hundreds
submitted. These designs are not merely dreams of architects or artists.
They are actual houses which have been built, lived in and proven
practical and pleasurable in every detail. In considering a BENNETT
BETTER-BUILT HOME, you are offered a very wide selection of various
styles and sizes, so that you may choose a home that will suit your
particular needs, tastes, locality, and pocketbook.
In building the Bennett Way you have this genuine advantage--you know,
before you build, just exactly how your home will look after it is
completed. Do you know _that_ when your local architect or contractor
designs your home for you? He may convince you that his design is what
you want, and induce you to accept it, even against your own better
judgment. Though you may not be pleased with the design he has prepared,
nevertheless you accept his ideas rather than submit to the additional
expense and delay of a change. BENNETT BETTER-BUILT HOMES correspond in
every detail with the actual photographs shown in this catalog. Should
the design you select require some slight alterations, we shall be very
glad to make such changes, if practical, at actual cost.
ECONOMY IN DRAFTING
The first of a series of savings for you starts in our drafting room.
It is quite necessary for the architect to charge a considerable fee for
his drawings, for he must pay expenses and a profit. The drawings for
our houses are even more elaborate, and the first cost of production is
naturally much greater. Yet there is this gain for you: when the
drawings are once made, hundreds of blue prints are made from them at
practically a negligible cost. Therefore, we furnish you with blue
prints from our drawings _absolutely free_ of fees or of any charge.
[Illustration: =Two large schooners unloading a giant shipment at the
spacious Bennett Docks.=]
[Illustration: =Millions of feet of choice lumber air-drying for your and
other fine homes.=]
ECONOMY IN STANDARDIZATION
Next we help you realize a decided saving through standardization of
materials.
In designing an attractive home, a professional architect can give
little thought to standard lengths or shapes of material. Our Bennett
Better-Built designers, however, put forth both thought and effort
toward producing, not only an attractive home, but one which is
economical of rough and finished lumber, millwork, etc.
For instance, there are certain standard lengths and widths of lumber,
and certain standard styles and sizes of windows, doors, window frames,
door frames--in fact of every kind of millwork. Standard items can be
manufactured in tremendous quantities at very low cost while special
styles and sizes require readjustment of machinery, and the waste
(sometimes 33 and 1-3 per cent) of standard-sized materials to meet
special requirements. We manufacture such an extensive variety of styles
and sizes in building materials of so many kinds, that an appearance as
artistic as you may wish can easily be produced without resorting to the
expense of special materials.
Another important application of standardization lies in the spacing of
windows and the like. Insofar as appearance is concerned, 6 inches one
way or another usually makes but little difference in the spacing of
windows. But from the standpoint of economy, it is decidedly better to
have the spacing in even feet. For instance, windows spaced 12 or 14
feet apart permit the use of 12 or 14 foot standard length boards,
without waste; whereas, if the windows were spaced 12' 6" apart, it
would necessitate the cutting up of a 14' or 16' board with a waste on
every board that goes to make up the full height of the window.
ECONOMY IN USE OF LABOR-SAVING MACHINERY
By the use of gigantic, powerful machinery, we save you a large
percentage of labor cost, and inaccuracies that always waste hand-cut
lumber.
The prices quoted in our catalog furnish you with material sufficient to
complete every listed detail of the home which you select. In addition,
it covers the cost of cutting every piece of material so that when it
reaches its destination, it is ready to nail. There will be no wasting
of time waiting for "something forgotten that must be ordered," waiting
for one man to cut and fit a part before another can go ahead.
[Illustration: Machines sawing and resawing lumber for homes--saving
hours and days over hand methods.]
You cannot possible go astray, because--as we said before--our blue
prints are thorough and complete, showing the exact location of each and
every piece of material. It would not be difficult to erect the entire
building with only the blue prints at hand. Nevertheless, to facilitate
the work, we furnish a bill of material, itemizing each and every piece,
and instructing where it should be placed.
