Little Castles

“Little Castles,” was the film that was (successfully) shown at the Charm City Cinema Wednesday night. This film discussed the marvelous architectural product in the surrounding Baltimore cities, known as “formstone.” Formstone is a plaster compound used on walls to have the appearance of layered stones or rocks.

It was originally introduced in the 1930s for use in basements. Later on, it kicked off in the 1940s when people started using it on their houses to replicate the look of European castles. During the time of hardships, the Great Depression, and then later on the War, formstone really became essential. People needed an alternative to painting the exteriors of their homes, because painting and repainting, every two years, became expensive. The solution was found: formstone. This was the only possible solution for the people because it was the most economically friendly, the substance being able to withstand the environmental elements throughout the years. Formstone was permanent, it was cheap, and it served it’s purpose by keeping heat in, etc.

For over fifty years, formstone has been used in Baltimore and its surrounding cities. There has been a debate as to whether people like or dislike formstone. The pattern seemed to be that older people grew a fondness to formstone, while younger generations strongly disliked the formstone. I found it funny that the director of the film, John Waters, described formstone as “the polyester of brick,” as to express that formstone is a cheap alternative to the original. The older generations, who lived through more of this country’s hardships, view formstone as a symbol of these hardships. It was able to withstand during these times. It is a symbol of the people’s hardships and strength.