It can be hard to avoid negative news in my line of work – historic preservation is not for the easily daunted. That is one reason I take great joy in the many historic buildings and landscapes in Kentucky that are preserved, and the accidental discoveries I make while taking the long road home. Eight years was the last time I drove through Lebanon, Kentucky, and this week found me back in Marion County. On my way out of town, I saw a house I thought I recognized.
Vernacular cottage, circa July 2016.
I’d noted the late-19th/early 20th century vernacular house in 2016, and was intrigued by how much of the facade was visible due to there being no porch. The lines and turns of the roof and planes of the wall fascinated me, although this is a form I’ve seen many times – but it looks so different sans front porch. I imagine there was a small wrap-around porch originally, but for whatever reason, it vanished. The house looked like it had a story, so I snapped a photograph as I slowed down.
The little cottage is still there and a cheery yellow.
To my delight, the house still stands! I still don’t know anything about its past or present, but the window and door hoods, two original doors, and the brackets flanking the cut-away bay on the corner, are all still intact. A lot can change in eight years, for the better and also for the worse – so I take every opportunity to celebrate life’s tiny victories.
Very cool!
This is a success story.
And I too would have noticed the frame house due to the cherry yellow for it’s my favorite color.
The windows have additives over the top of each which is special as well.