As a further safeguard against error and confusion, we include a set of
instructions written by men who have had years of actual experience in
constructing houses.
ECONOMY IN CARPENTRY
The entire time consumed by the carpenter for calculating the best plan
for framing, has been eliminated. This time is entirely saved, because
with our Bennett Better-Built system, the planning is completely done in
our office before the material is shipped, and our _Special Notch
System_ makes the work speedy.
As you have watched work on a house, have you ever stopped to figure how
very much of a workman's time was spent in first measuring, then
cutting, then trying and perhaps refitting the material--all this is
against the very small amount of time required for fastening and
nailing? Well, we save you all that fuss and waste by furnishing the
material not merely cut, but cut to fit more accurately than hand labor
ever could.
Immediately upon receipt of your order, the blue-prints of the design
you have selected, the bill of material and a set of instructions are
mailed to you. At that same time, a duplicate bill of material is sent
into our mill, with instructions to start cutting. Within a few hours
the material for the frame of your house is completed--which means that
the work which would have required many days of expensive labor on the
job, is accomplished in hours by our machines--more economically, more
accurately, many times over.
ECONOMY IN MILLWORK
All Bennett Better-Built doors, windows, door frames, window frames,
door trim, window trim and mouldings are manufactured in
quantities--therefore at a very low cost of production, of which you
derive the benefit. Powerful and precise machines saw and resaw, rout
stair stringers, mortise, and fit doors and windows, cut and shape
woodwork, smooth and sand all sorts and sizes of lumber--with a quality
of fine workmanship in dozen and score lots impossible by any other
method.
And remember--any saving in labor must be considered a double saving,
because the more time required for the erection of your home, the longer
you are paying out money for labor on the new and for rent where you are
living.
ECONOMY IN WATER TRANSPORTATION OF RAW MATERIALS
The docks of the Ray H. Bennett Lumber Company, Inc., are located the
best of any in North Tonawanda. You will realize the importance to you
of location, when we tell you that the largest lumber steamers coming
down the great lakes, direct from the saw mills, land at our docks. Thus
we are enabled to take advantage of lake-steamer cargo-shipments, and
save something for you.
[Illustration: Thousands of doors--absolutely clear grade--knotless, and
beautifully grained.]
You will also appreciate that we, as buyers of cargoes of lumber
totalling millions of feet, are entitled to a lower price than the buyer
of a carload of lumber containing only about twenty thousand feet. This
impresses the fact that we are in a position to furnish you better
quality materials at lower prices. We handle lumber in huge
quantities--our stock sizes are secured in big units--therefore, our
goods are manufactured and handled at a much lower cost.
You can easily see that our ideal location for the securing of our raw
materials means large savings to you. We have enormous stocks on hand at
all times and are ideally equipped for fast work.
ECONOMY IN EXCEPTIONAL SHIPPING FACILITIES
North Tonawanda, N. Y., where the Bennett Plant is located, is one of
the largest lumber markets in the United States. This is due to the fact
that North Tonawanda is a made-to-order center for distribution. Its
shipping facilities are conceded to be unsurpassed in the country.
Practically all of the great railway systems are in direct connection,
enabling us to give you the remarkable service--the vitally important
quick shipments--for which we are famed--in which we excel.
ECONOMY IN BENNETT BULK BUYING
We have, as yet, made little mention of our vast purchasing power, nor
of the fact that you are purchasing your material at wholesale prices.
[Illustration: Window warehouse--thousands of dollars' worth of finely
constructed frames ready for glazing.]
We purchase, annually, many millions of feet of material directly from
the saw mills, thereby eliminating unnecessary expenses and profits. We
buy at rock-bottom prices, less all possible discounts for quantity, for
prompt payment, etc.
[Illustration: One of our modern Planers--helping to put the celebrated
finish on Bennett interior woodwork.]
