First Period

 

 

First Period c. 1626 - c. 1725

From The Salem Handbook, Historic Salem Incorporated, 1977

Plan

Originally one room deep with prominent central chimney. Often a second story overhang on front and/or side with lean-to added to rear of building.

Doorway

Entrance on long side of building with little concern for facade symmetry. Simple, serviceable board and batten door.

Windows

Small, few in number, and asymmetrically placed. Framed simply, the windows were usually casement with diagonal shaped leaded panes.

Roofline

Steep pitch, often with many gables. Massive oblong, central chimney was roofline focus.

Materials

Timber frame construction. Usually unpainted wood with narrow clapboards.

Decoration

Minimal external decorative treatment.