Dogs now seem to have the run of the house.....the whole house......no restrictions. Several years ago, the houses had what we called a "dog run" and it was an open hall in the middle of the house. Here's what wikipedia says about this style house.
The dogtrot, also known as a breezeway house, dog-run, or possum-trot, is a style of house that was common throughout the Southeastern United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries.[1][2] Some theories place its origins in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Some scholars believe the style developed in the post-Revolution frontiers of Kentucky and Tennessee. Others note its presence in the low country of the Carolinas from an early period. The main style point was a large breezeway through the center of the house to cool occupants in the hot southern climate.
This picture is a perfect example of the past. Study it and remember. Unpainted board houses. Worn porch steps and broken boards. Mom in her rocking chair with a cat in her lap and Grandma in a chair covered with a blanket to keep warm, Aunt Ethel sitting there in her knee-high stockings (is she smoking?). Uncle Kimber in the background with probably his shoes in the foreground. And the house had no underpinnings so kids could crawl under (along with snakes and spiders and other obnoxious pests) and cool off. Many peas were shelled in these breeze-ways and lots of folks probably slept here on hot nights.
Aren't you glad they are just memories? We will choose our central heat and air and gather in front of the TV with the dog on our lap and be thankful for progress!
This old picture has on the back......Grandma Ramsey, Mama, Ethel, Uncle Kimber. I didn't just make up the names.
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