As you know, I really admire old houses, houses that have been lived in, that were built when builders took time to put them together well and even added artistic touches. On my mother’s birthday, I accidentally happened upon the picture of an old house in Tahlequah, built in 1906. It’s for sale and it’s lovely. I’m not planning to buy it. To my way of thinking, a large house needs a family with children’s voices and noise to fill the rooms. Maybe I’m wrong, but I think a large house with only one person rattling around in it might be a bit lonely.
One thing almost all old houses have in common is a front porch. I love front porches! And, I’ll bet long ago people sat on them. A few newer houses today have porches but I hardly ever see anybody sitting on them. Why is that? As I pass houses in town where I know people live, they look empty. Even shades are drawn. I guess everybody is inside or out in the back yard.
I have a theory that if people started being more visible in front yards and on front porches and would speak to others passing by, the world might be a better place. Do you think? Or are we so afraid of the lawless element or being involved in a stranger’s life that we just keep to ourselves? Is it dangerous to sit on front porches in some areas of the country? Very well could be!
Perhaps sitting on porches, like leaving our doors unlocked, is a thing of the past. I do have a porch although mine is quite small. My husband and I used to sit there. Peg and I have sat there. It’s kind of nice to wave at joggers trotting by or a family out walking with their young children. I guess porches are friendly. Houses, like people, have personality and character. Maybe that’s what the world needs more of–friendly, welcoming front porches.
I agree! Maybe we should ignore the old saying, “fences make better neighbors”, and change it to “porches make better neighbors”. We have a front porch that is positioned so that we can see everyone walking by and have the opportunity to greet them. Love it!
Your house sounds (and looks) lovely, Teresa. I’m glad you have a porch!
I sit on my front porch in a middle class neighborhood and wave and say “Good Morning or Evening which ever the case may be, to every passer by. My family thinks I am crazy but I can remember my dad and grandmother doing the same… It’s sad though, this city which I live in use to only have 1 red light in my youth but now has hundreds. Disney World has ruined this town.
I’m glad you still enjoy sitting on your front porch and waving at people, Jay. It’s a way of keeping old courtesies alive. Your last name is the same as my maiden name. I wonder if we are related?