Swinging Through Time - A Short History of Porch Swings

Summer is officially here in North Carolina, although we've had several days of 90+ degree days in the spring. Along with the beautiful weather are the opportunities to create wonderful memories while reliving some of your past favorites.

There something about the warm breezes and the color of the sky that leads me back to my days spent visiting my maternal grandparents in upstate New York. We would take a daily walk, past the creek and Little League ballpark to visit my great Aunt Loretta (Grandma's sister) and Uncle John (Grandpa's brother). Yes, two sisters married two brothers!

It was while visiting Loretta and John that I discovered the wooden glider tucked beneath a grapevine-covered arbor in the yard. I'd make the swing go as wild and high as possible, knowing I'd get a scolding, but it was the freedom of flying without actually leave the ground. 

So, while writing my upcoming release, I knew I wanted to include a romantic scene between the two main characters. And where better to set the scene than on a porch swing on a warm summer night. But first, the research. The porch swing, with its timeless charm and comforting sway, has become an iconic piece of outdoor furniture. Originating centuries ago, porch swings have gracefully evolved from simple wooden slates to elaborate designs, becoming a staple in many homes.

The porch swing, as we recognize it today, owes much of its popularity to colonial American. In the 18th century, European settlers brought with them a love for outdoor living spaces. Porches became integral parts of homes, and swings made of simple wooden slats or ropes were installed to offer a comfortable retreat. These swings were often handmade, a testament to the craftsmanship of the time.

During the Victorian era in the 19th century, porch swings underwent a transformation, reflecting the ornate and elaborate design trends of the era. The swings became a symbol of relaxation and refined outdoor living, adding a touch of elegance to the porches of Victorian homes.

   


    

The early 20th century saw the golden age of porch swings, with their popularity reaching new heights. Manufacturers began producing porch swings on a larger scale, making them more accessible to a wider audience. This era saw the introduction of innovative designs and materials, including metal and wicker. The porch swing became synonymous with the idyllic American home, featured in homemaking magazines. 

As design trends shifted in the mid-20th century, porch swings adapted to more modern living. Sleek lines, minimalist designs, and the use of new materials like aluminum.

As the 21st century dawned, porch swings continued to be a beloved outdoor accessory.  Contemporary porch swings have become a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern materials. keeping pace with today's homeowners.

The history of porch swings is a testament to their enduring appeal. From their humble beginnings as simple suspended seats to the diverse choice of designs available today, porch swings have stood the test of time. Whether gracing a Victorian-era porch, a craftsman-style home, or a contemporary patio, these swinging benches offer an invitation to relaxation and leisure.

And maybe, just maybe, there is a little girl visiting her grandparents during summer vacations who wanted to swing high and fast, but who still needed solid ground beneath her feet.

Excerpt...

“There’s something important I want to discuss with you, Griffin.”

Looking up at the canopy of stars in the blue-black night, Griffin smiled. Despite what little time they’d been in each other’s company, he knew when something was troubling her. “Nice evening for courting, don’t you think?” he said before he raised her hand to his lips then meshed his fingers with hers. Even if the glow from the nearby lantern hadn’t confirmed it, he knew a rosy blush had risen to her cheeks. It was, as his mother reminded them, their wedding night.

“Your mother is about as subtle as a boulder.”

Her words were tinged with a note of laughter, and this time Griffin chuckled aloud. “That she is. She practically shoved the food down our throats then insisted we ‘go set’ as she calls it.”

“But she did promise that we could put Jack to bed.”

“Her one concession,” he noted, setting the swing into motion with the toe of his boot. “Now tell me what’s so important that has you worrying your bottom lip from the moment we came out here.”

Within the confines of the porch swing, their bodies touched from ankle to shoulders and when Kate inhaled a deep breath, Griffin couldn’t help but feel her uneasiness.

“I want to continue working with Dr. Wells as his nurse. There’s such a need, Griffin, with so many people either migrating West or choosing to settle in Marietta. And your mother tells me many enslaved folks often pass through here on their way North.”

“Did Mama mention that she often hid families fleeing slavery? She would hang a particular quilt, I think the pattern was called the Log Cabin. It would relay the message to that here was a safe place.”

