Someone get a lasso, because these pop quizzes are out of control without answers. Let’s review, shall we? Some of these have correct answers in the comments already, but I’ll include them here for the purpose of the round-up. And some could remain in discussion for a while – it would certainly give us cause for field trips and discussions.
(1) Pop Quiz: December 12, 2012 – What is this?
Answer: Wallpaper in a foyer (of the house of a fellow preservationist). This wallpaper covered the entire entry and stairway. It was a bit blinding, as you can imagine. But also incredibly neat. Her compromise? Leave one wall. The date is unknown, but the 1960s or 1970s would seem accurate and it is definitely metallic flocked wallpaper.
(2) Pop Quiz – January 21, 2013 – What is that grooved wood?
Answer: Novelty siding, which was popular in the early 20th century. This house was built in the 1930s, which fits with the time frame. And it’s exciting to know that it still exists on some parts of the house.
(3) Pop Quiz – April 1, 2013 – Name this object.
Answer: A boot scraper that remains on the streets of Fredericksburg, VA.
(4) Pop Quiz – April 10, 2013 – Name this object.
Answer: This is a survey tool for measuring distances, but specifically for railroads; it fits on the railroad track. These are the sorts of things found when the Agency of Transportation cleans house!
(5) Pop Quiz – May 2, 2013 – Name that window type.
Answer: This is the one everyone has been waiting for, and I hate to disappoint, but I still don’t have the exact answer. Such is the story with architectural history sometimes. The facade of this barn has obviously been heavily altered, with only a hay door remaining of its original fenestration. My instinct says it is not original to the building. I think I’ll have to get the State Architectural Historian to answer this one. This is located in Wallingford, VT.
(6) Pop Quiz – June 20, 2013 – Which windows are original?
Answer: The comments are varied, but generally agree that the picture windows are ca. 1950 and a later alteration. The screen door would match the time period of the picture windows. The part that throws me a curve ball is that the windows on either side of the picture windows have muntins that match the color and style of those on the sunroom. The roofline has been extended over the sunroom, which was possibly just a flat roof extension from the main block of the house. The window above the door is a replacement, which you can read from the two latches/locks. If it helps, this house is in the village of East Burke, VT. My thoughts: the picture windows and the sunroom windows were added at the same time, replacing more traditional fenestration. The window in the gable was a more recent replacement. Do you agree?
(7) Pop Quiz – July 17, 2013 – What is going on in this photo?
Answer: Blown in cellulose insulation. You can see this easily in colder climates. It’s easier to have it done from the exterior rather than the interior (which would leave plaster to repair, or holes in your drywall). Once you see these, it’s hard to miss. As far as the diamond pattern goes, good eye! Though I don’t know.
Thanks, everyone, for playing these quizzes. The mystery quizzes remain the Wallingford and the East Burke, which are coincidentally both window questions. We’d need to get up close and personal with the building to solve these. As many of us know, we can only determine so much from a street side (or windshield) survey. Feel free to keep guessing and if I find more to the answers, I’ll share.
Preservation in Pink 