Rumpus Room

Lustron Demonstration House in Indiana. Courtesy Indiana Historical Society.
Lustron Demonstration House in Indiana. Courtesy Indiana Historical Society.
Interested in all things Lustron? Have a hankering to chat with other Lustron owners, aficionados and other interested parties? Then this is the place for you. Here you will find a link to Lustron Homes, a Yahoo Group established in 2003. Lustron Homes has over 800 members and the group is maintained by Lustron owners. Join Lustron owners, future owners and historians of these Homes of Steel and discuss their past, future and preservation, share hints and tips with other owners, find about Lustrons that are for sale, or endangered; find parts for your Lustron and much, much, more.

However, before you hop-on over to Lustron Homes, please read the disclaimer below (to read the full disclaimer for Lustron Preservation, click here).

If you click on the link below, you will be leaving the National Trust’s Lustron Preservation Web site and entering an external link. The link provides additional information that may be useful or interesting and is being provided consistent with the intended purpose of Lustron Preservation Web site. However, the National Trust cannot attest to the accuracy or veracity of information provided by this link or any other linked site. Providing links to this Yahoo Group does not constitute an endorsement by the National Trust of the information, recommendations for treatment, products, methods, and materials discussed on the site. Also, be aware that the privacy protection provided on the Yahoo Group may not be available at the external link (to view our Privacy Policy click here).

I have read the disclaimer and I am ready to head to Lustron Homes.


62 Responses to “Rumpus Room”

  1. Doug moslehi Says:

    I see no info. on how to re-finish an enamel panel. Is it possible? If ext. panels have some rust at edges, SOMETHING must be done. If sand/paint as in auto body methods are incorrect what’s the alternative: ONLY ? replacement panels. Sounds like humting for hens teeth to me. dm StLMO

    Thinking about buying one of the two Lustrons in Edwardsville,IL: the one @1320 Grand is fgor sale @ A.P> $102,000.

  2. Kathryn Smith Says:

    The Arlington Heritage Alliance (Arlington, Virginia) is sponsoring a bus trip to NYC from Arlington for an exclusive tour of the Museum of Modern Art’s “Home Delivery: Fabricating the Modern Dwelling” exhibit that prominently features the Lustron House saved by Arlington County.

    Join us for an AHA Educational Tour:
    “Steel” Away to NYC!

    See Arlington’s own all-steel “Lustron” home rebuilt inside the Museum of Modern Art as part of the exhibit: “Home Delivery: Fabricating the Modern Dwelling.”

    Saturday, October 18, 2008

    Travel to NYC by motor coach. Enjoy an exclusive tour of the exhibit with MoMA curators, learn the fascinating history of these prefabricated houses and the exciting preservation story of Arlington’s Lustron. View the highly praised “Home Delivery” exhibit that the NY Times dubbed “a delightful surprise” and the Associated Press called “an engrossing survey of the prefab movement.” Don’t miss it—this is the last weekend of the exhibit!

    Register by October 1st

    For more information go to: http://www.arlingtonheritage.org
    To view and print a registration form, go to: http://www.capaccess.org/arlingtonheritage/GRAPHICS/MoMABusTripFlyer.pdf

  3. Misty Soldwisch Says:

    I have a beautifully maintained and restored Lustron home for sale in Indianola, IA, 12 miles south of Des Moines.

    This is a 2BR, 1BA style with a 1 car Lustron detached garage. The homeowners also added a japanese garden behind the home, as well as a 3+ car detached shop.

    The home is offered at $119,900.
    http://www.soldincentraliowa.com/property.asp?id_property=147761

  4. MIles Hutcherson Says:

    Hey! I just purchased a Lustron House. The one in Michigan on Ashland. I am in search of spare parts, advice and suggestions. Frankly any assistance that I can get in maintaining this home. It is in good condition, but the exterior panels are starting to require a bit of painting. Also any suggestions on exterior caulking?

  5. lamendola auction service Says:

    UP FOR AUCTION SEPT. 5th @ 10:00 AM, JUST EAST OF MOWEAQUA, ILLINOIS,62550—2 & 3 BEDROOM LUSTRONS AND A SINGLE CAR GARAGE. HAVE TO BE DISASSEMBLED AND REMOVED FROM PROPERTY NO LATER THAT NOV. 8th, 2009. REGISTERED, ON LOCATOR, AN D INCLUDED IN ILLINOIS PHOTOS. CHECK WEBSITE…BIDDERSANDBUYERS.COM (CLICK ON STAR ABOVE BLACK LAMENDOLA BANNER IN ”REALESTATE,HOMES,COMMERCIAL” OFFERINGS BANNER PAGE. USE ID# 5614 ON WEBSITE AUCTION ZIP.

