Widow's walk - Revision history

Editor at 18:25, 6 May 2021

2021-05-06T18:25:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:25, 6 May 2021
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	* American architecture and construction.		* American architecture and construction.
−	* Balcony	+	* Balcony.
		+	* Belvedere.
	* Conservatory.		* Conservatory.
	* Cupola		* Cupola

Editor at 20:35, 4 January 2021

2021-01-04T20:35:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:35, 4 January 2021
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	* Dormer window.		* Dormer window.
	* Patio.		* Patio.
		+	* Peel tower.
	* Wrought iron porch.		* Wrought iron porch.

Editor at 13:10, 20 October 2020

2020-10-20T13:10:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:10, 20 October 2020
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	= Modern benefits of widow's walks =		= Modern benefits of widow's walks =

−	While people certainly did use the widow’s (or captain’s) walks as lookout perches, that did not become their primary function until modern times. In the 20th century, shorefront development increased and so did land prices. For those who couldn’t afford expensive ~~waterside~~ properties, the only way to get ~~close to~~ the water ~~would be~~ to ~~buy more~~ affordable property away from the shore. ~~They~~ could then build their homes high enough to see over the properties in front of them. This is how the modern widow’s walk became popular.	+	While people certainly did use the widow’s (or captain’s) walks as lookout perches, that did not become their primary function until modern times. In the 20th century, shorefront development increased and so did land prices.
		+
		+	For those who couldn’t afford expensive waterfront properties, the only way to get a view of the water was to invest in affordable property located away from the shore. Property owners could then build their homes high enough to see over the properties in front of them. This is how the modern widow’s walk became popular.

	{\|		{\|
	\| [[File:WidowsWalk.jpg\|link=File:WidowsWalk.jpg]]		\| [[File:WidowsWalk.jpg\|link=File:WidowsWalk.jpg]]
	\|-		\|-
−	\| This contemporary house with ~~widows~~ walk is located in North Matthews Beach, Sand Point Way Uplands, Seattle, Washington.	+	\| This contemporary house with a widow's walk is located in North Matthews Beach, Sand Point Way Uplands, Seattle, Washington.
	\|}		\|}

−	Modern widow’s walks can be completely open, although some have ~~forms of~~ removable or retractable ~~protection~~ from weather~~, insects and so on~~. ~~They~~ can be used for entertaining purposes or as spaces for stargazing. It is also possible to enclose them in such a way as to create additional living space.	+	Modern widow’s walks can be completely open, although some have removable or retractable canopies that shield users from bad weather. Widow's walks can be used for entertaining purposes or as spaces for stargazing. It is also possible to enclose them in such a way as to create additional living space protected against insects, noise, smells and other undesirable circumstances.

	--[[User:Heidi_Schwartz\|Heidi Schwartz]]		--[[User:Heidi_Schwartz\|Heidi Schwartz]]

Editor at 10:46, 19 October 2020

2020-10-19T10:46:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:46, 19 October 2020
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	Modern widow’s walks can be completely open, although some have forms of removable or retractable protection from weather, insects and so on. They can be used for entertaining purposes or as spaces for stargazing. It is also possible to enclose them in such a way as to create additional living space.		Modern widow’s walks can be completely open, although some have forms of removable or retractable protection from weather, insects and so on. They can be used for entertaining purposes or as spaces for stargazing. It is also possible to enclose them in such a way as to create additional living space.
		+
		+	--[[User:Heidi_Schwartz\|Heidi Schwartz]]

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

Editor at 08:08, 19 October 2020

2020-10-19T08:08:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:08, 19 October 2020
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	* Patio.		* Patio.
	* Wrought iron porch.		* Wrought iron porch.
		+
		+	= External resources =
		+
		+	* NPR, "[https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5294965 Widow's Walk: Sailor's Friend, or Fire Station?]" John Ciardi, 27 April 2006.

	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:History]] [[Category:International]]		[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:History]] [[Category:International]]

Designing Buildings at 06:53, 19 October 2020

2020-10-19T06:53:49Z

Editor at 16:11, 16 October 2020

2020-10-16T16:11:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:11, 16 October 2020
Line 61:		Line 61:
	* Dormer window.		* Dormer window.
	* Patio.		* Patio.
−	* Porch
	* Wrought iron porch.		* Wrought iron porch.

