Do you ever wonder why there are porches on houses? People today would say they are a great place to relax or entertain, but porches at one time serve a purpose. We find front porches on houses up until 1940. The porch was a relation area, a place to cool down and a way for neighbors to communicate with one another. There were no phones, so sitting on the front porch was a way to welcome visitors. Originally, these porches were open aired. In fact you can see the floors slant for the water t run off. There a ducts at the base for the water to run through. Over the years screens were added to keep the bugs at bay. They became a 2 Season Porch as windows were added. In recent years insulation, hear and durable window have been installed making the porch a room to the house. The front porch had the over
stuffed, wicker furniture and the romantic swing hanging from chains. Glidders were also a common piece of furniture. The porch was a welcome relief during hot, summer, days. Originally the porch had no electricity so a ceiling fan was not even possible. Installing electricity on the porch brought the comfort of fans. People sat on the porch, drank iced tea, and exchanged concerns and joys. It was truly a relaxing time of friendship and caring.
As I show houses, I often see these porches loss to being mud rooms or junk yards. Owners don’t see a purpose for the porch and often neglect it. Defrayed maintenance has the porch almost falling off the house.
The front porch is in a come
-back mode. Recently new subdivisions have made it part of their covenants to have a porch built on houses. The cottage home or Nantucket style house has the porch back in demand. Many a summer meal is eaten on our porch. I will allow a radio to listen to the Twin’s game or Garrison Keller’s “Prairie Home Companion,” but no TV. is allowed on the porch. It is to have solitude.
I often think people might not need to take so many antidepressants, sleeping meds or need therapy if they let their porch do its job. Relax, visit with family and friends. The porch an be that part of our life where we center down. So
-get the boots and sports gear out of the porch and start relaxing on it.
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