Kate remained quiet for a long moment. “Now I know why you are an honorable man. You were raised with compassion, a duty to help the less fortunate, and with the guidance of a good woman.”

“And a time or two spent behind the woodshed.” His grin faded, thinking of his wild days as youth. Now, as he so often did, he gave thanks he didn’t find himself on the same slippery slope as Jasper Pike.

“I think working with Doc Moore is a fine idea. Why did you think I’d have objections?”

Kate’s shoulders orchestrated a shrug. “I’ve heard comments to the effect that once your husband returns from the fighting, he’ll want you to behave as a proper wife and have a passel of children.”

It had crossed his mind more than once wondering if Kate would be open to having children of their own. The thought added a different type of heat to the already warm night. “The war has changed a great many things, Kate, including what constitutes a proper wife. But I am curious about one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“The idea of having children.”

The words hung there as the swing slowed, the rhythmic easing of its bolts and hinges adding to the symphony of the katydids and night owls. “I’ve always been open to having children. Unfortunately, Hugh and I were never blessed with any. When he died, I consoled myself with the thought that at least he didn’t leave behind children who might not recover from the death of a father.”

“What regiment did he serve with?” Griffin hoped she didn’t mind the question.

“General Ambrose Wright,” she answered then gave a soft, tired sigh. “Hugh was proud of his Georgia heritage. Our fathers were friends from their university days in medical school in Augusta. I’d always scoffed at those twitterpated ninnies who fell in love at first sight…until I met Hugh at a dinner party. By the time dessert arrived, I knew he was the one. We’d been married eight years when the war broke out and he joined the Georgia Brigade. I’d already suffered the loss of my father at Manassas Junction three months after the war started, so when the news arrived about Hugh’s passing, I realized I was truly alone.”

“I’m sorry, Kate.” He pulled her closer against his shoulder. The battle resulted in a Confederate victory, shocking the North and boosting Southern morale.

She nodded her assent. Yet, her fragile smile didn’t convince him.

“There’s something more, isn’t there?”

With her eyes closed, she pulled in her bottom lip. “I can’t be sure but I believe I spotted Jasper Pike on the platform at the train station.”

“Pike?” A sudden coldness hit his core.

“Did you ever mention to him where you might be headed?”

A muscle jumped in Griffin’s cheek and his jaw clenched. “The last time I saw hide or hair of that—” He swallowed a word he wasn’t in the habit of using. “Just after he aimed his rifle and shot me in Marietta.”

“Oh, dear heavens, Griffin!” Kate’s hands flew to her heart and her eyes grew round. “But, Griffin, you never said anything. Pastor Alden or Opaline or I could have alerted someone to go after him.”

“I did tell Sergeant Dalton when he came to see me at the Methodist church after I was stitched up. And later when I returned to my regiment General Garrard took my statement. But by that time we were on the way to Atlanta. Scouring the countryside for—”the word surfaced again—“Pike wasn’t a priority for the Union Army. I guessed they figured he was either killed or deserted.”

“The detestable, odious man he is. Don’t they shoot or hang deserters?”

Griffin lifted his shoulders in a shrug. “If they find them. There are a dozen ways to desert. A soldier could wait until a platoon passed by, work his way to the end of line then head home on foot. Others might skulk in ravines and hide until the battle was over. Or like Pike,  slip into the woods and never be seen or heard from again.” He shifted his arm. Gently, with one long finger against her left cheek he turned her face toward him. “Put Jasper Pike out of your mind, Kate. I’m here now. Nothing is going to happen to you or Jack.”

Moisture filled her eyes. “And by volunteering to act as a deputy sheriff in Harmony for the week is how you plan to do it? You survived four years of war only to come home and have some…some outlaw…what if something happens to you?”

Griffin gave an exaggerated sigh. “As much as I’m honored by your concern, I’ve always wondered why is it that women often hear only part of the story?” Kate stiffened beside so he hurried to explain...again. “There are four fellas that volunteered to be deputies—should the need arise. I’m only, I repeat, only on standby and as an advisor.”

If Kate was considering a response, the appearance of his mother holding Jack calmed her misgivings.

