Thursday, July 12, 2007

Enjoy your home in the nude



Though it's been neglected lately, this house on Main Street, pictured in 1975, hasn't changed much. Other historic properties haven't been so lucky. As a result, people all over the city make good use of the historic image archive provided at the New Albany-Floyd County Library and bug Floyd County Historian Dave Barksdale incessantly, all in an attempt to decipher what the architect had in mind prior to their home becoming an emasculated, vinyl covered gymnophobe.

Fortunately, the Internet just became an even better source of nude photography.

A group of solid citizens have been working for the past couple of years to turn a happy discovery into a useful tool and an early version of the Historic Homes Digital Library is now online.

As the developers explain:
The Historic Homes of Southern Indiana Digital Photo Archive is a collection of MLS (Multiple Listing Service) Listings from the 1960's and 70's that were discovered in a real estate office in the early 2000's. In 2004, Realtor Ed Clere and Floyd County Historian David C. Barksdale applied for a $2000 matching grant from the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana and the Indiana Humanities Council. The Southern Indiana Board of Realtors provided a $2000 matching grant to support "this historically significant project."

It is hoped that these images will provide a historic record of homes in Southern Indiana to be used by historians, genealogist, and architectural preservationists in our community.

If a house was sold in New Albany, Floyd County, or Jeffersonville between the late '60s and mid '70s, there's a strong chance the real estate listing and accompanying photo are now within easy reach. The site crew is looking for feedback, so search away and let us know what you think.

5 comments:

TedF said...

The site is terrific. What a great resource for those looking to “un-modify” homes with artificial siding.

Tommy2x4 said...

wow!!! very cool! thanks for posting this.

B.W. Smith said...

Our abundance of nationally-recognized historic architecture is one of New Albany's greatest assets. I'm happy to see this site up and running.

G Coyle said...

Great idea. I'd love to see "Before" and "After" photos of some houses that have been restored.

Ceece said...

This is wonderful! Thanks to all who helped with this great resource!