Reading · Disappearing Marion

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A drive through Marion and Grant County will reveal much of our nation's story and the world events in our daily lives.

Homes for veterans and their 2.3 children were needed immediately. War production was changing to consumer production. Ford went from cars to bombers to cars; locally, Crosley, a manufacturer of ovens for military bases, switched to compact vehicles. But what to do about housing? Abram Leavitt and his sons led the way in the east with his $8000.00 prefabricated wood homes and built massive subdivisions named Leavittowns.

The Chicago Vitreous Enamel Company found another solution in the Midwest: all-steel homes. For $7,999.00, you could assemble thirty thousand pieces designed by Swedish engineer Carl Strandlund on your lot.

Built in a former bomber plant in Columbus, Ohio, each house was formed by enormous presses. The outside and inside of the houses were enamel steel panels. Eight models were offered in various colors- those colors were permanent. Magnet kits were sold with the houses for hanging pictures.

Locally, Lustron homes were built by Harreld Brothers General Contractors, located at 901 West Third Street. Each contractor had a specific territory and exclusive rights as a franchisee. The first problem was that the cost was much higher than the advertised $7999, and the actual price was $10,000. The company lowered the price once sales picked up. Another problem was building costs—the first homes took 1500 hours to construct, which was later reduced to 350 hours.

By 1950, the company was in serious trouble. Opposed by conventional home interests and suffering from financing issues, it declared bankruptcy. Marion's five Lustrons remain testimony to Carl Strandlund's all-steel dream homes.

Note: A Lustron in Gas City has been demolished

Originally published in 2013 by Bill Munn https://grantcountyhistory.blogspot.com/search?q=lustron