some thirty gates erected after these designs in different sections
of the country, and, for aught we know to the contrary, it is one of the
most popular gates that swing. The principle of this gate is best shown
in figure 80, and consists of four panels of braces crossing each other,
and held firmly in position by five iron rods, which can be tightened by
the screws at the bottom. The braces are not tenoned, and there are no
nails about the gate. There can be no sagging under any circumstances;
but should such a thing occur from unequal shrinkage, it can easily be
remedied by placing a thin strip of wood or sheet lead under the foot
of the braces running forward. There is economy in the construction of
these gates, as they can be made with a less number of joints, and
greater strength and stiffness secured with lighter materials, than in
any other style of gate we know of. The principle is the one used in
railroad bridges and roofs of great span, and our own experience with
them, having built and tested all the gates here illustrated, is, that
they possess very decided merits. [Illustration: FIG. 84.]
[Illustration: FIG. 85.]
[Illustration: FIG. 86.]
[Illustration: FIG. 87.]
[Illustration: FIG. 88.]
[Illustration: FIG. 89.]
Fig. 81 is the principal entrance gate to one of the finest estates on
the Hudson, above Tarrytown, and although similar in appearance to
figure 82, has some very decided differences, the cross braces in this
case reaching only to a second rail; the rods, however, pass through to
the bottom; it is much more elaborate in workmanship, and the addition
of a moulding on the top and bottom would increase its effect.
Fig. 84 is the entrance gate at the New Windsor, N. Y., Parsonage, and
has been hanging six years without a perceptible change. The braces in
this are one inch square and doubled; they are not halved, but cross
each other, two one way and one the other, in the manner shown in figure
85.
There is no other mode of constructing gates in which rustic work can be
made such good use of. The chief objection to all things made in the
rustic manner is, that they soon fall to pieces, limbs shrink and twist,
and nails do not hold; but a rustic gate held together by iron rods will
remain good until the last brace has decayed.
Fig. 86 is the principal entrance gate to one of the most finely
finished country seats on Newburgh Bay.
Figs. 87, 88, and 89, illustrate a novel style of hinge, peculiarly
adapted to this gate, and is really stronger than any other. It requires
less iron and less blacksmith work.
Fig. 87 shows the top hinge corner, and figure 88 the bottom hinge
corner. The iron which secures this end of the gate, passes through both
top and bottom hinge, and binds them and the gate securely together. The
additional fastenings for hinge are made with carriage-bolts. Nothing
but a power beyond the enormous tensile strength of iron and the
compressible strength of wood, will cause the gates to yield in ordinary
use.
Fig. 89 is a perspective view of the hinge, showing how it may be
counter-sunk, and thus almost entirely concealed. Figs. 80, 81, 82, and
83, also show the hinge, and four different styles of stone gate piers.
[Illustration: FIG. 90.]
Fig. 90 is intended for a farm gate. The cross rails are secured by
carriage-bolts passed through them and the main braces. Each end of the
gate has an iron rod only, which is made heavier than the others, and
saves framing. The hinge is made by having the iron rod project beyond
the bolt head and nut, and the upper end is passed into an eye, as shown
in Fig. 91, which is screwed into the post; the lower end is pointed,
and is placed in a stone as shown, or it may rest on solid iron of
similar form to the eye. Any intelligent laborer, with an axe and auger,
can, with the iron work, make these farm gates.
[Illustration: FIG. 91.]
This principle of constructing gates admits of an infinite variety of
designs; those given are merely suggestive. It admits of all classes of
workmanship, from the plainest to the most elaborate, from the simplest
farm gate to those required for the finished park, and in beauty,
strength, and economy stands unequaled.
Fig. 92 and 93.--Plan and elevation of an entrance gate, which we have
executed in oak, and presents an effective appearance.
[Illustration: FIG. 92.--_Elevation of Entrance Gate._]
[Illustration: FIG. 93.--_Plan._]
DESIGN No. 28.
RESIDENCE OF TRISTRAM ALLEN, ESQ.,
RAVENSWOOD, N. Y.