  6. lamendola auction service Says:

    IS THERE A NEWS LETTER THAT IS MAILED TO ”LUSTRON” PEOPLE ON A REGULAR BASIS? IF SO, WHAT IS THE NAME AND WHOM I GET INTO TOUCH WITH TO PUT IN AN AD ON THE ABOVE LUSTRONS GOING UP FOR AUCTION

  7. lamendola auction service Says:

    OPEN HOUSE…AUG.23, 1PM-3PM

  8. lamendola auction service Says:

    SEPT. 5th AUCTION RESULTS ……3 BEDROOM (IN EXCELLENT CONDITION..WILL BE RE-ASSEMBLED) SOLD FOR $1500.00. THE 2 BEDROOM (FOR PARTS) SOLD FOR $1000.00. THE SINGLE CAR GARAGE SOLD FOR $150.00. THE GARAGE WILL GO WITH THE 3 BEDROOM HOUSE….AS THE SAME PERSON BOUGHT ALL 3 UNITS. THE LOW PRICES WERE THE RESULT OF NOT KNOWING THE COST OF DISASSEMBLING THE UNITS, AND REMOVING THEM TO A NEW LOCATION AND REASSEMBLE. THE WINNING BIDDER WILL BE DOING THE DISASSEMBLY HIMSELF, AS HE IS IN THIS TYPE BUSINESS.

  9. Dan Dureiko Says:

    Hi all,
    I very much admire the Lustron. Hey, I have owed three Airstreams..and stil do.
    I heard about the Lustron as there was one in my hometown of Rockville CT, at 40 Davis Ave.
    long story short I would like to by one, either in CT or near Greenville OH or Brooksville FL.
    HELP!
    Thanks
    Dan

  10. Marty Says:

    Dan,

    Are you looking for a Lustron that is standing or would you be interested in one in Southern Illinios (Olney, IL) that would need to be disassembled and moved. I am relocating and trying to deside if I want to move it myself or sell it. Let me know if this might be of interest or not. Emial me at mwhite@birch.net

    Marty

  11. Tim.P Says:

    2-foot by 4-foot by 3/16-inch cement-asbestos (also called “transite”) boards. Has this deter buyers due to the asbestos being present? I understand it is not friable in it’s current hard state, but any drilling thru or cutting may have left some fibers floating around.

  12. Tim.P Says:

    I have a Lustron that I’m going to place on market for sale north of Dayton Ohio for less than $44,000.

  13. Sarah L. Says:

    My friends and I just learned of Lustrons. We’d like to see one inside and outside and hopefully be guided by a knowledgeable owner. Is anyone willing to allow us to come see theirs? We’d travel to any state. We are in New Mexico and Colorado. Thanks for any tips.

  14. Bill R. Says:

    You are welcome to tour our Luston home in Northeast Ohio. It is currently on the market for sale. Contact us at this email address.

  15. Lisa Kelley Says:

    I am a realtor that is currently marketing a Lustron home for sale in Lenox, Massachusetts. Please see our web-site at maccarorealty.com for more info.

  16. Ron L Says:

    Does anyone know of a complete Lustron for sale? I know some were dismantled from an army? base. I live in South Carolina and adore the Lustron. Please call as I don’t get to the website often. Thank You Ron @ (843) 693-3101

  17. joe ferut Says:

    we are in process of dismantling lustron home in huron ohio and reassembling in cleveland heights, ohio. we are hoping to add a 12 x16 addition to home out of lustron parts. the addition will design to respect the design of the lustron.

    we are also building a garage/studio and would need parts for this.

    please contact me if you are interested in selling parts for this project.

    thanks.

  18. Matt Says:

    I will be selling our Lustron soon. We are just outside of Des Moines. Ours is mostly original with a remodeled kitchen and bathroom, all in all good condition. Send me an email if you have any interest, gessner17 at aol . com

    Matt

  19. Mari Purdum Says:

    I have a rental Lustron home that has a roller assembly missing on one of the pocket doors. Does anyone have an extra roller assembly they want to sell?