And then our giant purchases are brought by large lake steamers to our
docks and unloaded directly into our yard. On one side our material
comes in; it moves almost automatically through our yards to the cutting
and finishing mills; it leaves them on the railroad side of our
property. With our advantages, the cost of handling is therefore reduced
to a minimum which only a few of the largest establishments can hope to
equal.
BENNETT ADVANTAGES--In a Nutshell
1. Designs and plans proven the "best" of this country's architectural
and practical experts.
2. Elimination of architects' and contractors' fees.
3. Materials from the heart of the lumber market--brand-new, bright
stock.
4. Saving of waste through standard sizes, lengths, shapes.
5. Ready-cut, ready-to-erect features as against cut-and-try on the job
method.
6. Quantity production of standardized millwork.
7. Transportation and handling charges minimized.
8. Huge buying facilities.
9. Services of an organization, celebrated for its financial strength,
for ability and for integrity.
10. All-in-all a real HOME for you and yours at a price that represents
the greatest possible value for the money you elect to put into it.
In every paragraph of these specifications you will note how thoroughly
we have planned for strength and endurance in the construction of your
home--how we employ only the best grades of lumber, accurately cut and
fashioned by the most precise workmanship.
In the first place, please understand the importance of our notched
construction. See the photograph in the lower corner of next page. The
frames of our houses are a great improvement over the common practice,
both in matters of accuracy of fit, of strength and rigidity. The notch
method is considered costly when done by hand labor, but it is always
considered desirable. The Bennett methods of doing by machines in
minutes what would take hours or days by the cut-on-the-job way, gives
you extra quality without extra cost.
Another thing we wish you to note is the double and triple strength of
joists and studding, where extra stresses are sure to be met, or
absolute rigidity is an essential. See the three studs at the corners as
shown by the photo of "notch" construction.
Notice that we furnish bridging for floor joists; that our stairs are
cut accurately, as in the best houses, instead of using mere nailed-on
cleats.
Notice how we select and match interior woods for beauty of grain--how
we sand them so they will take a most beautiful finish.
Notice that the outside of our houses--door and window frames, and
siding,--is of _Redwood_, celebrated for its extraordinary long life,
and so approved by the U. S. Government experts.
Notice our hardware and such items as kitchen cabinets, wardrobes,
medicine cabinets, even building paper, and lastly notice our double
flooring for both floors.
In every last item, Bennett Homes are truly Better-Built--all in all you
will get a most attractive, most livable, most enduring dwelling place,
giving you a dollar for dollar value that is unequalled in the lumber
market.
General Specifications
DIMENSIONS
All rooms show =actual= inside measurements and not from outside of
building to center of inside partition or from center of partition to
center of partition, as is sometimes given.
PLANS
One set is furnished with each house. They are so complete in detail,
that if carefully followed, it is impossible to go wrong. Reversed plans
will be furnished without extra cost.
MATERIALS IN GENERAL
All lumber for Bennett "Better-Built" Homes is shipped directly from
enormous stocks in our yards. It is all thoroughly seasoned, and
guaranteed equal to or better than the grades specified. Thorough
seasoning means less waste and consequently lower freight charges. It
also means that shrinkage, bound to occur with green lumber, has
occurred before the lumber is cut for your home.
[Illustration]
QUANTITY OF MATERIALS
An unqualified guarantee is contained on your order blank that we will
furnish material to entirely complete your home in accordance with the
following general specifications and with the particular specifications
contained on the individual page of photograph and plans.
BASEMENT FRAMES AND SASH
Are not included in your order unless illustration shows siding or
shingles to the grade lines, because these are used when the foundation
is laid. We plan to have your material on the ground as soon as the
foundation is finished and has had sufficient time to set. If we were to
furnish basement frames and sash, it would be necessary either to ship
them by express, creating additional expense, or it would be necessary
to delay the foundation work until the lumber arrived. We cannot see
where enough benefit is derived to make up for this additional expense
and delay. If, however, you decide to have us furnish them, we will ship
them according to your instructions.
