Catalog Homes of Western New York: January 2021

The Bennett Better-Built Homes "Devonshire" as seen in catalog# 39 copyrighted 1930. Click here to see full catalog page.

The Ray H Bennett Lumber Company had a rather large presence and long history in parts of Pennsylvania. Actually, it was better known as Bennett Better-Built Homes rather than the formal lumber company name. There were quite a few authorized Bennett dealer in the state over the decades of the 1930s through at least the 1960s. Ridgway, PA had its own dealer (in fact there is a testimonial home I have yet to find from Ridgway, PA) and W. Harry Johnson of 224 Walnut St, Ridgway PA was his name. He advertised, if not heavily than quite often in 1931 in the Kane Republican, a local Kane, PA newspaper. So, with newspaper figuratively in hand, I jaunted off to Zillow to check out the real estate offerings. I was not dissapointed! I found a model that I have wanted to find for a while now -- a Bennett Devonshire! The Devonshire was one of Bennett's more impressive, large stately homes. English-style rather than Colonial- or Dutch Colonial Revival. First offered in catalog# 39, published in 1930, the Devonshire appeared on the cover of catalog# 40 published in 1932. It's last appearence was in 1937's catalog# 43. I can only speculate that W Harry Johnson sold this Devonshire, but it exists and the time frame is right and it is wonderful. If you want to just skip to the photos, scroll down to the bottom.

Bennett Better-Built Devonshire model at 104 S Frawly Ave, Kane, PA (photo courtesy of Zillow)

Here is the link to the listing:

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/104-S-Fraley-St-Kane-PA-16735/122628739_zpid/

Bennett wasn't the only mail order company to offer almost this exact model. Gordon-Van Tine offered two similar models, the Hudson (later known as the Columbia) and the smaller Braddock/Raleigh (which were more similar to each other than the Bennett Devonshire), and plan book companies C L Bowes and Home Builders offered their versions. (For a more in-depth looks at the Gordon-Van Tines and look-alikes, visit Sears House Seeker at this link https://www.searshouseseeker.com/2017/02/) It is also similar to the Sears Cedar. Check out Sears House Seeker's post on the Cedar and all it's close relations here: https://www.searshouseseeker.com/2016/06/sears-cedars-in-brick.html)

There are details that to me are the unique factors that differentiate the Devonshire from the others. One is the side porch and another is the chimney. The porch is narrower than the others, in fact it more closely resembles the Sears Cedars, by spanning only part of the side of the house. The chimney, what can I say except that the placement and shape is different also than the others. Other exterior details include the small window on the second floor between the chimney and vestibule (the shape of the chimney allows this) and I believe this is the only one that has a bump-out breakfast nook with second floor balcony.

Floor plan of the Bennett Devonshire from the 1930 catalog# 39. Note the breakfast nook bumpout and the deck on the second floor. (Click here to see the whole catalog page)

Let's look at some photos, shall we? (all photos courtesy of Zillow)

Kitchen separated from breakfast nook with the "plastered arch"

Living room with the fireplace to the left and staircase to the second floor, door to the vestibule (left) and door to the hallway (right). Vestibule has French doors like the catalog, staircase newel post matches the catalog, double window.

Living room looking into the Dining room separated with a "plastered arch". Door to the porch. Catalog doesn't specify a French door, but it was a common Bennett offering.