The materials used to build historic houses are often as character-defining as the design of the houses. Different materials have come in and out of popularity with changes in technology as well as style.
In the gable of this wonderful late-19th century Queen Anne style house in Easton, Pennsylvania, is a rather uncommon material that would not likely be found on houses of another period. It is a variation on the common “pebble dash” treatment
found on some houses of the period.
Pebble dash is created by throwing or pushing stones into fresh stucco to add color and texture. In the variation on this house, glass from broken bottles is used in place of the stones, creating a colorful and textural surface that also glitters in the sun.
In this example, many of the glass shards have raised writing cast into them, identifying the products they held or the manufactures of them.
Preserving character-defining features, including materials, should be a priority when planning a rehab project. Learning about different styles is a good way to get a sense of what materials are defining for the charter of particular styles.
This topic is covered in depth in “Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners.”
Signed and personalized copies of the award-winning and bestselling 720-page hardcover book are available from the author in our online shop at YourHistoricHouse.com/shop/.
Our shop also carries “A Field Guide to American Houses” by Virginia McAlester and select preservation and restoration titles by other authors. Save with our multi-book combo packs!
“Restoring Your Historic House is also available in bookstores nationwide and from online retailers.
© Scott T. Hanson 2025.
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