Everyone needs a clubhouse! You can build your own backyard shelter, retreat, or clubhouse even if you have never built anything before. The clubhouse above was built in 1959 by three kids aged 8, 9 and 11, with no money or help from grownups! I know; I was the 11-year-old who took this picture. I'm sharing here what I have learned since then.
Readers of all ages are welcome to comment with their own ideas, pictures or stories.
To help you on your way, I've written a book titled "Keep Out! Build Your Own Backyard Clubhouse", which is available through bookstores or at Amazon.com . Many of the items I post here are also in the book.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

This Blog is About How To Build Your Own Clubhouse


My first Clubhouse, 1959

Hi. My name is Lee Mothes.   I enjoy building.  Learning to build clubhouses without the help of adults was my biggest accomplishment as a kid.

I've been an artist most of my life, and for many years a freelance carpenter, house-painter and remodeler. I built five clubhouses as a kid, and then a couple of cabins, some room additions and one house (so far). I studied architecture at California Polytechnic College in 1968, but dropped out in 1969....for many reasons. The biggest reason was that I enjoyed building small spaces, such as cabins, cozy room additions, guest cottages, and very small houses. I couldn't see myself designing hospitals!

 
I've been writing a book I've titled, "The Clubhouse Book, The Joy of Building Your Own Shelter". I'll share parts of it in upcoming posts and also post my own comments about building your own shelter, a skill I believe is becoming lost in this age of specialization. ("Oh, Honey, you can't do that...I'll call a builder!)

No comments:

Post a Comment