FOUNDATION WALL PLATE OR BOND TIMBER
2 in. × 6 in. No. 1 Hemlock, surfaced four sides and cut to fit,
furnished to lay on top of the foundation wall to insure an even bearing
for the first floor joists.
GIRDER
Size 6 in. × 6 in. or 6 in. × 8 in., (as listed under each design)
depending upon the size house. No. 1 Hemlock, surfaced four sides and
cut to fit. It is a well-known fact that a built-up timber is stronger
than a solid timber, and is much easier to handle. We, therefore,
furnish material cut to proper length to make a built-up timber.
GIRDER POSTS
Iron stanchions 4 in. in diameter. These posts are furnished in
sufficient number for spacing not more than 8 ft. apart.
FIRST FLOOR JOISTS
2 in. × 8 in. or 2 in. × 10 in. according to span, No. 1 Hemlock,
Surfaced four sides and cut to fit; spaced 16 in. on centers and =doubled=
under all bearing partitions.
SECOND FLOOR JOISTS
2 in. × 8 in. or 2 in. × 10 in. according to span, No. 1 Hemlock,
surfaced four sides and cut to fit; spaced 16 in. on centers.
CEILING JOISTS AND COLLAR BEAMS
2 in. × 4 in. or 2 in. × 6 in., depending upon span, No. 1 Hemlock,
surfaced four sides and cut to fit; 16 in. on centers.
BRIDGING
2 in. × 2 in. Hemlock, cut to fit. A double row between all 2 in. × 8
in. and 2 in. × 10 in. joists having a span of 12 ft. or over.
RAFTERS
2 in. × 4 in. or 2 in. × 6 in. depending on size of house and pitch of
roof, No. 1 Hemlock, surfaced four sides, spaced 24 in. on centers. The
rafters are all carefully laid out and cut in our mill, ready to erect
on the job.
STUDDING
2 in. × 4 in. No. 1 Hemlock, surfaced four sides, all cut to fit; spaced
16 in. on centers. =Trebled= at corners of outside walls and =doubled= at
sides of door and window openings where extra strength is required. Top
plates of all partitions and outside walls are =double=; single plates at
bottom. Side wall plates are =notched= to receive the studding, a
celebrated Bennett feature. It is impossible to set the studding wrong.
This is an improvement over the ordinary method of framing. See
illustration on opposite page.
WALL SHEATHING
=Dressed and matched= and cut to fit. This is another important item of
Bennett quality. No. 1 Hemlock.
ROOF SHEATHING
1 in. × 4 in. No. 1 Hemlock, surfaced one side, cut to fit. We furnish
this material in quantities to allow for 2-1/4 in. spacing, as is common
practice, when shingles are used. In case you decide to use Asphalt
Slate Surfaced Roofing, or Asphalt S. S. Shingles, it is necessary to
lay the sheathing tightly together. We furnish dressed and matched
sheathing for this purpose at a slight additional cost.
PORCH FLOOR JOISTS
2 in. × 6 in. No. 1 Hemlock, surfaced four sides and cut to fit. Spaced
16 in. on centers.
PORCH CEILING JOISTS AND RAFTERS
2 in. × 4 in. No. 1 Hemlock, surfaced four sides and cut to fit. Spaced
24 in. on centers.
SUB FLOORING
1 in. No. 1 Hemlock =Dressed= and =Matched= and cut to fit, furnished for
both =first= and =second floors=.
FINISH FLOORING
13/16 in. × 2-1/4 in. or 13/16 in. × 3-1/4 in. Clear Flat Grain Yellow
Pine or Clear Fir. Double Flooring is another proof of the Bennett
Better-Built idea--it secures rigidity and soundproofness. Furnished in
standard lengths.
