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Photo by Craig Denis, courtesy houzz.com
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In the spirit of our just-celebrated and arguably most American holiday, consider that most American of architectural elements—the covered front porch. While it may have evolved from the columned entry of ancient temples in far-off lands, the porch is embedded in America’s films, literature, and cherished memories. (Picture Scarlett O’Hara holding court with a bevy of beaus at Twelve Oaks, or the quiet conversations of Atticus Finch and Scout.) If you’re of a certain age, your first kiss may have been illuminated by a (parentally inspired) porch light. And who knows how many proposals have been accepted on a cozy porch swing?
In American homes, the porch may trace its lineage back to the wide, covered verandas of the French Colonial houses built in the early 18th century. While these “gallery” spaces did offer a comfortable spot for people to gather outdoors, functional eventually evolved to impressive, when the popularity of Greek Revival style introduced grand porches featuring massive columns and expansive gables.
But it wasn’t until the dominance of Gothic Revival architecture (around 1840 to 1860) that the front porch became an important and integral part of the American home. The intricate details like lattice, brackets and ornate trim are the recognizable characteristics of a Gothic Revival sitting porch. The style endures today, although the vinyl bric-brac of suburban reproductions is an unfortunate nod to a glorious past.
In St. Louis, of course, some of the best classic porches can be discovered on a walking tour of historic neighborhoods in Kirkwood, Webster Groves and Old Town Ferguson.
1) There is no rule that that a porch must have corners.
Photo courtesy SouthernLiving.com
2) A curled-up visitor waits patiently for a dropped scone.
Photo courtesy of theneotraditionalist.com
3) The perfect spot to let the hours tick by
Photo courtesy EddieRiderDesigns.com
4) Just relax and wait for a sailboat to drift past.
Photo credit: houzz.com
5) Although synonymous with summer, the porch swing has all-season appeal.
Photo by Joon Hon, courtesy front-porch-ideas-and-more.com