  20. Mari Purdum Says:

    Forgot to include my email address, if you have a roller assembly to a pocket door to sell. email => kenoiaina@yahoo.com

  21. Steve Miller Says:

    The gutter on the front side of my home has holes in each section that have rusted through. Does anyone have green colored guttering for sale?

  22. Steve Miller Says:

    The guttering on the front of my home has holes in every section that has rusted through. Doe anyone have green guttering for sale?

  23. Alan Stecklein Says:

    I am looking for pocket door strike plates to buy. Can anyone help? Please advise. Thanks!

  24. Larry Madigan Says:

    I have a Lustron Home listed here in McHenry, Illinois. We are located in Northwest Illinois about 35 miles from Chicago and close to the Wisconsin/ Illinois state line. This home is in great shape and on a really nice lot. The home is walking distance to the Fox River which will allow you entry to the Chain of Lakes in Northern Illinois and southern wisconsin. Two bedroom, one bath with full basement.Newer 2 1/2 car garage (not Lustron). Please feel free to call me or email me with any questions or interest that you may have in the purchase of this home. Motivated seller.

    Larry Madigan Prudential First Realty McHenry, Il 60050 815-878-3549 madiganlt@sbcglobal.net.

  25. Bob Craven Says:

    I am real estate agent in Des Moines, IA. I specailaize in Historic and Architecturally Unique Homes. I have a great love for Lustrons, and if anyone in the greater Des Moines area is looking for a resource, whether it be information, looking for a Lustron to buy, or needing to sell one, I would be happy to share my expertise with anyone who needs it.

    Thanks to you who go the extra mile of preserving and saving these important homes, they are worth it.

    Bob Craven
    Burnett Realty
    515.554.2987

  26. Frederick K. Zahrt Says:

    Interested in buying a Lustron, assembled or disassembled.
    Please advise.

    Thanks
    fkz

  27. Frederick K. Zahrt Says:

    Wish I could read the words below.

    Will try to send again:
    Interested in buying an assembled or disassembled Lustron.
    Please advise.

    fkz

  28. Nicole McKinney Says:

    Two questions:
    1) Does anyone have a kitchen sink cabinet for sale? (Mine is rusted under the pipes.)
    2) Does anyone have a Bedroom Vanity for sale? (Mine is missing.)
    Thanks!

  29. Ann-Marie Meyers Says:

    I noticed the Lustron home at 207 Center Avenue in Mount Horeb, Wi is for sale.
    It is listed with First Weber Group, MLS # 1602202 PIN # 64600. Asking price is $147,500. It has been remodeled, but looks to be in excellent shape, on a good-sized lot.
    Mount Horeb is a small town west of Madison, a fairly long commute, but it can be done.
    I would keep this to myself but I am moving to a different part of Wisconsin, with four Lustrons, not for sale at the moment, but I can wait.

  30. Kelli Says:

    We have a Lustron in Marshall, MO for sale - $55000 - MUST SELL! Great home
    Call 660-815-7154

  31. James W. Bobo, II Says:

    I am a Realtor in Florence, AL. We just listed a Westchester Deluxe Model at 1145 Wildwood Park Road. You can visit the listing posted at:
    http://www.homes.com/listing/139481342/1145_Wildwood_Park_Rd_FLORENCE_AL_35630
    for more information and pictures. The home is in excellent shape and the owner would like to have $62,500. This home is close to the University of North Alabama as well as Historic Downtown Florence, Alabama. It just had new carpet and vinyl tile put down so all new floor covering! I can be reached at (256)764-0500 or james@boborealestate.com. Visit our website at http://www.BoboRealEstate.com for more information as well.

  32. Jeff Says:

    I am a Realtor in Milwaukee, WI. I have a Westchester 2 bedroom for sale in need of repairs. It appears to be all original. Possibility for removal from property. Would really like to see someone restore it. Located at the end of a Cul de sac. Detached Garage.
    for information please go to: http://www.fwgmedia.com/website/1507040

  33. Priscilla Bledsaw Says:

    The Lustron at 1530 Washington, inQuincy IL is owned by the original owner, Mrs. Wagner, a widow. The color is tan. The house is in very good condition with very few alterations, even on the inside. Mrs. Wagner gave me a tour. Almost all the pocket doors still work, and she loves the metal walls which are so easy to clean.

