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Living Large: 1956

1956. "Hayes residence, Kessler Lake Drive, Dallas. Living room to fireplace. Architects: Prinz & Brooks." Our second look at Chevrolet dealer Earl Hayes' midcentury manse with the tacky acoustic-tile ceiling. Photo by Maynard L. Parker for House Beautiful. Source: Huntington Library. View full size.

1956. "Hayes residence, Kessler Lake Drive, Dallas. Living room to fireplace. Architects: Prinz & Brooks." Our second look at Chevrolet dealer Earl Hayes' midcentury manse with the tacky acoustic-tile ceiling. Photo by Maynard L. Parker for House Beautiful. Source: Huntington Library. View full size.

On Shorpy:
Today’s Top 5

9th and Lancaster

Was the site of Earl Hayes large salesroom at this time, his tag line was 'Come out our way, trade your way'

Hoffman Easyvision

Pretty sure that's a 24-inch Hoffman. The one we had when I was a kid was in a big mahogany cabinet with a built-in record player. This looks like it might be the same chassis as the 1955 Pacifica models, with the speaker separated and mounted above the picture tube. That's a horn tweeter in the middle of the speaker.

El Kabong

Those lamps in the foreground look like they have had a rough life. They have a number of noticeable dents in them.

[The bases are, or are supposed to resemble, ancient bronze temple bells or the like, in keeping with the other Asian-related items of decor. -tterrace]

Hot Stuff

The fourth fireplce tool is a Cape Cod fire starter. It is a soap stone that would be soaked in oil then put under the firewood instead of kindling.

Broom, shovel, poker and --

Reminds me of a Pie Iron.

Who needs a Hi-Fi

When you can play your Hammond organ?

Haydn Seek

That looks like some kind of drawbar organ in the background, possibly a Hammond M3.

Broom, shovel, poker and --

Can anyone identify the fourth fireplace tool? It looks like a mold for three-pound cannonballs.

mineeyes have shared the story. Thanks!

The tiny TV

Not sure of the make but it's at least a 21" possibly a 24", and could be as big as 27", that was big for the time.

I'm a little surprised to see they didn't have a Color set in the Living Room, they were certainly available in 1956, not much color programming to see at the time though.

Class Ceiling

Unfortunately I am old enough to remember when acoustical tile was cool, sophisticated, state-of-the-art.

What a lovely, expansive space -- perfect to fill with women in paper silk and men in skinny ties. One can almost hear the clink of cocktail glasses festooned with hand-painted Parisian café scenes in black and red on them, the smell of vermouth and Mi-Lem in the air.

Re: Hard to Believe

In front of the sofa to the right of the TV are two square coffee tables. The object on the right table could be art but it might also be perceived as an ashtray.

[Consider yourself trolled. - Dave]

Perfection

This room is perfection in my opinion. Looks like the setting for an Outer Limits episode.

I imagine the sound quality was great in the room, where is the hi-fi?

Glorious 60's Americana

I dream of having a home as swag as the Hayes' pad. I can't wait to see more of this home.

@loujudson- This has all the makings for a Schlitz beer ad. I'd grab my tweed sport coat and head over to that party!

Untouched by human hands

One fingerprint on any of those shiny surfaces and your entire decorating scheme is ruined.

Consistent Taste

Sure the ceiling is tacky, but it matches the carpet. And the drapes and furniture, and ....

Acoustic tile?

How can you call acoustic ceiling tiles Tacky?

a. They are supposed to be tacky to stick to the ceiling :-)

b. You like echoey rooms better?

I actually like this living room -- Inset TV, fireplace, hassock, couches, oval coffee tables set 90 degrees off where it oughta be. All it needs is women in full skirts with martinis in hand to make it more attractive. Mantovani on the hidden stereo, a roast in the oven and hors d'oeuvres about to be served.

American Dream, anyone?

Spare me the car dealers in plaid, however!

Hard to Believe

I don't think I can spot a single ashtray in this photo. Amazing!

Tiny Blk & White TV

How could they see it from so far away?

Built-in TV

Welcome to the future.

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