Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Catskills Vernacular Architecture Challenge #5

If anyone asks you what "vernacular" architecture means, say "folk" architecture.  While folk architecture brings to mind thatched farmhouses, vernacular is broader - including ordinary urban architecture as well.  Ordinariness is what the two terms have in common, so perhaps "ordinary" should be the synonym for "vernacular."

Here's the new Catskills Vernacular Architecture Challenge #5:


As with the other challenges, this is a notable house in a Catskills town.  Keep in mind that I travel mostly in Delaware County on routes 20, 28 and 23 and sometimes 10.  So far all the challenges have been residences, which I'm sure this one was originally.  Note what it has in common with the Gothic Revival style of the previous callenge.   And what it does not.  Happy hunting!

Remember, if you think you have spotted the house, you can identify it by a description, by its location, by its house number if it has one, or by its GPS coordinates.  Leave your answer at my phone 607-326-4206 or at my e-mail vscheer@juno.com.  The reward for your correct answer will be a dedication of a song on an upcoming edition of Catskills Folk, alternate Tuesdays at 7 p.m. on WIOX 91.3FM  or www.wioxradio.org!  Starting January 27, however, Catskills Folk will be on the air every week through mid-February.  I hope you will join me.