To Build a Home

We have been blessed to travel this country and as history teachers our travels always mean stops at historic sites that lead to hours of discussion about how to use the information in lessons. Non-educators are probably surprised to find out that a "summer off" was never really a part of our life. Summer was the opportunity to research (all on our dime) and find materials that might be used to engage students in the coming school year. 

The three photos above from three different locations show totally different construction techniques. Yes, the bottom one has been restored but it was still constructed differently than the upper two images. Why? If you enjoy thinking about where our ancestors lived, what did the land look like and how did they get there this post is for you.

The top picture is from the plains region, note the use of sod/mud bricks.

1. Why?
2. What was the climate? Terrain? What drew people to the plains region of North America? Were they misled? Lied to? Would you have gone?
3. How were the walls constructed? What are the strengths and weaknesses of this style? What was the interior floor made from?
4. How many people could live in this house?

The middle picture is another high plains home but built later when lumber was more readily available.

1. Why would you settle here? What strengths of character must you possess to live here? What might a female think of living here?
2. What might this family have done for a living?
3. Why isn't anyone still living here?
4. What kind of climate might they have experienced? What kind of food could they have raised or grown?
5. What domesticated animals would do well here? What wild animals do well?

The lower photo is from Minnesota.

1. What type of climate? Extremes of temperature?
2. How were the logs made?
3. Why aren't they nice and straight and laid one on top of the other?
4. What kind of wood might they have used? How were the logs held in place?
5. How were the shake shingles for the roof made? Type of wood?

What kind of tools were used to build homes in the mid to late 19th century? What was used for insulation? What about windows? Did everyone have access to glass? If not, what else works as a window covering that would allow light in and keep bugs out? Where did nails come from for homes (when needed)?

Would you be willing to spend 3 months fixing up and living in a similar house in a similar location? What would be the most difficult part?