Wednesday, March 3, 2010

The Idea of Farmhouse: Front Yard

PHOTOGRAPHER'S JOURNAL: Originally New England farmers had no front yards. The front yard was an idea born in town. When a farmer tore up the bush beans, perhaps exchanged a stone wall for a picket fence, and planted two trees either side of the front door, he was turning his face to the road and providing formal welcome to the community. He was probably also making a statement about his social and economic aspirations or achievement.