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.
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| 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.