“Here’s your boy, Papa.” In a gesture that seemed perfectly natural, Griffin stretched out his arms. Jack didn’t hesitate. He leaned forward and snuggled against his chest, finding a spot just beneath his chin before popping his thumb into his mouth. Unconditional love flowed through him. This child may not be of his body, but he was and always would be a child of his heart. He tightened his grip on the baby, enjoying his warmth.

The surprise on Kate’s face mirrored his own. She smiled, her eyes sparkling with—what he hoped—were happy tears.

His mother draped a lacy crocheted blanket over Jack. “Since it looks like the two of you have everything well in hand, I’ll tend to the dishes. “Oh, I moved Jack’s cot into my room for the night,” she added with a knowing waggle of her eyebrows before going inside the house.

This time even Griffin blushed. “That woman is nothing if not persistent.”

“Like a dog with a bone,” Kate muttered.

They sat in peaceful silence for several minutes until Jack’s head drooped further down on his chest and his thumb slid from his mouth.

Kate stood and reached for the lantern. “It’s time this little one was in bed.”

Cradling Jack, Griffin rose and followed his wife into the house. She pushed open the door to his mother’s room, which was illuminated by a milk glass kerosene lamp with a spray of violets etched on the shade, its wick turned low. The baby never whimpered when Griffin carefully laid him down then kissed his dark head.

Kate stood at the threshold, her arms wrapped around her waist. She didn’t move but only stared up at him, her blue eyes wide and luminous.

“I want us to be with him every night, Kate

Kate’s voice was low and smooth, and wrapped around his heart. “I was hoping you’d want to.”

Powerless to keep from capturing her mouth with his own, he tugged her closer. Her lips were soft and inviting, and held a sweetness he knew he’d never find anywhere else. With her soft curves molding to the contours of his body, he deepened the kiss and wrapped her in a fierce embrace. When her hands explored his shoulders then moved to caress his back with butterfly touches, he groaned. The desire for his wife was like nothing he’d ever known.

A noise from the kitchen reminded him where they were and he reluctantly ended the kiss. He didn’t release his hold on her knowing there was no reason not to lead her into their room. They were married in the eyes of the Lord. That should have been good enough for any man.

Yet, something held him back.

While it was obvious there was a growing affection between them, he also sensed an undercurrent of something he couldn’t quite define. Meeting under the worst of circumstances, he understood theirs wasn’t a conventional union. Mistrust, resentment, and broken homes and lives, along with booming cannon fire and Minie´ balls had been the hallmarks coloring their lives. If they were going to move forward and build a life together, it had to be based on mutual trust, honesty, and in time—hopefully—love.

North and South. Yankee and Rebel. Union and Confederate.
In the midst of the Civil War, can two hearts come together?
When the tide of war sweeps south and the Union Army invades and destroys the Georgia cotton mill where Kate Brodie is a nurse, not only is her livelihood destroyed but she’s branded a traitor and shipped northward with the other workers. Only the unlikely attention of a Yankee major makes the trip tolerable.

Union major, Griffin Fletcher loathes the part of his job that requires him to destroy homes, towns, and livelihoods of innocent civilians. But he’s sworn to uphold the Union at all costs. Yet, he vows to protect these women he’s been ordered to transport to Marietta. Especially the one whose fiery determination, proud stance, and soft heart draws him closer.

Determined to remain in the South, Kate makes a daring leap of faith to nurse wounded Yankee soldiers, never expecting Major Fletcher to be one of her patients. Along with his healing, they each faced the fears and prejudices that had brought them together.
With survival so tenuous, can faith help them find love in the midst of so much tragedy?

 Pre-Order Link

Petticoats and Patriots (8 book series)

Series Link

   

 

 

The Walk & A Book List

Post by Doris McCraw

aka Angela Raines

Image (C) Doris McCraw

It's been hot, and I took a walk this evening to cool off and think about writing, readers, and my love of storytelling. Whether it is written or verbal, I love sharing stories. To me, that is what is important. Not the type of font, whether I use an em dash or a semicolon, or any other grammar that is currently the favorite. It is also why my work tagged me to do a series of short videos that humorously tell the history of Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region. I will put a link to one of those at the end of this post.

