It’s no secret that I’m a fan of the work of Greene & Greene.  A big fan.  Anyone with cursory knowledge of the brothers has heard of the Ultimate Bungalows.  These homes, designed by Charles and Henry at the height of their popularity and creative energy, are grand residences built with uncompromising attention to detail.  Everyone agrees the the Gamble, Blacker, Pratt and Thorsen houses are in this category.  Many include the Freeman Ford house as well.  Were I the ultimate authority, the Robinson house would also join the list.

While the Gamble house remained in the Gamble family until it was donated to USC and the city of Pasadena, the other Ultimates have more colorful histories.  Most endured some period of neglect or abuse.  The rape of the Blacker house resulted in ordinances that protect historic homes in Pasadena.  I think the Thorsen house trumps them all, however.  Since 1942 the Thorsen house has been home to a fraternity.

I suspect that many of you have seen the movie “Animal House.”  It’s hilarious.  It’s a classic.  It’s completely unlike the California (Berkeley) chapter of Sigma Phi.  The brothers of Sigma Phi take their stewardship of the Thorsen house, which the fraternity purchased from the Thorsen estate, very seriously.  Every Saturday morning they work as a group on maintaining the house.   They learn its history.  They take pride in it.

But keeping up with the demands of a 100 year old mansion (and a work of art at that) is difficult.  And expensive.  About 9 million dollars.  If you find yourself in Berkeley, stop by the house.  The brothers will happily give you a tour and accept a donation to the fund.  But don’t let an inability to visit stop you from contributing.  Send a few dollars and help save an historic landmark, one of the Ultimates.  It’s a lot easier to keep such houses around than to wait for another genius to come along and design more.

The Thorsen House Restoration Campaign

c/o Mr. Dan McNear

Route 1

Box 264-E

San Rafael, CA 94901