PORCH FLOORING
1-1/8 in. × 3-1/4 in. Clear Fir, cut to fit.
PORCH CEILING
7/16 in. Clear Yellow Pine, surfaced and beaded one side and matched,
cut to fit.
ATTIC FLOORING
When attic stairs are shown in plans, we furnish 13/16 in. × 3-1/4 in.
No. 2 Yellow Pine, cut to fit. When attic stairs are not shown, no
flooring is furnished.
CORNICE CEILING
3/4 in. × 3-1/4 in. =Clear Fir=, surfaced and beaded one side and matched,
cut to fit, used instead of roof boards over exposed rafter ends.
OUTSIDE FINISH
=Clear Redwood=, =Clear Fir or Sound Knotted White Pine=, surfaced four
sides.
SIDING
1/2 in. =Clear Redwood Bevel Siding, furnished in standard lengths. Or=
=Extra *A* Washington Red Cedar= Shingles will be furnished instead of
siding without extra charge, if so desired. It is commonly known, and an
admitted fact that =Redwood is unequalled for exterior protection=.
DOOR FRAMES AND WINDOW FRAMES
=Clear Redwood= cut to fit, and shipped knocked-down. The sills for all
outside doors are 1-3/4 in. × 7-1/4 in. hardwood. All outside casing for
window and doors are 7/8 in. × 4-1/2 in. with drip cap.
INSIDE DOORS
1-3/8 in. Fir, two or five panel, mortised for lock sets. See pages 36
and 37.
FRONT AND REAR DOORS
Both glazed. Front doors are furnished as shown in the individual house
picture. 1-3/4 in. thick No. 1 grade solid Chestnut, unless otherwise
specified, =mortised= for front door lock set. Rear door 1-3/8 in.,
=mortised= for lock set. See pages 36 and 37 for all doors.
ROOF SHINGLES
Extra Clear Washington Red Cedar 5-2 inches, (*) at butt. To lay 4-1/2
in. to the weather. Bennett multi-strip slate-surfaced shingles or
Bennett Asphalt Slate-Surfaced Shingles will be furnished at a nominal
cost. *Note: The "5 to 2" inches, refers to the thickness of the
shingles, and means that five shingles placed one on top of the other
with butts together, measures full 2 inches thick at the butt end.
SIDE WALL SHINGLES
For side walls, where shown in catalog, are Premium Brand Extra *A*
Washington Red Cedar Shingles 6 to 2, furnished to be laid 5 in. to the
weather. Siding will be furnished instead of shingles, if so desired.
SCAFFOLDS AND BRACES
We furnish these as necessary, depending upon the size of the house.
LATH
No. 1 Spruce or Hemlock 48 in. standard. No lath furnished for cellar or
attic, unless ordered extra.
GROUNDS
5/8 in. × 7/8 in. Hemlock. To nail around all inside door openings as a
guide for plastering.
STAIRS
The stairs are carefully designed for the individual requirements of
each home. The material is the highest grade of Yellow Pine to match the
beauty of the other interior finish. They are carefully machined in our
mills and are shipped to you knocked down, ready to set up. See
illustration of manufacture on page 4. See pages 36 and 37 also.
CELLAR AND ATTIC STAIRS
Furnished cut to fit whenever shown in the plans.
PANTRY AND CLOSET SHELVING
Material for shelves is furnished for each closet and pantry, shown in
the catalog plans.
KITCHEN CABINET
Whenever kitchen cabinets are shown in the plans they are included in
the price for the home. They are shipped to you in the knock-down
complete (including hardware). The material is clear grade Yellow Pine.
See pages 36 and 37.
MEDICINE CABINET
A built-in medicine cabinet is furnished with each house having a
bathroom. Each cabinet is complete in every detail and includes a
bevel-mirror door. Shipped ready to set in place. See pages 36 and 37.