The accompanying view of Mr. Allen's house is a good example of the
method of adding to a dwelling which has ceased to be of sufficient
capacity for the requirements of the family. By reference to the
basement or cellar plan, the outline of the old house and the foundation
of the new will be distinctly seen. The addition transforms the cottage
to a villa, and in a manner which preserves the proportions as
harmoniously as if the whole had been erected at one time and from one
plan, thus illustrating a prominent advantage in this style of
architecture, which admits more freely than any other, successive
additions, which, when properly designed, add to the variety of outline,
and its beauty of light and shade. The different floor plans show the
arrangements of rooms and their connection with the original building,
which, it will be seen, are convenient and compact.
[Illustration: FIG. 94.--_Perspective._]
[Illustration: FIG. 95.--_Basement._]
[Illustration: FIG. 96.--_First Floor._]
[Illustration: FIG. 97.--_Second Floor._]
Ravenswood is one of the most elegant of the suburbs of New York, being
near at hand, and having frequent and rapid communication with the city.
Situated on the Long Island shore, opposite the centre of Manhattan
Island, overlooking the great metropolis and its outlying cities, of
easy access to the Central Park by the Hell Gate Ferry, amid all the
refinement of fine gardens, polished landscape scenery, and
architectural taste, it presents at once all the enjoyments that a
combination of city and country life can afford.
[Illustration: FIG. 98.--_Attic._]
DESIGN No. 29.
RESIDENCE OF LINDLEY M. FERRIS, ESQ.,
NEAR POUGHKEEPSIE, N. Y.
The residence of Mr. Ferris, of which we give the plans only, is located
south of the city of Poughkeepsie, and almost or quite within its
suburbs. The surrounding estate, of 150 acres of handsomely rolling
land, possesses all the attractions of beauty and fertility so generally
awarded to the finer portions of Dutchess county. In the immediate
vicinity are some of the highly finished and well-kept country seats
which adorn this portion of the Hudson, and make up the attractions
which taste and refinement always add to country life.
[Illustration: FIG. 99.--_First Floor._]
The object aimed at in the design of this house, was that of a
substantial and commodious mansion, suited to the requirements of a
large family, and that should express its purpose in the simplest manner
at a moderate expense. It was therefore desirable to avoid all costly
irregularity of form, and all the fanciful varieties of gimcracks.
The style selected as best illustrating this purpose is the Chateau
roof, Louis XV style; the main building being 43 feet square, with a
rear addition 25 by 29 feet; the plan illustrating the arrangement of
rooms, verandah, etc. The first floor gives double parlors, (one of
which may be used as a bed-room or library,) a sitting-room or
reception-room, dining-room, and a large kitchen, with necessary
closets, an inclosed verandah, water closets, etc. The second floor,
main building, gives four large bed rooms and two smaller rooms for
other purposes, and in the rear are four servants' rooms and a
bath-room. The attic story, main building, has now five rooms, finished
with closets, and two rooms more can be added by putting up two
partitions. These upper rooms, in a roof of this character, are cool,
well ventilated, well lighted, and agreeable in warm weather, there
being roomy air chambers between the attic ceiling and the upper roof,
and also between the walls of the rooms and the outer wall of the house.
There is but little difference in the value of these rooms and those on
the floor below, except convenience of access.
The house is built of brick, in a first class manner, the lower roof
slate, the upper one being tin; is thoroughly finished throughout, and
is in all respects a convenient, durable, and commanding structure,
giving the largest amount of room in a desirable and attractive form,
with the most economy of means. It is situated on a knoll overlooking
all the surrounding grounds, which include a number of other fine sites,
one or two of which, we think, even more desirable than the one
selected. It is not, however, an easy matter to choose one from a dozen
sites, each almost equally good.
[Illustration: FIG. 100.--_Second Floor._]
A new road is now being laid through these and the adjoining premises,
to connect two of the principal drives southward from Poughkeepsie,
which when completed, will add a new attraction to the beautiful suburbs
of this city. The views from the grounds, more particularly from the top
of the house, are varied and extensive. The mountain panorama, which
sweeps three-fourths of the horizon, beginning with the Fishkill
mountains, and ending with the Catskills, is exceedingly fine. The
eastern view embraces the Vassar Female College, the noble gift of
Matthew Vassar, Esq., to the cause of female education. In the
foreground and middle distance are the rich rolling landscapes of
Dutchess and the fertile hillsides of Ulster counties, the glittering
spires of Poughkeepsie, the lordly Hudson, and southerly are seen the
famous Beacons and the Highland Pass,
"Where Hudson's wave o'er silvery sands
Winds through the hills afar."
