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Question
My house built in 1917 has a small (24"x24") low (36" off the floor) window adjacent to the kitchen (in what would be considered a breakfast eating area). My wife wants to remove the window, but I think it is a curious architectural feature. Can you tell me what purpose it was intended to serve?
David -
Without seeing a picture, it's hard to say. It's possible the window replaced a small door used by delivery people to leave milk and groceries. That type of feature was common on enclosed back porches and kitchens back in the day when groceries were delivered.
Best regards,
Rikki Nyman
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Answers by Expert:
Rikki Nyman
Expertise
Residential architectural questions concerning houses designed between 1900 and 1950, where the question pertains specifically to styles, designs, plans, building materials, color schemes, paint colors, interior finishes and so on. I am NOT qualified to answer engineering questions or issues involving construction methods, plumbing, electrical and the like. For example, I can describe what an appropriate color scheme would be for a vintage 1920s kitchen, or sources for plans for Storybook Style houses. I can not tell someone how to replace the electrical wiring in their old home.
Experience
I have been researching old houses and writing about them for more than five years. (See www.antiquehomestyle.com, which is my site.)
Organizations
Oregon Historical Society
Architectural History Center, Portland Oregon
Publications
www.antiquehomestyle.com
Education/Credentials
B.S. History, Minor in Architectural Design
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