	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:History]] [[Category:International]]		[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:History]] [[Category:International]]

Editor at 16:03, 16 October 2020

2020-10-16T16:03:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:03, 16 October 2020
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	* Don’t Look Down! – Skyscraper window cleaning through the ages.		* Don’t Look Down! – Skyscraper window cleaning through the ages.
	* Dormer window.		* Dormer window.
		+	* Patio.
	* Porch		* Porch
	* Wrought iron porch.		* Wrought iron porch.

	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:History]] [[Category:International]]		[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:History]] [[Category:International]]

Editor at 16:02, 16 October 2020

2020-10-16T16:02:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:02, 16 October 2020
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	\| [[File:WidowsWalk2.jpg\|link=File:WidowsWalk2.jpg]]		\| [[File:WidowsWalk2.jpg\|link=File:WidowsWalk2.jpg]]
	\|-		\|-
−	\| Gabled dormer and hipped dormer below the ~~Widow~~'s walk - Gaithersburg, Maryland.	+	\| Gabled dormer and hipped dormer below the widow's walk - Gaithersburg, Maryland.
	\|}		\|}

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	= The legend of the widow’s walk =		= The legend of the widow’s walk =

−	As prosperity came to American, people began to build more elaborate houses, and the widow’s walk - still necessary - became more ornate. The walks ~~still served~~ their original fire safety ~~purpose~~ and acted as an additional form of ventilation - to pull smoke and warm air up and outside the house.	+	As prosperity came to American, people began to build more elaborate houses, and the widow’s walk - still necessary - became more ornate. The walks continued to serve their original fire safety purposes and acted as an additional form of ventilation - to pull smoke and warm air up and outside the house.

−	Then in the 19th century a bit of folklore grew around this functional structure. According to tales ~~told at the time~~, dutiful wives were said to patrol ~~the structures an~~ used them as a lookout while awaiting the safe return of their seafaring spouses.	+	Then in the 19th century a bit of folklore grew around this functional structure. According to tales spun about widow's walks, dutiful wives were said to patrol these platforms and used them as a lookout while awaiting the safe return of their seafaring spouses.

−	Another bit of folklore claims the platforms - referred to as a captain’s walk - were used by successful seafarers and important maritime merchants. It is said these prosperous ship owners and captains would use the watches to search the horizon for ships due in port.	+	Another bit of folklore claims the platforms - referred to as a captain’s walk - were used by successful seafarers and important maritime merchants. It is said these prosperous ship owners, businessmen and captains would use the watches to search the horizon for ships - and goods - due in port.

	= Modern benefits of widow's walks =		= Modern benefits of widow's walks =

−	While people certainly did use the widow’s (or captain’s) ~~walk~~ as lookout perches, that didn’t become their primary function until modern times. In the 20th century, shorefront development increased and so did land prices. For those who couldn’t afford expensive waterside properties, the only way to get close to the water would be to buy more affordable property away from the shore. They could then build their homes high enough to see over the properties in front of them. This is how the modern widow’s walk became popular.	+	While people certainly did use the widow’s (or captain’s) walks as lookout perches, that didn’t become their primary function until modern times. In the 20th century, shorefront development increased and so did land prices. For those who couldn’t afford expensive waterside properties, the only way to get close to the water would be to buy more affordable property away from the shore. They could then build their homes high enough to see over the properties in front of them. This is how the modern widow’s walk became popular.

	{\|		{\|
−	~~\|width="100%"~~\| [[File:WidowsWalk.jpg]]	+	\| [[File:WidowsWalk.jpg\|link=File:WidowsWalk.jpg]]
	\|-		\|-
	\| This contemporary house with widows walk is located in North Matthews Beach, Sand Point Way Uplands, Seattle, Washington.		\| This contemporary house with widows walk is located in North Matthews Beach, Sand Point Way Uplands, Seattle, Washington.