Also, since my work, both fiction and non-fiction, is based on history, it is important to me that I get it as correct as I can. My characters are trying to find their way in the world, usually a world they are not prepared for. They are determined to make a mark, even if in their own inner circle. While a worthy goal, it is not the only one; other people who inhabit their world have their own goals and dreams. Life is the test that allows for their continued growth as adults while still giving them a happy ending,

In both "Isabella" and "Verna Kate", I read books and newspapers about the area around Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. While not all the information was used in those books, the characters would know and read much of what was contained in those resources.

For those interested, here is a short list of some resources:

"A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains" - Isabella Bird

"The Story of Early Estes Park" - Enos Mills

"Making Rocky Mountain National Park: The Environmental History of an American Treasure" - Jerry J. Frank

"Historic Rocky Mountain National Park: The Stories Behind One of America's Great Treasures" - Randi Minetor

There were other resources, but the above are available either in a library or on Amazon. For those who would like to know more about this beautiful area, contact me, and I will be happy to share more.

If the story of Isabella and Verne Kate interests you, they are available on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited; I urge you to check them out.

"Did You Know with Doris" - VCOS

Until next time

Stay safe and keep reading and writing.

Doris

Angela Raines - Amazon

Doris A. McCraw - Amazon

Archie C. Leonard Early Yosemite Park Ranger by Zina Abbott

[This article was originally posted on the Sweet Americana Sweethearts blog in September 2016.] 

Yosemite was created a National Park on October 1, 1890. Each year between 1891 and 1913, the War Department sent troops of cavalry into Yosemite National Park on patrol duty. Sequoia and Yellowstone Parks also received military protection.

The Army Officer in charge acted as the Superintendent of the Park. The troops would arrive in May and leave about October, returning to the Presidio of San Francisco. Captain A. E. Wood was in Command of the first Troops assigned to Yosemite. Captain Wood, in command of two Troops of Cavalry, Companies I and K arrived in Yosemite May 19, 1891, and set up camp at Wawona.

During the Spanish American War in 1898 the U.S. Troops assigned to Yosemite were recalled to the Presidio. The protection of the Parks, until the Troops could again assume their duties, was assigned to the General Land Office of the U.S. Department of the Interior. A Special Land Inspector was made Acting Superintendent of three Parks. He employed assistant forest agents during the summer to eject sheep trespass and fight forest fires. The General Land Office therefore became involved in the early administration of both the National Parks and the Forest Reserves in California.

 

Original Park Rangers posing by Yosemite Falls, Archie C. Leonard is on far right.

 

By June 25, 1898, Special Inspector J. W. Zevely of the General Land Office had hired eleven men from the Yosemite region to be temporary Forest Agents. These men were assigned to two special agents. Special Agent A. W. Buick was in charge of five men: The men were, Archie C. Leonard, George R. Byde, Henry A. Skelton, Charles A. Leidig, Arthur L. Thurman, and they took over the northern part of Yosemite. Special Agent Cullom was given six men: George G. MacKenzie, Thomas S. Carter, David Lackton, Darwin S. Lewis, Joel J. Westfall, Joseph R. Borden, and this group were assigned to the southern part of Yosemite.

Two months later on August 25, 1898, the U.S. Troops returned to the Park, and the Forest Agents were relieved of their duties. However, in September of that year, the Acting Superintendent received authorization to appoint forest rangers at fifty dollars a month for temporary service. These men were to assist the Troops on their patrols. Two forest agents, Archie Leonard and Charles Leidig were hired at that time. In the late fall when the Troops were preparing to leave Yosemite, it was recommended that the two forest agents be kept on for the winter to protect the Park. This was authorized and they remained on as rangers for many years.

The Army reports to the Secretary of the Interior referred to these rangers as “Park Rangers.” This was probably the first usage of the “Park Ranger" title. The forest rangers in California National Parks, officially became park rangers in 1905. 

Archibald Campbell Leonard

Archie was born in West Virginia in 1846. He came across the Plains with his parents, Owen (born in Ireland) and Sarah (born in Scotland) during the latter part of the gold rush period and the family settled in the Mother Lode Country. The 1860 census lists him as twelve years old living with his parents (father and oldest brother worked as miners) and six siblings in Jamestown, Tuolumne County, California. As he grew older, he worked around Jamestown as a miner for a few years. In the 1880’s he came to Yosemite and worked a while for the Washburns in Wawona as a ranch foreman. 