  34. Priscilla Bledsaw Says:

    The houses at 2409 and 2407 Elm are right next to each other. one is tan and one is gray. They look like they may have been altered somewhat, but I did not go in.

  35. steve Hyland Says:

    I have a two bedroom home in Milwaukee WI. It is for sale but not the land. the home needs to be relocated or disassembled or stored for parts. it is in nice condition. The gutters need repair and the interior cabinets need light sanding and repainted. If anyone is interested in keeping this house from being demo’d please contact me at 765-470-2343. Ask for Steve

  36. Lisa Says:

    I am in the process of renting one of these facinating Lustron homes. They are truely unique. The one I am looking at is in excellent condition. However, I am curious as to how to “shine up” the exterior panels. Since the materials are quite different from the usual; I have no idea what could be used without causing any damage.

  37. steve Hyland Says:

    Okay I have offers for two people to come and dismantle certain parts of the home to use on theirs so now we are parting out the house. everything is all original from what I can tell. We need this house gone off the property by the 15th of August if possible. After that date if I can store the rest of he good parts I will or it will be scrapped for steel. Please call me if you need parts I can be reach at 765-470-2343.

  38. steve Hyland Says:

    Lisa try a liquid car wax that is non abrasive. I saw one person a few years ago using turtle wax .

  39. steve Hyland Says:

    I have an esquire model that we will be disassembling here in Wisconsin in the next two weeks . I have a working pocket door and closet doors. I have one of the latches that the door locks on to as well that I have been offered 70 dollars for it because it is original and hard to come by. I may find the other 2 as we disassemble it. I will part out the whole house or sell what is left of it to one person for 5k. I will need your parts or the entire house to be removed from property asap once we get the demo permit from the city. There are some parts missing already. 16 of the outside tiles have been sold and 33 pieces of the roof have been sold as well. The existing bathroom sink is now broken due to vandals. There are still lots of original parts of this home for sale. call for pics and I can email them to you. 765-470-2343 ask for Steve

  40. Steve Says:

    I’m selling a Lustron home in excellent condition in Lombard, IL.- This is not for parts. Selling home and lot in great neighborhood.
    steveRcarr@aol.com

  41. Carolyn (Cavallo) Brausch Says:

    I grew up in Lancasster, OH, and remember my dad, Louis Cavallo, working for Lustron for a short time - must have been shortly before they stopped doing business in 1950 and I would have been 5 at the time. I remember him taking us to see the home on Tallmadge Ave. after completion and how proud he was of his work. I was fascinated by the metal construction and the built-ins. I thought it was a dollhouse! I am pleased and intrigued that The Ohio Historical Center is reconstructing one of the homes as a museum and will definitely visit! Great history and a wonderful memory! :)

  42. Sandra Brooks Says:

    There is a Lustron home in Asheville, NC for sale. I am the listing agent. Original condition, beautiful lot in quiet neighborhood.
    sandra@mymosaicrealty.com

  43. David Weyant Says:

    I am selling a Lustron in Highland Falls, NY not for parts. Home and lot on private road, quiet neighborhood. Contact david.weyant@verizon.net

  44. Renee Says:

    My Lustron gets cool in the winter. I check and caulk the original windows every fall and I know the aluminum casements aren’t energy efficient, but I want to keep them intact. Does anybody else have ideas on what to do to keep the house warmer?

  45. Heidi Forster Says:

    Looking to buy a lustron home in Western NY, near Rochester or Buffalo.
    Contact heidiforster@ymail.com

  46. Jennifer Rothschild Says:

    Closter, New Jersey has one standing Lustron, a Westchester model. The Borough is considering buying it with Open Space funds. As Chairperson of the Closter HIstoric Preservation Commission, my goal would be to obtain funding for restoration, furnish it with period pieces, and then open it as a house museum staffed with volunteers. Our Historical Society would store its archives there, so the space could also function as a part-time library for historical researchers. Of course, this is all a dream at this point. The house is under private ownership and has not been occupied for several years.