COLONNADES
Where a colonnade is shown in the plans, it is included in the price of
the home. The material is, of course, Yellow Pine to match the other
fine interior finish of the home. Each colonnade is manufactured in owr
own mill under our own supervision, and we guarantee you the very best
of materials and the finest workmanship. Two styles of colonnades are
shown on pages 36 and 37 of our catalog. In case a colonnade is not
included in the plan of the house you select, and you wish to install
one, we will, upon application, gladly quote prices.
INSIDE DOOR AND WINDOW TRIM
Clear Yellow Pine of the finest quality obtainable, all carefully
matched and sanded. The casings are 13/16 in. × 3-5/8 in. in width; back
band 1-1/8 in. × 1-1/8 in.; the window stool 7/8 in. × 3-5/8 in.; the
apron 7/8 in. × 3-1/4 in. This design is one of the choicest on the
market. See pages 36 and 37.
BASE, PICTURE MOULDING, CHAIR RAIL AND HOOK STRIPS
Clear Yellow Pine, shipped in standard lengths to be cut on the job;
base 13/16 in. × 7-5/8 in. on first floor, 13/16 in. × 5-5/8 in. for
second floor. Picture moulding 13/16 in. × 1-1/2 in. Chair rail 5/8 in.
× 3-1/2 in. Hook strips 13/16 in. × 2-3/4 in. Chair rail for kitchen and
bath. Hook strips for all closets.
WINDOWS
1-3/8 in. Clear White Pine, check rail, made to be used with pulleys and
weights. Glass set in and puttied. Styles to correspond with those shown
in the individual house pictures. All windows more than 26 inches in
width, glazed with =double= strength glass.
PORCH MATERIAL
All porch materials are manufactured from the best weather-resisting
woods of standard designs. Porch steps are painstakingly cut to fit in
our mill and shipped to you knocked-down with 1-1/8 in. treads.
HARDWARE
MORTISE LOCK SETS
Design illustrated on pages 36 and 37. Furnished in two styles of
finish--Antique Copper, or Sand Blast Dull Brass. Unless otherwise
specified in your order, we will furnish the Antique Copper. A cylinder
front door lock set is furnished with all houses listed at $2400.00 or
more. For houses listed at less, the standard bit key front door lock
set is furnished.
DOUBLE ACTING FLOOR HINGES AND DOOR PLATES
Furnished with all houses shown with a double swinging door between the
kitchen and dining room.
HINGES
Finished to match other hardware. Three hinges are furnished on all
front doors.
SASH LIFT, SASH LOCKS AND WINDOW STOP ADJUSTERS
Furnished for all sliding sash windows, finished to match the lock sets,
two sash lifts to each window.
BATHROOM HARDWARE
All bathroom hardware is =nickel plated=.
KITCHEN CUPBOARD AND CABINET HARDWARE
All =hinges=, =turns=, =etc.=, are included in price quoted and
furnished to match other hardware.
NAILS
Sufficient quantities of all sizes furnished for all purposes.
Galvanized nails for shingles.
BUILDING PAPER
=Tarred Paper= is furnished for underneath the siding, and between the
finish and sub-flooring.
DOORBELL
We furnish an attractive front door bell set.
MISCELLANEOUS HARDWARE
Our hardware list includes sash cord, window weights, attic sash sets,
base knobs, coat hooks, chimney flashing and valley tin, but does not
include eavetroughing.
PAINTS, OILS AND VARNISHES
EXTRA FINE QUALITY READY-MIXED PAINT
Sufficient in quantity for three good coats on outside walls. A special
hard drying floor paint is furnished to cover the porch floor and steps
two coats. Color card furnished upon request.
SPAR VARNISH
Although it costs less to furnish paint for the porch ceiling, we are
furnishing a high grade spar varnish for two coats. Spar varnish is also
furnished to cover the front door.
INTERIOR VARNISH
A very high grade varnish is furnished for two good coats on all doors,
windows and interior trim. This varnish is exceedingly durable and can
be rubbed within 36 to 48 hours. It is not affected by hot or cold water
and will not crack.