In 1881 he married Susan M. Laurence, the daughter of James Laurence, born in Arkansas, and Telefina “Pa-nah-hah” Dick, a Southern Miwok whose family had lived in the Mariposa/Yosemite Valley region for generations.

The above picture shows on the far left Susan as a young girl holding a rifle. Next to her is her brother Johnny who is holding the violin. On the right are two Dick cousins. The Miwoks by tradition did not use surnames. Once they came in contact with Europeans who expected a surname, they used the European first name of an ancestor as their surname.

On September 23, 1898, Archie was one of the two local men appointed as Assistant Special Forest Agents who made up the first civilian protection force for the Yosemite National Park. He was assigned to patrol the southern part of the Park which was not far from his home in Wawona.

 

1899-About 40 soldiers of the Sixth Cavalry, Troop F in Yosemite Park

 

When the U. S. Troops came in to take over the protection of the Park, he was assigned as scout and guide for the Troops during the summer months. He reported to the Commanding, Officer at Camp A. E. Wood, and was given instructions to handle the sheepmen in a tough manner. Orders were to scatter the sheep, take off the bells and bring in the herders and sheepmen to headquarters. There was a great deal of trouble over the trespass of grazing in the Park.

During the winter months when the U. S. Troops were out of the Park, Archie and Charles Leidig took over the responsibilities of patrolling and keeping law and order until the troops returned the next summer.

Allan Sproul, a seasonal ranger assigned to the Mariposa Grove of Big Trees in the year 1914, says this about Archie:

“Archie was not very communicative but he was always pleasant, and I should say tolerant of the college boy rangers. He knew the Park from years of travel over the trails. His hair was gray and rather long and his mustache drooped, his uniform consisted of a dirty slouch hat, a grayish colored shirt, which wouldn’t show the dirt of a season, and overalls worn low on the belt. He spoke in a soft voice and had a pleasant smile.”

 

Archie C. Leonard, one of two Park Rangers with President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903.

Archie was one of two park rangers that served as guides and guards for President Theodore Roosevelt when he visited the Yosemite Park in May 1903. To read more about President Theodore Roosevelt’s visit to Yosemite National Park, CLICK HERE.

Susan and Archie C. Leonard

In 1917, changes took place on the ranger force. Due to his advancing age, Archie could no longer handle full time ranger duties. He was changed from a permanent park ranger to a temporary first class ranger. This reduction in status occurred in September, and two months later he was furloughed. He was not recalled to service in the Park in 1918,  but was discontinued with out prejudice from the Yosemite Ranger Force. He died in Stockton, California in 1921 at the age of 75.

According to family tradition, Archie and Susan homesteaded land in the vicinity of the Hetch-Hetchy Valley on the west side of Yosemite National Park. After Archie died, the state of California decided it wanted to dam the Tuolumne River through this valley. Archie and Susan were married according to “Indian custom.” Even though the family shows up on census and other records, the marriage was not filed in the county courthouse. Native tribes in California were beaten back and not given much consideration in the courts in the early part of the twentieth century. With Susan being half Miwok and her children being quarter Miwok, they fought an uphill battle.  California declared the children unable to inherit and grabbed the land from them for the dam project which today provides power for Pacific Gas & Electric.

 

Hetch-Hetchy Valley before the 1923 dam.

I give sincere thanks and appreciation to Lucille Davenport and Joyce Hammer, descendants of Archie C. and Susan M. Laurence Leonard, for providing the family information to me and for giving me permission to share the story of their ancestors.

Sources:
1.  Family records of the descendants of Archibald Campbell Leonard and Susan M. Laurence [Laurance] Leonard.

2.  http://www.yosemite.ca.us/library/guardians_of_the_yosemite/history.html

3.  Wikipedia

  -o0o-

Zina Abbott is the pen name used by Robyn Echols who lives near the “Gateway to Yosemite” for her historical novels. Ardith Yosemite Bride includes vignettes of the Leonard family. 

 

Now available for sale as an ebook or at no additional cost with a Kindle Unlimited subscription, to find the book description and purchase options, please CLICK HERE