Carpenters and builders are just like the rest of the population when it comes to innovation. Some are reluctant to change and are happy to rely on materials and techniques that have served them well in the past. Others are more eager to innovate and try new methods that might make construction faster and cheaper […]
The George B. Hitchcock house is one of those remarkable survivors that are significant not only as architecture but also for their roles in out nation’s history. Hitchcock was a Congregational minister and one of several, prominent abolitionists active in southern Iowa. He used this stone house, which he built in 1856, as a stop […]
I always have my head on a swivel when I’m driving around the countryside because I’m on the lookout for old and interesting buildings. This gable front-and-wing house in Dundas, MN caught my eye during a recent drive. You can see that the house has changed over the years and I thought it might be […]
Examples of the Italianate can bee seen across the country. It was the most popular building style in the United States during the mid-19th century and persisted in the West until the 1890s. Despite being so common, however, its origins aren’t often discussed and many have a poor understanding of the artistic and social factors […]
When we speak and write we use lots of words, often without being aware of what they actually mean or what their origins are. We also use words as metaphors but don’t pause to consider what their original definitions or meanings might be. For instance, we use the word “verge” all the time, such as […]
One subject that is of great interest for the owners of masonry buildings is mortar. We all know that mortar is the cementitious material used with brick, stone, tile and terra cotta. Most have also heard that there are different types of mortar and that some are not appropriate for applications on historic architecture. Indeed, […]
This is the first from a series of blog posts that will give you a detailed look at historic windows and their construction. Before we look at windows and window sashes themselves, I thought it would be good to start with a quick look at some of the tools used to make windows by hand. […]
The more you look the more you see. With a casual glance you will identify general shapes and outlines, but when you look closely all sorts of detail will become apparent. When I look at historic windows I try to identify as many details as possible so I can understand better how old they are, […]
I have discussed the career of Andrew Jackson Downing previously and the long shadow he cast in American architecture and design during the 19th century. Downing was a romantic who stressed “truthfulness” in architecture where proper design should express the purpose of the building. That is, the purpose “is conveyed by the features of the […]
Vernacular architecture is a term that can mean different things to different people. It is generally defined as a building style based upon local or traditional designs, materials and building techniques. However, the nature and origins of designs and techniques varied. Immigrants brought traditional building designs and construction techniques with them to the United States […]