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New Awnings for the Marston House
March/April 2022

In July 2021, SOHO announced our plan to replace the Marston House’s four awnings on the first-floor windows of the very sunny south and west facades with appropriate Arts and Crafts awnings. The awnings had deteriorated since they were last replaced 18 years ago and were in need of care.

The estimated cost to commercially produce the four awnings was $4,125. We asked for your help and SOHO member Linda Seifert generously donated the funds for one awning. Then, when SOHO member Margaret (Maggie) Walton kindly volunteered to custom make the awnings, we were able to stretch Linda’s donation to buy the fabric for all four, using the existing awnings as a pattern.

Maggie, a long-time crew member and exhibit designer for the Maritime Museum of San Diego, has expertise in sewing canvas for marine purposes, and SOHO’s project was her first venture into creating awnings. In addition, Maggie generously sewed a fresh set of sheer linen curtains for the Marston House library with fabric donated from her own supply.

Then and now: Here are historic photos showing the Marston House awnings paired with shots of the new awnings in February 2022. Today’s photos by Robert Veres

The selected awning fabric, Sunbrella Havelock Brick, is striped in tones of parchment and brick red, and is similar to the Marston House’s original awnings installed between 1905 and 1906, just prior to the addition of the sleeping porch. The new awnings protect the home’s interior historic finishes, artwork, and textiles from possible sun damage and heat gain, and complement the home’s character. It’s worth remembering that when the house was built, there were no trees shading it.

In preparation for the awnings’ installation, SOHO’s Historic Resource Specialist Marlena Krcelich gave the wood window frames some much needed attention and a new protective layer of paint, and Facilities Manager Chris Pro refurbished the metal awning frames. SOHO sends tremendous thanks to Linda Seifert and Maggie Walton for their generosity, enthusiasm, and hard work in getting the Marston House all dressed up for 2022!

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