Practically every home owner prefers his bathroom painted rather than
varnished. All bathrooms in Bennett Better-Built Homes are especially
attractive, owing to the fact that they are finished in white enamel and
all hardware is furnished nickel plated. Enamel undercoater is furnished
to cover the woodwork, two coats. Two coats of Bennett White Enamel on
top of this makes an attractive and durable surface. Our White Enamel
Paint will not turn yellow. Putty, oil, sandpaper and turpentine in
proper quantities to meet requirements are furnished.
Although we do not include floor varnish or wall paints in our
specifications, owing to the wide variety of ways for finishing floors
and walls, we will upon request be glad to figure your exact needs and
quote upon them.
SHINGLE STAIN
When shingles are used on outside walls, we furnish shingle stain
instead of paint. We do not furnish stain for roof shingles, except at
an additional cost on order.
FOUNDATION, CHIMNEY, FIREPLACES
Although we show on our plans, the location of foundation, chimney,
fireplace, etc., we do not include these items in our prices, nor do we
carry the materials in stock. The express and freight charges to be met
in shipment would offset any advantages we might offer. For the same
reason, we do not furnish plaster. We will, however, gladly co-operate
with our customers by offering suggestions or furnishing data regarding
same.
PLUMBING, HEATING AND LIGHTING
See pages 71 and 72 for plumbing, heating and lighting fixtures.
The quotations covering the installation of plumbing, heating and
lighting equipment vary so much that it is advisable to consider each
separately.
Our Equipment Department will furnish you with information and
estimates.
[Illustration: Notches Make Assembling Easy]
[Illustration]
[Sidenote: =_Avon_= 26 ft. × 40 ft. over all 7 Rooms and Bath]
What "Sterling" means to silver, our "Avon" means to the semi-bungalow
home. It is the hallmark of genuine worth.
Rarely do you find so stately, yet so graceful lines. Consider the broad
and downward sweeping roofs of main structure and porch, the overhanging
eaves, the supporting brackets, the solid pillars and house-wide
veranda. And such a wonderful place inside! You'll hesitate a minute in
the vestibule--but it's in the hospitable living room you wish to be.
There's a restful hearth and fireside at the farther end; or, if you
prefer, a triple window to give a wide view of outdoors. And--what's
unique--the stairway rising charmingly from one corner of the roomy,
cheerful dining room. The kitchen is compact, convenient.
And think of it--_two_ airy, sizable bedrooms on the main floor. Yet
there are two more sleeping rooms--one extra large--the bath, storeroom,
and a linen closet upstairs. Notice the ample closet room, the coat
closet, the flood of light and air possible in every room of this home.
Oh! there are features in the "Avon" to tell you about for a long
time--but write us you are interested in it especially, and we will send
the whole splendid story.
=SPECIFICATIONS=
Ceiling height first floor approximately 9 ft.
Ceiling height second floor approximately 8 ft.
Girders 6 in. × 8 in.
First and second floor joists 2 in. × 8 in.
Ceiling joists 2 in. × 4 in. Rafters 2 in. × 6 in.
Front door--our "Chautauqua," of solid Chestnut, 3 ft. × 6 ft. 8 in. and
1-3/4 in. thick, glazed with clear glass. _See pages 36-37._
French doors between vestibule and living room. _See pages 36-37._
Prices on oak floors and trim for vestibule, living room and dining
room, maple flooring in kitchen, quoted on application.
Our No. 1 kitchen cupboard and medicine cabinet included in the selling
price. _See pages 36-37._
_See pages 8-9 for general specifications._
[Illustration: "AVON"
FIRST FLOOR PLAN]
[Illustration: "AVON"
SECOND FLOOR PLAN]
[Illustration]
[Sidenote: _Charlotte_ 26 ft. × 38 ft. over all 8 Rooms, Vestibule,
Bath]
There's a quiet, rich dignity to the Charlotte--a home beyond the
ordinary for a good-sized family. The shingle sides are novel and
pleasing. Interesting brackets support the wide, overhanging eaves.
