Billy Gibbons transformed his home into a living museum: 1950s decor inside and an 1850s Wild West town in the Backyard.
His residence now features 1950s interiors and a backyard styled as an 1850s Wild West town, complete with historic buildings and antique artifacts, according to the New York Post.
Gibbons began his journey into historical reconstruction in 1996 when he inherited his childhood home. Influenced by the 1950s since 1969, particularly after hearing Elvis Presley's "Hound Dog," Gibbons developed a passion for the era and consequently shaped his home's interior design.
Inside, Gibbons curated a collection of 1950s memorabilia, including a 1949 Bakelite television and early-1950s-style kitchen cabinets with a classic black-and-white chessboard floor. Additionally, he incorporated ten refrigerators from the era, reflecting his commitment to authenticity—a dream he realized after his parents' passing.
Gibbons later transformed his Backyard into an 1850s Wild West town, driven by his passion for history and functional art. His Backyard now features structures like a sheriff's office, moonshine still, jails, and a bank, all mirroring the 1850s Wild West.
Interestingly, many buildings serve practical purposes: the barbershop functions as a wood store and laundry area, while the blacksmith shop houses Gibbons' collection of classic cars. Consequently, this practical use reflects his innovative blend of functionality with historical tribute.
Moreover, Gibbons completed the project over three years at around $650, showcasing his resourcefulness with materials sourced from reclamation yards or donated by friends and neighbors aware of his unique endeavor.
Gibbons, a Rockabilly band singer, often dresses in period-authentic attire, immersing himself in the eras he admires. Furthermore, his engagement with the past extends to collecting and displaying artifacts from the 1950s and 1850s, many of which he found in charity shops or received when deemed out of style in the 1980s and 1990s.
"One morning, I woke up, and I thought, 'yeah, I live in the 1950s, but outside, I want to live in the 1850s,'" said Gibbons. This reflection captures the dual influence on his home's aesthetic.
Moreover, Gibbons' commitment to history extends beyond his interior. He marks the transition from his nostalgically decorated home to a Wild West backyard with a typical 1850s back porch, thereby seamlessly connecting the two historical periods.
For Gibbons, every corner of his property tells a story, from the trading post with its tin bath serving as a bathtub to subtle touches like omitting the saloon label from the moonshine still to avoid modern misconceptions.
"I did it all on my own," Gibbons proudly claims, reflecting on his physical and creative labor. Additionally, he often uses his outdoor installations practically, such as washing in the tin bath under the trading post roof.
Furthermore, the sheriff's office, with its adjacent jail and functioning cannon, emphasizes the law-and-order aspect of historical settings. Gibbons' passion for authenticity and detail shines throughout his property.
Gibbons vividly repurposes history for personal and educational exploration. He guides visitors through his collection, shares stories of each item's origin, and demonstrates how his interpretation of the 1950s and 1850s has become a living tribute to these eras.
"I'm very proud of it all," Gibbons confessed, reflecting his satisfaction with creating a space that mirrors his interests and passions. Consequently, this blend of historic preservation with modern living transforms his home into a dynamic piece of historical art.
Moreover, Gibbons shows how personal spaces can become rich narratives, infusing everyday life with history and creativity. His home, therefore, stands as a testament to his dedication to recreating and living within these cherished periods.
