SMALL VACANT HOMESTEAD

One wonders how long this home has been vacant as it sits aside a fairly busy road in Garrard County, Kentucky. Its weather beaten posture stands fairly straight as vines surround it like a boa chocking the life of its prey.

The house reflects its date of construction -- the early twentieth century when times were either tough or really good. During this time period bungalows were house models being pushed by many construction companies. In fact you could even buy them from Sears and Roebuck in a kit for you to assemble on your land.

This homestead was always a small operation as reflected by the unassuming barn. Now totally being taken over by weeds it still maintains its dignity as does the house. It probably was built with virgin white oak that was a popular building material  during the early twentieth century in Kentucky. White oak is an extremely durable building material that withstands years of abuse from the weather.

I call this outbuilding a chicken coop although I am not certain of its use. Many times, over the years, uses of outbuildings would change. Oral histories of family members that lived in the house would be a way to find out how it was used.

After I had walked a little on the property I looked up and saw a sign that told me I might be in trouble soon. It was a no trespassing sign. I hurried out to my truck and left quickly. I always respect those signs and completely missed it when I was taking photos just a few feet into the property. At least I didn't get any buckshot in my "you know what" as I was leaving.

FOLKSY BUNGALOW

Last summer I just had to stop and take a photo of this early 1900s bungalow as it made me smile. Its folksy painted purple trim complete with a hand-painted checkerboard on the dormer made me feel good. 


It was a reminder to me that life is to be explored by our creative side in all kinds of ways, including the houses we live in. I believe that indulging your creative mind results in healthy body energy.


This bungalow was discovered on a vintage residential street in Danville, Kentucky. Viewing folk artifacts usually activates people to smile along with  feeling a tinge of  joy. Especially when the artifact is as large as a house.

OLD VERNACULAR ONE-CAR GARAGE

Yesterday, I traveled the main road of route 25, enjoying a beautiful cool day in and around Richmond, Kentucky. As I rode along  in my small truck I came upon this unusual structure that sat down the hill from a lovely old bungalow. The structure almost looked like a country root cellar yet it had a few defining details that spelled out garage.

First was the height and width of the former door opening which was similar to the garages of the Ford roadster era. The former door opening would have been the whole of the now brown board closure. Secondly, there was a cement drive apron leading to the structure from the street. It probably had a dirt apron originally.

The garage was probably built about the same time as the house was -- the early 1900s. It might have been built for an early Ford roadster or similar type car.   Over time, garages like these  became unusable as manufacturers built cars longer in length. No longer could the newer cars fit lengthwise. Many garages  of the old short-length types were converted into other uses.

OLD VERNACULAR ONE-CAR GARAGE 

A closer look at this former garage tells us that its function had changed. No longer a garage, its use became one that needed light (two windows) and only a regular standard door. Many uses could have been part of this evolved building. The hinges are 1930s --40s. I imagine its original use as a garage was only used for a couple decades. 


I thought the garage was unique in that it was partially underground and that it sat so close to the street rather than close to the house. 


Perhaps there is another story to this structure? I'm sure there is a personal story to be told with this unusual building.