| What makes vernacular architecture is not an occupant who builds but a cultural congruity among design, construction, and use ~ ~Henry Glassie  |
| OLD STEEL GLIDER WAITING FOR SPRING |
Front porch sitting is a favorite pastime of Appalachian country folk. Much of this sitting is done on vernacular porches of old, small one-story houses which are unfortunately slowly disappearing from the landscape. These vintage porches are the roosting spots for old gliders and benches --they speak volumes about the waste not, want not, traditional ways.
 |
| KENTUCKY TYPE OF ANTIQUE SITTING BENCH |
This slatted bench is a typical design of central Kentucky. Its sides reflect that it was built when wood-one-board sides were commonplace. Fortunately the owners have repaired the leg to extend its longevity..
Enfolded in the vernacular craftsmanship ideal -- these pieces have few old porches left where they can be appreciated.
You know, I worry about what *we* will leave behind. All the *oldies*....well, they just don't make 'em like that any longer. ;)
ReplyDeleteMimi -- that is a loaded question -- one thing for sure it won't be a healthy environment. Thanks -- barbara
ReplyDeleteCharming pictures! We do a good bit of front porch sitting ourselves!
ReplyDeleteVicki -- thanks for the comment. I bet you have one of those old benches on your porch. -- barbara
ReplyDeleteBoy does that bring back memories. I remember as a child sitting in one of those old metal gliders on my grandmother's front porch in rural Florida. It was even more special when grandmother's lap was also there in the glider.
ReplyDeleteI do like your benches...Mel's Cabin
ReplyDeleteI have an old sitting bench, but would love to come across a glider like that! Such a true Kentucky item.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos capturing the gray porch floors as well as the benches. I appreciate both. I can picture folks sitting and talking about their gardens,grandchildren and the simple pleasures of country living.
ReplyDeleteIt seems too bad that the pace of life has become so hectic, porch-sitting has fallen out of favour. Is watching TV, reading email, playing video games really better than watching the world go by?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the photo memories.
Sheri
Mama-Bug -- What a nice combination -- a grandmother's lap and a glider. Nice memories -- barbara
ReplyDeleteHi Mel -- glad to have you stop by. I wish that I had the white bench on my front porch -- it is so primitive. -- barbara
ReplyDeleteFarmchick -- I do like the idea of benches on front porches especially the old ones. The idea is so reflective of the Appalachian area. -- barbara
ReplyDeleteGrampy -- your imagination is probably so right. Kentuckians love to talk -- its so enjoyable and friendly. -- barbara
ReplyDeleteSheri -- The front porch is still a social place in Kentucky -- usually older folks take advantage of "sitting." -- barbara
ReplyDeleteThese pictures remind me of the time I spent sitting on my Grandpa's back porch when I was a little girl, swaying back and forth on his glider as we listened to the Detroit Tigers on the radio. Nice memories!
ReplyDeleteDarcy -- Gliders seem to have provided a lot of memories to folks. I was a Tiger fan at one time -- barbara
ReplyDeleteWe have a glider and a swing on our front porch. I don't think a house is a house without a big front porch. I remember sitting on my grandma's front porch in her glider. Her's was covered with quilts and such. A cousin of mine told me that Grandma was so proud when Grandpa built her a house with a front porch on it. (this was in the late 1940s)
ReplyDeleteJanet -- Oh, porch swings are wonderful. My grandfather had one on his front porch too when I was a small child. -- barbara
ReplyDelete