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56-74 Southbourne Road

Kilham & Hopkins were the main architects employed by the BDHC. They were MIT graduates and had a well-respected regional practice, having formed their firm in 1901. Here is another example of a BDHC cluster of cottages around a courtyard (true to Pope’s plan). These are made of brick, not stucco. Care was taken to use tapestry brick (varying shades to create an effect which makes it look older and softer). This architectural style is called English Country Vernacular (and was much used by Kilham and Hopkins). Kilham & Hopkins created several different types of houses within these clusters: single family, duplexes and (in back) a six-family complex. 

Even though these were built as housing for workers the architects and developers spent a lot of time paying attention to details. Each unit had a fireplace, built-in china cupboards in the dining room and hardwood floors. They tried to ensure that second floor rooms had a view out to the horizon and were oriented to the sun. The houses were all piped for gas and electricity. In the end, these details made the housing more affordable for middle class (white collar) families rather than working (blue collar) ones. By today’s standards the rooms are small and the floor plans are “intimate” and can be a bit awkward. 

Woodbourne
  1. Introduction
  2. St Andrew's/Bethel AME Church
  3. Francis Parkman School
  4. Former Upham Memorial Methodist Church
  5. Richard Olney House/56 Patten
  6. Former Seaver School
  7. Corner of Eldridge and Herbertson Road
  8. Site of Woodbourne Estate
  9. 78-84 Southbourne Road
  10. 56-74 Southbourne Road
  11. 30-52 Southbourne Road
  12. Final Cluster of Boston Dwelling House Company cottages
  13. Conclusion