Dormers provide triple windows--one, a bay!
You enter a cozy reception hall, with its pretty stairway and landing.
An attractive colonnade arch leads into a well lighted living room. Here
you may have your cozy fireplace--or, if you prefer, none at all. French
doors communicate with an unusually attractive dining room. Many will be
pleased with the bedroom and bath on first floor. Note the splendid
bedrooms with roomy closets on second floor--bath with an easy access, a
linen closet, a large kitchen cabinet.
Truly, the Charlotte is an _achievement_--in rare design--in perfection
of every detail--in wonderful value for its low price.
SPECIFICATIONS
Ceiling height first floor approximately 9 ft.
Ceiling height second floor approximately 8 ft.
Girders 6 in. × 8 in.
First and second floor joists 2 in. × 8 in.
Ceiling joists 2 in. × 4 in. Rafters 2 in. × 6 in.
Front door--our "Conesus," of solid Chestnut, 3 ft. × 6 ft. 8 in. and
1-3/4 in. thick. _See pages 36-37._
French doors between living room and dining room.
Niagara Colonnade between hall and living room. _See pages 36-37._
Prices on oak floors and trim for vestibule, living room and dining
room, maple flooring in kitchen, quoted on application.
Our No. 1 kitchen cupboard and two medicine cabinets included in selling
price. _See pages 36-37._
[Illustration: "Charlotte" FIRST FLOOR PLAN B]
[Illustration: "Charlotte" SECOND FLOOR PLAN B]
_See pages 8-9 for general specifications._
[Illustration]
[Sidenote: =_Bryant_= 28 ft. × 24 ft. over all 6 Rooms and Bath]
If your desires lean toward the home beautiful, yet modest, containing
all necessary conveniences for modern living, you will study the Bryant
with considerable interest.
Though of complete styling, it is unburdened with expensive "fuss and
feathers." The roof treatment is artistically handled on porch, dormer
and sides. A shingled second story adds to the smart effect.
A good-sized porch leads to a spacious living room, while to the right
stands a gem of a dining room. Especially mark the stairway, closed or
open as you may wish--and a distinct gain in conservation of warmth in
cold weather. Off the nearby kitchen is a dandy storage closet. The
downstairs bedroom may be as readily used for den or study.
Upstairs there is a convenient bathroom, and two roomy sleeping chambers
with extra large closets. There is the innovation of a bright sewing
room--a room all for mother.
Splendidly designed, sturdily built in every detail, you can choose the
Bryant as a home that will meet your future as well as present needs.
=SPECIFICATIONS=
Ceiling height first floor approximately 9 ft.
Ceiling height second floor approximately 8 ft.
Girders 6 in. × 8 in.
First and second floor joists 2 in. × 8 in.
Ceiling joists 2 in. × 4 in. Rafters 2 in. × 6 in.
Front door--our "Mohawk," of solid Chestnut, 3 ft. × 6 ft. 8 in. and
1-3/4 in. thick, glazed with clear glass. _See pages 36-37._
Our No. 2 kitchen cupboard and medicine cabinet included in the selling
price. _See pages 36-37._
_See pages 8-9 for general specifications._
[Illustration: "BRYANT"
FIRST FLOOR PLAN]
[Illustration: "BRYANT"
SECOND FLOOR PLAN]
Batavia, N. Y.
Nov. 11, 1917.
_Gentlemen_:--
_Five years ago_ I bought all my lumber from you to build my house
and I am very much pleased with it. I saved a good big bit by
dealing with you.
R. P.
[Illustration]
[Sidenote: =_Ilion_= 22 ft. × 34 ft. over all 8 Rooms, Bath, Pantry]