1. Rich Man, Poor Man, Pioneer, Thief: Rethinking Earthfast Architecture in New Jersey.
- Author
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Gall, Michael J., Veit, Richard F., and Craig, Robert W.
- Subjects
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ARCHITECTURE , *PRIMITIVE architecture , *EARTH houses , *EARTH construction , *EARTH sheltered houses , *LAND tenure , *RURAL land use , *SOCIOECONOMICS ,COLONIAL New Jersey, ca. 1600-1775 ,NEW Jersey state history -- 1775-1865 - Abstract
Recent archaeological excavations and documentary research have shed light on a once-vibrant and long-lasting tradition of earthfast architecture in New Jersey. This tradition persisted in the state from the period of initial settlement into the 19th century and was utilized by individuals of varied social, economic, ethnic, and occupational backgrounds. Earthfast architecture proved advantageous when masonry building materials were scarce, household economies were meager, skilled masons were expensive, and land tenure was questionable. The use of this architectural technique in New Jersey appears to have reflected a set of phenomena different than that previously identified in the Chesapeake region to the south, and was one of many options available to builders erecting vernacular structures from the 17th into the 19th century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2011
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