Editor at 15:55, 16 October 2020

2020-10-16T15:55:18Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:55, 16 October 2020
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	{\|		{\|
−	\| [[File:WidowsWalk2.jpg]]	+	\| [[File:WidowsWalk2.jpg\|link=File:WidowsWalk2.jpg]]
	\|-		\|-
	\| Gabled dormer and hipped dormer below the Widow's walk - Gaithersburg, Maryland.		\| Gabled dormer and hipped dormer below the Widow's walk - Gaithersburg, Maryland.
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	{\|		{\|
−	~~\|width="100%"~~\| [[File:WidowsWalk3.jpg]]	+	\| [[File:WidowsWalk3.jpg\|link=File:WidowsWalk3.jpg]]
	\|-		\|-
−	\| ~~Widow~~'s walk on the Ezra Meeker Mansion.	+	\| This widow's walk is on the Ezra Meeker Mansion, which was originally constructed between 1886 and 1890. Meeker was known as the 'Hop King of the World' and used his wealth to build this large home near the the Puyallup River estuary in Puyallup, Washington.
	\|}		\|}

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	In colonial American times, widow’s walks were very simple. Lacking decorative features, these widow’s walks were purely practical. Some were nothing more than a hatch.		In colonial American times, widow’s walks were very simple. Lacking decorative features, these widow’s walks were purely practical. Some were nothing more than a hatch.

−	= The ~~evolution~~ of the widow’s walk =	+	= The legend of the widow’s walk =

−	As prosperity came to American, people began to build more elaborate houses, and the widow’s walk - still necessary - became more ornate.. The walks still served their original fire safety purpose and acted as an additional form of ventilation - ~~both for~~ smoke and warm air ~~inside~~ the house.	+	As prosperity came to American, people began to build more elaborate houses, and the widow’s walk - still necessary - became more ornate. The walks still served their original fire safety purpose and acted as an additional form of ventilation - to pull smoke and warm air up and outside the house.

−	Then in the 19th century, a bit of folklore grew around this functional structure. ~~Using~~ the ~~widow’s walk as a lookout~~, dutiful wives were said to patrol the structures while awaiting the safe return of their seafaring spouses.	+	Then in the 19th century a bit of folklore grew around this functional structure. According to tales told at the time, dutiful wives were said to patrol the structures an used them as a lookout while awaiting the safe return of their seafaring spouses.

	Another bit of folklore claims the platforms - referred to as a captain’s walk - were used by successful seafarers and important maritime merchants. It is said these prosperous ship owners and captains would use the watches to search the horizon for ships due in port.		Another bit of folklore claims the platforms - referred to as a captain’s walk - were used by successful seafarers and important maritime merchants. It is said these prosperous ship owners and captains would use the watches to search the horizon for ships due in port.
		+
		+	= Modern benefits of widow's walks =

	While people certainly did use the widow’s (or captain’s) walk as lookout perches, that didn’t become their primary function until modern times. In the 20th century, shorefront development increased and so did land prices. For those who couldn’t afford expensive waterside properties, the only way to get close to the water would be to buy more affordable property away from the shore. They could then build their homes high enough to see over the properties in front of them. This is how the modern widow’s walk became popular.		While people certainly did use the widow’s (or captain’s) walk as lookout perches, that didn’t become their primary function until modern times. In the 20th century, shorefront development increased and so did land prices. For those who couldn’t afford expensive waterside properties, the only way to get close to the water would be to buy more affordable property away from the shore. They could then build their homes high enough to see over the properties in front of them. This is how the modern widow’s walk became popular.
		+
		+	{\|
		+	\|width="100%"\| [[File:WidowsWalk.jpg]]
		+	\|-
		+	\| This contemporary house with widows walk is located in North Matthews Beach, Sand Point Way Uplands, Seattle, Washington.
		+	\|}

	Modern widow’s walks can be completely open, although some have forms of removable or retractable protection from weather, insects or other undesirable conditions. They can be used for entertaining purposes or as spaces for stargazing. It is also possible to enclose them in such a way as to adapt them as additional living space.		Modern widow’s walks can be completely open, although some have forms of removable or retractable protection from weather, insects or other undesirable conditions. They can be used for entertaining purposes or as spaces for stargazing. It is also possible to enclose them in such a way as to adapt them as additional living space.
Line 45:		Line 53:
	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

		+	* American architecture and construction.
	* Balcony		* Balcony
	* Conservatory.		* Conservatory.
Line 53:		Line 62:
	* Porch		* Porch
	* Wrought iron porch.		* Wrought iron porch.
		+
		+	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:History]] [[Category:International]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:53, 19 October 2020
Line 8:		Line 8:

