1959 home photos: Greek influence in Alamos estate
From the Photos: Peek inside these 80+ historic Tucson homes series
Dr. and Mrs. Walter Franklin of Globe, Arizona, reconstructed a house in Alamos, Sonora, Mexico, and made it an estate with strong Greek influences. The Tucson Citizen photographed the home in 1959, before it was completed, but while the Franklin's son was living in it.
1959 home photos: Greek influence in Alamos estate
This stately classic Greek Revival country home has been reconstructed in Alamos by Dr. and Mrs. Walter Franklin of Globe. Their son Walter lives there and under his supervision orchards have been planted and the estate landscaped. The door at the right opens to the two-story living room. The door at the left bottom leads to the dining room and above it is an ornamental door to a bedroom. Another door will be added above the living room door for balance.
1959 home photos: Greek influence in Alamos estate
The white concrete fireplace in the living room was carved and cast by Walter Franklin who studied decorating at Parson's School in New York. He also retouched the oil painting, believed to be an Italian Carmen, which hangs over the mantle. Termites had eaten part of the painting. The floors are checkered black and white tile.
1959 home photos: Greek influence in Alamos estate
An interesting design has been worked out in the bricks that form the terrace at the front of the house. On the other side of the pillars, the terrace is made of flat stones.
1959 home photos: Greek influence in Alamos estate
Portals line the four sides of the patio at the back of the house. From here one can see the distant blue line of the Sierra Madre mountains on the neighboring state of Chihuahua. Tile floors of the portal also are black and white.
1959 home photos: Greek influence in Alamos estate
From the roof of the house one can look out across the estate to the historical cemetery, with its ornate monuments inscribed with the names of those who lived when Alamos was at its height as a rich mining town. Mr. Franklin also hand-carved and cast the figures around the while circular fountain at the front of the house. In the foreground is a banana tree.
1959 home photos: Greek influence in Alamos estate
Tropical trees in the Walter Franklin patio in Alamos
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