I think I’m more driven to blog when I come up with ridiculous themes or categories that I feel beholden to update. I submit to you the first ‘Do It’ post, one of many instructive posts that will guide you on how to be a better person. In my eyes, at least.
One of the greatest sources of reliefs I’ve had these last couple of weeks is my unexpected immersion in a rad group of Houston folk. One of said Houston folk was explaining a project she has in the works, and I’m sincerely fascinated by it. The Folk Architecture Tour is the brainchild of one Delaney Harris-Finch and would have her travel from Washington state through the West Coast and ending her trek in Texas, all the while chronicling folk architecture so as to explore preservation standards for the uniquely odd structures that the fanny-pack wearing, hormone-driven you might not have appreciated on that road trip back in 1989, but that your allegedly enlightened adult self fondly recalls.
In Delaney’s own words now:
The tour sites have been chosen based on physical, cultural and historical significance. My written thoughts, research, interviews and photographs will attempt to document the value in each individual site as well as folk art structures as an architectural vernacular. This information will translate into individual recommendations for the preservation of each as well as inform the development of further preservation methods for America’s odd historical resources. Post tour, this information will be assembled into a book.
Obviously, I hope this strikes a chord with Houston people the most, not only because you’re morally obligated to support one of your own, but because cities like Houston (specifically Houston) could really benefit from a project like this, looking at how we can keep these structures that we love are still around for our children and making sure that they aren’t left by the wayside in the name of short-term urban development. Or something.
Anyway, consider becoming a backer for Delaney’s project. The more you pledge, the more you get and not just in the metaphysical sense. At the very least, you’ll be getting updates on her travels and a proper ‘thank you’ in the book. Big spenders get a litany of goodies, including a six-inch scale model of any of the scheduled tour sites that you’d like and only for a paltry $1,500.
Time’s running out though: she has to raise a total of $5,000 in pledges and only has until October 16 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. (That’s 10:59 p.m. for Houston.)