DESIGN No. 30.
MODEL SUBURBAN COTTAGE--IN THE OLD ENGLISH OR RURAL GOTHIC STYLE.
BY FREDERICK S. COPLEY, ARTIST, TOMPKINSVILLE, S. I.
The general appearance of this Cottage, as seen from the road, is shown
in the engraving, (Fig. 101.) which is a perspective view of the North
and East Fronts.
It is situated at Montrose, on the lake-like shores of Hempstead Harbor,
near the village of Roslyn, Long Island, a spot noted for its beauty and
healthfulness.
[Illustration: FIG. 101.--_Perspective._]
Size of building, 44 by 38 feet. Principal Plan (Fig. 103.) 10 feet
high. P. shows a recessed porch, with double doors of oak, (oiled) the
outer ones open, to be closed only at night and stormy weather, behind
the one on the right is a space for wet umbrellas, &c., the inner doors
have glazed panels to give light within, and should always be closed. V.
is the vestibule, containing a spiral staircase, with walnut steps and
rail (oiled). The floor laid with encaustic tiles, with ceiling groined,
and walls finished in imitation of stone in the sand coat. On the left
(under the stairs) is a private door opening into a lobby, fitted with
wash-basin, water, &c., and lighted by a narrow window, that also serves
to light the front basement stairs, so that a servant could answer a
call, at either front or back doors, without passing through the central
hall; which would not only be more convenient for them, but would be to
the family and guests, especially in time of company, when the hall
would form a central room, by closing the doors that lead to the stairs:
nor would this interfere in the least with the domestics, or their
duties: as they can go from cellar to attic without disturbing the
privacy of a single room: and the guests could ascend, unseen to the
dressing rooms above, (from either entrance) or depart in the same
manner.
[Illustration: FIG. 102.--_First Floor._]
The hall screen, separating the vestibule, should be of real oak,
(oiled) and lighted in the panels with stained glass, which would impart
a soft and pleasant light to the hall, and produce a fine effect on
either side, day or night. The hall is here placed in the centre of the
plan, and so happily arranged are the doors and rooms, as not only to
give it a symmetrical effect, but to unite the whole, _en suite_,
without disturbing the individuality of either. Also, the hall lamp and
stove would light and warm, equally, every room, besides passage,
vestibule, and stairs. The cloak closet is in the passage which contains
the back stairs.
P. is the Parlor, which would be the favorite living room in the summer,
as it faces the north, and has a large bay-window commanding a fine view
down the harbor to the sound.
[Illustration: FIG. 103.--_Second Floor._]
L. is the Library, and living room, connected with the parlor by sliding
doors, with recessed book-cases, on each side, and the same on the sides
of the bay-window, here facing the south, and possessing a beautiful
view of the bay and hills, with the village in the distance, which make
it the favorite quarters in winter, being fully exposed to the genial
influences of the sun during the absence of foliage at that season. On
the right of the mantel is a private closet for plate, papers, &c., both
these rooms have windows opening on the west veranda, with a fine view
across the harbor. D. is the Dining room, and a most cheerful one, (as
it should be,) with a large ornamental window on the east, admitting the
morning sun, and a fine bay-window on the north, looking down the road
and harbor, possessing a charming prospect of land and water. To
harmonize with the bay (on the other end) is the sideboard recess with a
dumb-waiter on the right, and a china closet on the left; on one side of
the mantel is the door opening into the lobby, which communicates with
the hall, and basement plan below, and fitted with wash-basin, water,
&c., which would be found most convenient to wash hands or glasses,
delicate or valuable articles of use not wished to be trusted to
careless servants. It will be seen that the three bay-windows on this
plan, are of different forms, and each fitted with inside shutters. C.
is the principal chamber, or boudoir, facing south and east, with fine
large windows in each. The one on the south has closets on each side,
and opens into the conservatory, making this a most delightful
ladies'-work-room. It will be seen that all the rooms on this floor,
although not large, are of the most comfortable size, perfect and
elegantly proportioned, and arranged with every conceivable convenience
requisite for the enjoyment of all the comforts and luxuries of life.
