#Porch June 16

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Having a PORCH and sitting on it one of my happy places.

Our home was built in 1910. It is a huge wrap around PORCH that is great for entertaining or just sitting.

When you look at many houses today you see that a front PORCH is often replaces with a back deck. The second half of the nineteenth century was the golden era of porches. The social role of the exterior of home increased as it evolved into an outdoor parlor, a true extension of the house into the landscape. The porch provided an opportunity for discreet social interactions.

As the 20th century came about new inventions helped lead to the decline of the front porch. Automobiles made it easier for people to get out of the house for entertainment and relaxation, porches began to lose popularity, especially as architectural styles and social attitudes changed.

With the telephone, neighbors and friends could chat without personally meeting. And housing styles popularized in the construction boom after World War II often omitted front porches all together as backyard patios became the focus of private outdoor activities.

Finally in the mid-twentieth century the broad availability of air conditioning and television enticed many people to stay inside at night and brought the golden era of the American porch to an end.

Luckily for me I have a front PORCH and it has provided many wonderful moments of happiness.