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T h e R u r a l A m e r i c a n
F o u r s q u a r e
In his book, Homes of the Heartland: Balloon Frame Houses of the Upper Midwest, 1850-1920, Art Historian Fred Peterson discusses the appeal and meaning of the American Foursquare in the rural Midwest:
"...the two-story foursquare farmhouse is the kind of dwelling that can be identified with a specific period in the history of American agriculture from the mid-1890's to the 1920's...The square perimeter and centrally designed roof of two-story foursquare farmhouses architecturally symbolize a move toward consolidation and standardization that occurred after the American frontier was "closed", the population of the rural United States began to decrease markedly, and the practice of agriculture became increasingly similar to industrial and commercial enterprises in management, specialization, and cost-effectiveness." (p.178)
" Because of their full two-story elevation and broad proportions, these white cubical stuctures appear as monumental presences whether viewed in the open space ot the prairie or the wooded hills of a river valley. The fundamental elements of the walls, roof, porch, and dormers extending vertically and horizontally into the space ot the farm site impress one with the stability and position of the structure. Although the house type is economical in construction and cost, it commuicates a manorial quality derived from its classic form and qualities." (p.185)
P L S Price Laboratory School
University of Northern Iowa U N I