There is a section in Gainesville that was once considered ‘across the railroad tracks’ where clapboard homes were built. In a variety of sizes, shapes and styles, these homes have somehow stood the test of time. In spite of high humidity and lots of rain, some of these homes are still being used 100 years later.
Some of these homes are known as Cracker Style Florida homes. These houses were built by early Florida settlers that needed shelter quickly. Using cedar wood which was readily available, these houses included tin roofs and porches to get relief from the unrelenting sun. Many of the homes I passed were built in the late 1800’s, early 1900’s. Other homes were built in the Victorian style with gingerbread trimming and expansive porches.
In a town that is a college town, the eclectic style of these homes have merged with the uniqueness of the residents in Gainesville.
From small to large homes, these wooden homes continue to provide shelter in a romantic fashion.
The porches provide a quiet and cool resting place from the muggy central Florida days.
Along my walkabout through this historic area of Florida cracker architecture, a few local citizens greeted me with four legs and fuzzy fur. If you notice, the first cat has his left ear cut. This is from a catch, spay/neuter and release program known as Operation Catnip.
The last little one was reluctant to let me continue on my path. Constantly purring, rubbing against me and walking around my legs preventing me from walking forward. Even the kitty flop stopped me in my tracks.
It was a romantic walk through the past with warm and fuzzies to top it off. Hope you enjoyed these homes as much as I do.
Categories: 2013 Project 365, Florida, Foot Prints, history, travel
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
I love the kitties best
How come I’m not surprised. Me too ! They were fun to play with.
🙂 They’re kitties and they’re adorable. What’s not to love?
The house shots are really nice too. I like how you made each one look special
And this was just one street that I explored. There are plenty more. This is what I was expected in Savannah, but no. Gainesville is filled with these old homes, and each is unique and has its own personality.
We love the house photos! We want the orange cat in the middle!
Hey, we have a cat like him in our the new MaggieMooseTracks’ kid’s book series…. coming soon. It’s at the illustrators now. Amazon.com next!
Oh you have Maggie kid’s books now? That’s fantastic ! Congratulations. Indeed, the orange cat was full of personality.
Reblogged this on SCOMBROS.
Thank you for the repost
Cats and clapboard go hand in hand. Nice architecture in Gainesville.
Thank you so much. I had forgotten how cool the houses are there. So happy you enjoyed them.
Growing up in the rural Midwest where every farmhouse had a porch and a porch swing to get through those really hot summer days I really appreciate any architectural themes that includes similar elements.
They would also know how to build a home to maximize airflow and relief from heat. There is growing popularity in Florida for this type of architecture. I love houses with character. Thanks Charlie.
Some great homes there, they look fantastic. I love verandah’s or porches, new houses don’t really have them, mine doesn’t and I really wish it did.
Is there this type of architecture in Australia ? I wonder what the old plantation homes look like down there. Thank you so much Leanne.
I love the old houses, with the large porches, another wonderful tour.
Thanks Jerry! I love taking you along with these walkabouts.
Very well captured… 🙂
I’ll buy “1866” or “1865”… “lol” 🙂 😉
I had to correct the date as that refers to a massacre in a small town called Rosewood to the west of Gainesville. About 26 blacks were killed over a false accusation by a white girl. They made a movie on it. In recent years the US government gave money as compensation for the loss to their descendants.
Great views of those old homes and the cats.
Don’t you love towns with cats all over them? How about your village? Are there lots of cats?
Emily — To be honest, I’ve not seen any stray cats about in my fair city. Believe it not, the old saying about the people of Vicenza (Vicentini) is that they were cat eaters! And, that may explain why there are none to be found in the streets.
Very nice houses. I hope they are kept well for the future. Nice cats too..
That’s the beauty in Gainesville they really appreciate these homes now and many have been restored. They’re charming to live in too.
I love porches, these are great finds! The cats are sweet ~
Can you imagine? A nice glass of cool iced tea swinging on the porch bench surrounded by kitties? Sheer bliss.
Beautiful Captures – love the kitties too:) Happy Friday – Happy Weekend!!!
Thank you so much Renee ! Look forward to getting home with my regular internet service. The photo uploads have been taking forever, so no time to read. Lots to catch up on. Have a great weekend.
These are more like heritage homes. The swings on the porch make it so inviting just to laze around and drink lemonade and stroke the cats fur. Purrrrr…..
And I didn’t even get to start showing the huge victorian homes that are there. I love old homes, with so much character. We would have so much fun just relaxing on the porch having girl chit chat.
Great memories for me as an ex-Floridian. I loved my porched-house in Florida! The Midwest has farmhouses that sort-of resemble them. Wild cats and chickens seem to be everywhere in Florida & more concentrated as you go south.
That’s interesting, I didn’t realize that about the chickens and cats. What a change for you. From Florida to the Midwest. I bet it took a while to get used to the cold temperatures. 🙂
Such beautiful structures…. Would love to live here. And the kitties, yay! 🙂
Gainesville is your town my dear. If there ever was a place made for you, this is it!
That’s what I’ve been told… REPEATEDLY! Perhaps one day…. 🙂
HAHA ! See, it’s not just me telling you. The town is calling you. 🙂
Sell! Move! Now! 🙂
You got it sweetie ! Cheap housing there.