A Melting Pot House

The American frontier was one of the world's most effective architectural mixing pots.<br><br>This typical Appalachian home started as a German <i>Blockbau</i> style log house. Hewn (squared) logs with V-notched corner joints, spaced apart with stone and clay chink and small casement windows are of German origin.<br><br>The later heavy frame and "stick-built" additions illustrate technological advances as the valley became developed.<br><br>The "hall and parlor" floor plan and Tudor stone fireplaces are typically English. The fireplace locations make this a southern style home, northern homes had interior chimneys. The now gone front and back porches and summer kitchen are also typical of the southern style and show French influences.<br><br>The overall medieval portions and combination of styles have persisted in local architecture to this present day. This architectural tradition is a testament to the strong ties to the past and melting pot heritage of the valley's inhabitants.<br><br>Reference: <i>The American House</i>, Mary Mix Foley