2020 has tested the world, especially the United States, in so many ways: a pervasive pandemic of which we are now likely in the worst days; civil unrest as injustice and inequity came to the forefront of so many Americans' minds; and a near unraveling of the fabric of American democracy.
Perhaps now more than ever we have come to appreciate the solace of Piney Green, making "stay at home" not so onerous. The sunroom, which is perhaps my favorite room, has been my teleworking home office for most of the year. The living room has been a place for countless happy hours for two (or three if you count Luc). And now that we are finally getting some cool nights, fire pit time has returned.
We had no major improvements this year, but we did manage to get the wrought iron fence repainted, as well as window glazing repaired and painted. The fence is now a subtle aubergine that harkens back to the brown (instead of black) color hinted at in old photos of it.
Piney Green is also "September" in the 2021 Historic Preservation Board Calendar - the third time it has been featured.
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| Calendar photo by Stephanie Conforti |
Per the writeup in the calendar:
"The Home Unique" was an open-house advertisement for this home published in 1935 by The Orlando Sentinel. This Frame Vernacular residence was built by contractor Sam Stoltz and laborer J. C. Hurley for $4,500. Hurley and Stoltz had planned a "modernistic" home building program to bring moderately priced homes to Orlando costing $5,000 to $6,500. In 1934, they announced that these homes would have "an eye in originality in architectural design” and that ground had broken for this home. Alvin Thomas, of Thomas Lumber, purchased the house in 1934 but sold it a year later to Lloyd C. and Mildred Nicholson. Mildred nicknamed the home Piney Green. Built of cedar siding with custom multi-colored stain, the entry is hidden on the east façade with a gabled portico supported by rustic wood brackets. The most prominent feature is a stone and stucco chimney with a plaster flamingo design the front façade, which has recently been restored, as has the flying flamingo capping the chimney. Piney Green's architecture is considered Frame Vernacular, a term that refers to a lack of specific style but is influenced by locally available materials and popular stylistic trends. Therefore this home is also considered Florida Vernacular. Some Frame Vernacular homes feature simple Bungalow, Craftsman, or various revival styling.
From this writeup we learned that apparently Piney Green has had four owners - or five if you count the original builders - not just three. We believe the siding is cypress, not cedar, especially considering use of local materials, but other than that the writeup helps us fill in a few more gaps in the history of Piney Green.
As 2020 finally comes to a close, we hope that 2021 will bring brighter days where life gets back to "normal" but also where we carry forward the many lessons 2020 has taught us. If you are reading this, you made it through, and we hope 2021 has wonders in store for you. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from Piney Green!
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