June, the Month of the Porch!

The Century Inn, built in 1794 was just down the street from my Grand-parents porch.

As I re-read the June entries for Vintage Notions, by Amy Barickman, I was transported to my childhood. My first appreciation of the porch occurred when I would spend a vacation week with my maternal Grandparents. Their house, fronted the first East-West US highway, the National Pike,  Route 40 through Scenery Hill, Pa. There was a large swing on one side and in the hot afternoons I was perched there with a pillow and a book. The two lane road was the same one traveled by Colonial troops and pioneers heading West. That porch introduced me to the possibilities of travel, by road or by book.


While that porch had an element of fantasy, the first Summer porch memory I have retained is not so good. I was 6 years old, it was really hot. The little corner store across the railroad tracks and up a steep hill sold popsicles. I wanted one. My Mother gave me enough coins to get one for myself, my Sister and Herself. Up the hill I trotted, gathered my two grapes and one orange popsicle and headed back down the hill. In the far (I thought) distance I heard an oncoming train. Did I mention it was hot? My popsicles were melting. Heaven forbid!!! As I dashed directly in front of the train, my Mother who was holding my Sister while sitting on the steps of said porch, jumped up, screaming for me to stay on the other side until the train passed. Do you know how loud a passing train is where you are right next to it? Really loud. I thought she was worried about my melting popsicles. As I ran directly across the tracks with train only a few feet away from my cute little dress (and self) my Uncle who lived next door was using his brand new fancy electric razor.  He was looking out the window, saw me in front of the train and dropped his razor. Not good. After the event,  I remember eating a sort of mushy popsicle. I don't remember if my Mother ate hers or not. Lesson learned, popsicles will melt in the heat.  Train or no train.

My Inspiration, Vintage Notions by Amy Barickman

 In the times of Mary Brooks Picken, porches were an essential area for Summer entertaining and relaxation. One of my favorite chapters in this section of the book is about  how to prepare your outdoor living room for comfort, color and durability. By painting all the furniture the same color and coordinating rugs, cushions etc. a lovely setting can be provided with minimal cost. For my Front Porch, a narrow strip of real estate I might add, white is the predominate color. White wooden rocking chairs (that need painted I might add) are the seating and I use quilts for added padding and comfort. Because weather intrudes now and then I bring the quilts in. I added yellow planters on either side of the door for some color and occasionally substitute yellow quilts on the rockers for special events.

The back porch is a work in progress. I need to replace some furniture etc. More on that another time. I am thinking paint stripper, repaint and quilts. Now that is an original idea!

Quilts and Rocking Chairs

pops of yellow brighten the narrow space

houseplants come outside from May until October

Frog, McCoy antique on wrought iron  plant table