Chamber Plan (Fig. 103.) is nine feet high, and in keeping with the
rest, in its admirable arrangements, furnishing five excellent rooms,
with a bath room, convenient to all, fitted with the latest
improvements, (the water closet enclosed, and vertical pipes, which
would make freezing impossible). The four principal rooms are about
equal in size and attractiveness, as they possess the same fine views as
the corresponding ones beneath, and each finished with fire-places and
ample closet room. The small room windows open on a balcony, with a
charming view of the bay; and would afford an agreeable lounge in summer
evenings, to enjoy the setting sun, or cool breeze. All the rooms on
these two floors (except the last) to be fitted with Dixon's patent
grates, and Arnott's ventilating valves, which would secure sweet,
healthy, and warm rooms, without draughts. The hall, as will be seen,
is well lighted and ventilated, not only by the staircase window, on the
north, but by the ventilating sash-lights over the doors of every-room;
the bath room door is also lighted in the panel with ground glass.
Between the doors, on the east side, is the lift, or dumb-waiter, and
dust register, which being in the centre of the plan, is of equal
convenience to all.
[Illustration: FIG. 104.--_Attic and Roof._]
Fig. 104. Roof and attic plan. The attic contains five good rooms for
the accommodation of the servants, storing fruit, trunks, &c., and
drying clothes. As this plan has the same central arrangements as all
the rest, consequently the same advantages in economy of space, and of
direct and easy access to every room, stairs, &c. The landing here is
lighted in the same way as the hall below, and by the same staircase
window, with the addition of a large sky-light and ventilator in the
centre, which would keep the rooms sweet and cool.
Fig. 105, shows the Basement and Cellar plan, nine feet high, and
containing every requisite convenience for the domestic duties of a
family. As they are on the same level, and under the principal story,
the noise and smell of the kitchen would be excluded. The garden
entrance is shown by the steps on the southwest corner of area, which
extends the whole of the west side, round to the hall door on the south;
and covered by verandah, would make these rooms dry, cool, and pleasant,
as they are but little below ground, and well lighted on two sides, with
a large bay-window in each; the north bay fitted with wash-tubs, as this
kitchen is intended as a back one, or scullery, and for cooking in
during the heat of summer, it has a sink closet on the left of the
fire-place, and dresser and shelves for pots and pans on the south side,
by which, is a door opening into the basement, and one out on the area.
The basement would be a cheerful room, facing the south with a large
bay-window with seats and inside shutters, on the opposite side is a
dresser fitted with plate rack, &c. On the east is the range and pantry;
behind the range, in the hall, is a warm closet for clothes, shoes, &c.,
and opposite, under the stairs, is a dark one, for potatoes. At the
north end of the hall, (and behind the scullery, fire-place, &c.) is the
furnace room and front basement stairs. On the east side of the hall is
the dumb-waiter, or lift. The coal cellar has two bins placed under the
shoots, for large and small coal, with two on the east side for ashes
and wood. Against the middle window is a wire gauze safe, for cooked
meats, &c.; between this and the wine cellar is the dairy; the other
division is for stores in general. All the partitions are made open, so
as to admit the free circulation of light and air.
[Illustration: FIG. 105.--_Basement and Cellar._]
On observing the relative position of the different doors and windows,
in the several plans, it will be found that the house may be ventilated
by through drafts in every direction at pleasure; a luxury to be
appreciated in the heat of summer. Also, by carrying the lift, or
dumb-waiter, to the top of the house, and communicating with every
floor, its full value would be secured, besides forming a ventilating
shaft for the whole building, from cellar to attic. Another valuable
labor-saving convenience (next to the water-works and lift) is the dust
shoot, which is simply a tin tube, with registers in the floors of the
different plans, to sweep the dust into, from the rooms, where it
descends to the cellar, and is caught in a barrel, to be removed when
full. It is here placed in the hall, by the side of the lift, on every
floor, which by this central arrangement is at the door of every room.
Construction, although of wood, is made nearly fire proof, by making the
floors, walls, partitions and stairs solid. The walls and principal
partitions are formed of slats of one inch thick by four inches broad,
securely nailed one on the other, so as to form a one inch groove on
both sides, to plaster on. This forms a good strong six inch solid wall,
fire and vermin proof, and dryer than any built of stone or brick. The
stairs to have their skeletons of iron work, filled in solid with
cement. The floors of basement and entry to be of earthenware tiles, the
kitchen and cellar cemented. That of the principal plan, (forming the
ceiling of the basement, &c., the seat of danger,) should be formed of
brick, arched on iron girders, and filled up with cement, and laid with
larch, (as that burns less freely than any other wood). The hall, &c.,
to be laid with encaustic tiles. The floors of the chamber plans should
have their timbers coated with plaster paris, and filled up with mortar
and laid with larch, the plastering of the ceilings, &c., on wire
gauze, instead of lath; a slate roof, and the walls of the basement plan
of hollow brick, and plastered on the inner surface. By these simple and
inexpensive means, the house would be nearly fire proof, and life and
property secure.
The exterior is covered by a sand coat, of a cheerful and rich light
brown ochre tint, it being the most befitting for the situation and
design, besides possessing the advantages of economy, and imparting a
more substantial effect, it avoids that harsh and disagreeable glare and
glisten of paint.
DESIGN No. 31.
The design on the following page, for a Head Stone, was published by us
in the May number, 1864, of the HORTICULTURIST. It attracted the
attention of one of our most intelligent subscribers and valuable
contributors in Western New York, who desired to set up, in their
beautiful Cemetery, a memorial of one of his household who "who had gone
before." The monument was executed in this city, under the supervision
of the friend who furnished the design for the HORTICULTURIST. It was
cut from the Caen stone, and the execution was every way satisfactory.
The gentleman for whom it was made says in a letter advising of its safe
arrival:--"Last week I had it set in a solid foundation, and my highest
anticipations are more than realized. I do not see how the monument
could be better, as to material, design, and inscriptions. It is unique,
yet chaste, highly significant and satisfactory. I have only words of
praise and feelings of gratitude for a result that so fully answers to
my ideal."
[Illustration: FIG. 106.--_Head Stone._]
"BALLOON FRAMES."
"If it had not been for the knowledge of balloon
frames, Chicago and San Francisco would never have
arisen as they did, from little villages, to great
cities in a single year."--SOLON ROBINSON.
In these days of BALLOONING, it is gratifying to know that there is one
practically useful, well tested principle, which has risen above the
character of an experiment, and is destined to hold an elevated position
in the opinions of the masses. That principle is the one which is
technically, as well as sarcastically, termed Balloon Framing, as
applied to the construction of all classes of wooden buildings.
The early history of the Balloon Frame, is somewhat obscure, there being
no well authenticated statements of its origin. It may, however, be
traced back to the early settlement of our prairie countries, where it
was impossible to obtain heavy timber and skillful mechanics, and the
fact is patent to any one who has passed through the pleasures and the
vicissitudes of the life of a pioneer, that his own necessities have
indicated the adoption of some principle in construction, that, with the
materials he has at hand, shall fulfill all the necessary conditions of
comfort, strength and protection. To these circumstances we must award
the early conception of this frame, which, with subsequent additions
and improvements, has led to its universal adoption for buildings of
every class throughout the States and cities of the West, and on the
Pacific coast.
The Balloon Frame has for more than twenty years been before the
building public. Its success, adaptability, and practicability, have
been fully demonstrated. Its simple, effective and economical manner of
construction, has very materially aided the rapid settlement of the
West, and placed the art of building, to a great extent, within the
control of the pioneer. That necessity, which must do without the aid of
the mechanic or the knowledge of his skill, has developed a principle in
construction that has sufficient merit to warrant its use by all who
wish to erect in a cheap and substantial manner any class of wooden
buildings.
Like all successful improvements, which thrive on their own merits, the
Balloon Frame has passed through and survived the theory, ridicule and
abuse of all who have seen fit to attack it, and may be reckoned among
the prominent inventions of the present generation, an invention neither
fostered nor developed by any hope of great rewards, but which plainly
and boldly acknowledges its origin in necessity.
[Illustration: FIG. 107.--_Isometrical Perspective View of the Balloon
Frame._]