Page:Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal, Volume 1, 1869.djvu/646

 522 The Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal. [Feb., towers, battlements for archers, and dun- geons for prisoners, have long since passed away. The histoiy of brave men, in predatory warfare, furnishes materials for romances suited to shadow forth the age in which they lived, Ivanhoe, the Black Knight, Front-de-Bceuf — all types of the times of the Crusades — and the sanguinary battle waged to destroy the castle of Torquilstone — described as al- most impregnable — have been made im- mortal by the pen of Sir Walter Scott, throughout all whose works are graphic descriptions of the dwellings of that age, which made great pretence of civil- ization, 3 T et failed to give safety and security to the people. It was this great danger and risk of life, that caused each man to build for himself a fortress. Inhabitants of cities encompassed themselves with walls, al- wa'S well guarded and manned, to pro- tect them from invasion and surprise. As the arts and sciences advanced, the popu- lation of countries became more orderly ; government more secure; and the sub- jects of monarchies were guaranteed safety. Then it was, that people com- menced to live, without fear of each other, and the character of dwelling- houses changed from that of the fortalice and the prison to that of the building erected for comfort and convenience. Heavy, rude, and cumbrous architecture gave way to a lighter style, with more utility and less strength and massive- ness ; built only to resist the inclemency of the weather, and not blows from a battering-ram. Then windows were first made for light, and not for loop-holes to discharge arrows from. The peaceful character of the times and people caused these changes to follow each other rap- idly. The glory of the feudal ages departed, and man seemed again a primi- tive being. Instead of the warlike cas- tle, the hamlet, in which our rude fore- fathers dwelt, shed its peaceful serenity o'er the scene. Houses have alwa} T s been built in ac- cordance with the tastes and means of the owner, and according to the prevail- ing stjde of architecture. In Rome and Venice, the nobles of the Middle Ages impoverished themselves in erecting palaces, while the poorer classes lived in hovels. It is the system of house- building, which, in these modern times, erects comfortable and convenient homes for the middle classes and the poor, that is the great achievement of the age in which we live ; while at all periods since the creation of the world, the rich could be as well housed, as the age in which they lived afforded, yet the poorer and larger class of society were but indiffer- ently provided for. We, free people of America, can hardly appreciate the old system of nobility and retainers. The dependent state of vassalage is repugnant to our ideas of independence ; and the poorest man in this country seeks eagerly for a home of his own. It is this earnest desire to be free and independent of landlords, or of any other system of tributary bond- age, that has brought into active life the enterprising energy of mechanics and others in this Nineteenth century, interested in building houses for the musses. The population has increased so rap- idly in Philadelphia, and the demand, for dwellings, these last few years, has been so great, that a stimulus has been given to the house-building business. With superior advantages of pure drink- ing-water, gas, sewerage, healthy loca- tion, and pleasant climate, this city stands unrivalled for private residence ; and I do believe that houses, for all classes, can be procured here, at far less ex- pense, than in an}' other city, of the same size, in the world. Modern house- building has approached such a degree of perfection, that the poorest man, if he can onty pay one dollar per week, can very soon possess himself of a comfort- able and respectable house. The building of one house, for a resi- dence, by a gentleman of means, or of several, for investment, is a matter of