	A widow’s walk is a residential North American architectural feature. It is also referred to as a widow’s watch, a roofwalk, a captain’s watch or a captain’s walk.		A widow’s walk is a residential North American architectural feature. It is also referred to as a widow’s watch, a roofwalk, a captain’s watch or a captain’s walk.
−
−	~~= Origins of the widow’s walk =~~

	These raised, railed platforms were first constructed on top of houses in the 1800s. They were often found on homes built on the seacoast, but they can also be found on inland homes.		These raised, railed platforms were first constructed on top of houses in the 1800s. They were often found on homes built on the seacoast, but they can also be found on inland homes.

−	Widow’s walks were a variation of a decorative Italianate cupola. However, original widow’s walks included an internal stairwell so they could be accessed quickly and easily.	+	Widow’s walks were a variation of the decorative Italianate cupola. However, original widow’s walks included an internal stairwell so they could be accessed quickly and easily.

	= The purpose of a widow’s walk =		= The purpose of a widow’s walk =

−	The staircase leading to the widow’s walk is the feature that distinguishes it as something functional rather than as a purely decorative cupola. Original widow’s walks were often built around the chimney of the building ~~with the purpose of~~ serving as a method of managing chimney fires.	+	The staircase leading to the widow’s walk is the feature that distinguishes it as something functional rather than as a purely decorative cupola. Original widow’s walks were often built around the chimney of the building, serving as a method of managing chimney fires.

	{\|		{\|
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	= The legend of the widow’s walk =		= The legend of the widow’s walk =

−	As prosperity came to ~~American~~, people began to build more elaborate houses, and the widow’s walk - still necessary - became more ornate~~. The walks continued to serve their original fire safety purposes and acted as an additional form of ventilation - to pull smoke and warm air up and outside the house~~.	+	As prosperity came to America, people began to build more elaborate houses, and the widow’s walk - still necessary - became more ornate.

−	Then in the 19th century ~~a bit of~~ folklore grew around this functional structure. According to tales spun about widow's walks, dutiful wives were said to patrol these platforms and used them as a lookout while awaiting the safe return of their seafaring spouses.	+	Then in the 19th century folklore grew around this functional structure. According to tales spun about widow's walks, dutiful wives were said to patrol these platforms and used them as a lookout while awaiting the safe return of their seafaring spouses.

−	Another ~~bit~~ of folklore claims the platforms - referred to as a captain’s walk - were used by successful seafarers and important maritime merchants. It is said these prosperous ship owners, businessmen and captains would use the watches to search the horizon for ships ~~- and goods -~~ due in port.	+	Another piece of folklore claims the platforms - also referred to as a captain’s walk - were used by successful seafarers and important maritime merchants. It is said these prosperous ship owners, businessmen and captains would use the watches to search the horizon for ships due in port.

	= Modern benefits of widow's walks =		= Modern benefits of widow's walks =

−	While people certainly did use the widow’s (or captain’s) walks as lookout perches, that ~~didn’t~~ become their primary function until modern times. In the 20th century, shorefront development increased and so did land prices. For those who couldn’t afford expensive waterside properties, the only way to get close to the water would be to buy more affordable property away from the shore. They could then build their homes high enough to see over the properties in front of them. This is how the modern widow’s walk became popular.	+	While people certainly did use the widow’s (or captain’s) walks as lookout perches, that did not become their primary function until modern times. In the 20th century, shorefront development increased and so did land prices. For those who couldn’t afford expensive waterside properties, the only way to get close to the water would be to buy more affordable property away from the shore. They could then build their homes high enough to see over the properties in front of them. This is how the modern widow’s walk became popular.

	{\|		{\|
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	\|}		\|}

−	Modern widow’s walks can be completely open, although some have forms of removable or retractable protection from weather, insects ~~or other undesirable conditions~~. They can be used for entertaining purposes or as spaces for stargazing. It is also possible to enclose them in such a way as to ~~adapt them as~~ additional living space.	+	Modern widow’s walks can be completely open, although some have forms of removable or retractable protection from weather, insects and so on. They can be used for entertaining purposes or as spaces for stargazing. It is also possible to enclose them in such a way as to create additional living space.

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =