Cranford Road, Upper Arlington. Site of the first BIA Parade of Homes in 1952.

The first BIA Parade took place in Upper Arlington, on Cranford Road. The BIA president at the time, Raymond S. Barry, had the idea to create an event where builders could focus attention on the home building industry during the key buying season. The post World War II economy had created a booming housing market and the builders, subcontractors and suppliers wanted to take advantage of it. They were excited about Barry’s concept and worked hard over an especially wet spring to support the new event. This group of builders included names still known in our industry today, like Ernest G. Fritsche, C.V. Perry Sr. and Nickolas Savko.

Thirty-six homes were showcased. Many of these were story-and-a-half Cape Cod styles with second floors that buyers could finish themselves. Incredibly modest homes compared to the ones featured in recent Parades.