Got a Happy Story is a community gathering every Friday night where we share stories large and small that have put a smile on our face. It is a time to acknowledge the joy and wonder we experience. The Happy Story diary exists as a way to anchor the community in hope and comfort while we do the hard work of taking back our country. Everyone and all sorts of stories and pictures are welcome. May we find joy and strength here.
I've always lived in New England and our regional architecture is a familiar comfort for me. Last fall I accompanied my son's 5th grade class on a walking tour to one of the local historic homes. Along the way we passed many more. It was a beautiful stroll as the leaves were turning. This week the same homes have been surrounded by flowers in bloom and budding trees. I live in such a beautiful area and I thought I'd share some of it in a few diaries.
The earliest homes in town were Cape Cod houses. They're known by their steep pitched roof, small windows and low ceilings. They're simple homes with a central chimney. The Cape Cod houses in town have had additions added but the original house still remains.
Constant Southworth house, 1665
The original front entry is to the left along the lane. The dormers have been added to the original house as has the addition on the right with the new front door. The road in foreground is a busy local route that didn't exist back in the 1600s.
Edward Winslow house, 1797
This home was built by a carpenter working in the shipyard. The original house is the central section. The house was turned on its foundation to face the street. Previously it faced the Bluefish River, behind the house. According to the Duxbury Rural and Historical Society there were 6 shipyards along the river and another 14 within close proximity. While the street this house is on is a busy main road in town, it didn't exist when the home was built. However, by the time the carpenter's sons were grown there was some semblance of a street because their homes face the street.
Federal style homes were named for the period when the federal government was first institued after the Revolutionary War. They are more decorative with ornate carvings around doorways and windows. Earlier federal homes have a large central chimney, which could serve 6 fireplaces. Later federal homes had 2 chimneys on either side. "There is balance and harmony in their height and width, in the pitch of their foofs and in the symmetrical arrangement of their handsome doorways and windows."--DRHS
Samuel Winslow house, 1833
These are just two of the early architectural styles in New England. I'll move on to Greek Revival and Victorians next time. It really is quite lovely to walk or drive along streets with homes like these to provide visual interest.
What's your happy story this week?