    My question is: are there any Lustron house museums anywhere in the country? Or would this be a first? Note that it is in its original location and is listed on the state and national registers of historic places.
    “The Hess Lustron, Closter, New Jersey”

  47. Ken Ricke Says:

    I have a 2 bedroom gray Lustron home for sale or to be removed in Arcadia,IA
    email address: jbkricke@netins.net
    phone: 712-689-2518

  48. SCOTT FIELD Says:

    i have a 2 bed lustron for sale or can be moved in burlington wisconsin.
    224 356 8982

  49. Randy K Says:

    2-Bedroom Lustron for sale in Hampton Iowa. Will need to be dismantled and moved. Suffered damage to roof over front bedroom from a tree fall. Very complete inside. Shame it has outer damage. I will consider parts requests soon if little interest in total purchase. $5000 OBO 641-425-5967

  50. Megan Wood Says:

    Building a Lustron in our Building

    October 15th- November 2nd (Mondays-Friday)

    The Ohio History Society is seeking volunteers to help with prep and construction of a Lustron home that will serve as a centerpiece of the exhibit: 1950s: Building the American Dream which opens July 12, 2013 in the Ohio History Center in Columbus. Volunteers will be assisting in activities like:

    - Attaching panels to exterior and interior

    - Cleaning and prepping panels

    - Identifying parts and assembling interior cabinetry

    - Prepping other exhibit items

    Anyone interested in helping during this time period should contact Megan Wood: mwood@ohiohistory.org or 614.297.2343.

  51. Beverly Burns Says:

    I have a Dove-Grey Westchester 2-bdrm with garage in Derry, PA. in the Laurel Highlands area, approximately 45 minutes from Pittsburgh Pa. It has a waterfront lot with wildlife and walking trail at your doorstep, and in close proximity to Hidden Vallen and Seven Springs ski resorts. Large family room addition with dual sliding glass doors looking onto scenic Ethel Springs Lake. Has hot water heating, plus electric heat in the addition. Furniture and all accessories can remain. Call owner at (724)694-2164.

  52. Mike Hetrick Says:

    I have a 2BR Lustron I have owned in Marshall, MO for several years and have removed the master bedroom vanity and drawers. If anyone is interested in purchasing, please contact me ASAP at hetrickmc@yahoo.com or (660)238-4691.

  53. Alan Reimer Says:

    I need pocket door rollers. I also have some closet doors and mirrors and kitchen cabinets that I would like to sell. 712-249-1609

  54. J. Eric Smith Says:

    Terrible story about two Lustrons being demolished in Des Moines and hauled away to the dump as scrap, with no effort made to preserve panels and other elements . . . see:

    http://indiemoines.com/2013/02/15/knocking-down-history/

    If there are other move active Lustron Groups, please share the story. We want people to understand what was lost here.

  55. Tammy Says:

    I would like to sell my Lustron home in Appleton, WI. I bought it five years ago, and now my family needs a larger house. If we didn’t need more room, I would never sell it. I love this house, and its on a double lot. It is a block away from a park, and within 5 blocks of an elementary school and a middle school. Any takers? Email me at tamluebke@yahoo.com.

  56. ken cooper Says:

    looking for wenchester or newport house to reassemble in St.Louis also need garage

  57. Mike Says:

    Ken:
    Architectural Artifacts of St. Louis has one, blue panels, yellow trim (I believe) Ask for Bruce Gerrie.
    I believe he is asking in the neighborhood of $20,000.00
    It is disassembled and stored in a warehouse downtown.
    I am interested in any spare parts if there are any.
    2711 LAFAYETTE AVE
    SAINT LOUIS, MO 63104-2013
    (314) 550-0754

  58. Tim W. Says:

    Hello, I’m an architect and my parents are purchasing an Esquire model Lustron home in a different state. Does anyone here own an Esquire and wouldn’t mind sending me dimensions of the kitchen and utility rooms? The home they are purchasing has had a kitchen “remodel.” It’s poor and it all needs to be re-done. The sale won’t go through for a couple months, so I’d love to get my drawings done soon. But I live in a different state and don’t have access to the home to get the dimensions myself. Any help would be great!

    Thanks,
    - Tim

  59. Ted Wray Says:

    in need of roof panels, damage from tree fall.have westchester model,2 bedroom. Need about 20 panels.570-492-0127. home is in Hbg, pa

  60. Erin Says:

    Are there any folks around WI with spare parts? Original doors/kitchen cabinets/built-ins? Thanks!

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  62. Mr. C Says:

    I have lustron 1623 for sale in Beloit Wi.

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