Q. Who is A Hayes Town?

A. (Albert) Hayes Town was a local architect nationally known for his vernacular residential designs.

Town was born June 17, 1903 in Crowley, La. He graduated form the Tulane School of Architecture in 1926 with a bachelor of science degree in architecture and joined the firm of N.W. Overstreet in Jackson, MS. In 1927 he married Blanche Scharffe from Abbeville, La and they remained together until her death in 1980. The couple had one son, Hayes, Jr., and one daughter, Blanche.

Town became partner in the Overstreet fim in 1931. During his tenure there he pioneered the use of reinforced concrete and steadily won aclaim and awards for his work. He was also chosen to lead a WPA project called the Historic Building Survey of the State of Mississippi, a project that documented the measurements of antebellum homes in the state and influenced his architectural style.

In 1939, Town moved to Baton Rouge and established his own architectural firm, initially building mostly governmental and commercial properties. It was not until the 60's that he was able to begin the residential work he is best known for. His residential work features the climate friendly elements of native architecture, recycled materials, courtyards, french doors, Acadian rooflines and "studied decay," and epitomizes the graciousness of southern Louisiana.

source:
The Louisiana Houses of A. Hayes Town, Cyril Vetter
La 728.37 V591L

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