Thanks for the reply George and Jan. From other tax records it seemed the Piazza was a considerable part of the home. Here is a description from the 1798 Direct Tax of a property owned by John McDonald in Carlisle, Cumberland Co. Nicholas Shantz was occupant: House: 2-story wood 22' x 21' 7 windows 76 lights(panes) Piazza: 1 story wood 15' x 6' 2 windows 27 lights Kitchen: 1- story stone 15' x 17' 1 window 9 lights Stable: wood 15' x 20 1/2' From the dimensions for the Piazza, as you said George, it did not go the whole length of the house. And with the mention of windows it must have been partially enclosed. I'm sure there have been other discussions about the use of porches so I won't be long winded here, but my guess would be that being in the town, the Piazza was to provide a pleasing appearance to the side of the house facing the street. Most "country" homes would often have the front of the house oriented to face south, where the porch could provide extra work and living space. Just think of the how the "deck" on many houses today influence how we use our homes. I can see the Architectural Historians descriptions now...... Marcia ----- Original Message ----- From: "George F. Nagle" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2004 11:42 AM Subject: RE: [PADAUPHI] Notices from The Oracle Newspaper, 1819 > "FOR SALE - A convenient 2-story brick House...Brick Piazza and a large log > Kitchen, > all under good roof....situate on Paxton street...The Turnpike runs past the > door...John Hiney > (Anyone know what a Piazza would refer to?)" > > A large roofed porch, generally high style, as opposed to the vernacular > styles that would extend along the entire front of a home. The term, though > sounding Italian, was common in Britian at this time. This information is > from "A Field Guide to American Houses" by Virginia and Lee McAlester (New > York, Alfred A. Knopf, 1993) p. 52. A great book for architectural > historians and American Studies people like myself. > > George F. Nagle > Editor, Afrolumens Project > http://www.afrolumens.org/