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St. Francis of Assisi Parish gymnasium
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Top level
City-Wide Treasures
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Once a common charm of the Manchester skyline, their numbers are diminishing. How many have you noticed?
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Elegant
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What craze you ask? It began in the early 1800's, and is being relived by a passionate history freak...yours truly.
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Well Weathered
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Manchester, much like many other larger New England cities, grew in the 19th century to be a self-sufficient metropolis of neighborhoods. Such settlements of the time included working farms; these required barns. Those homes and properties that were not designated as such many times included a carriage house to shelter the horses and the vehicles they pulled. It was a common mode of transportation for those who were able to support the financial obligation.
Today, more than a century later, a cupola craze is being realized, even if only by the photographer. In the early 1800's, New England, more than any other region, fell into a "Cupola Craze". The benefits of their ventilation potential, as well as the ornamental statement they could make bolstered their popularity.
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Imaginative updates
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Now, in the 21st century Manchester, we zip along, usually oblivious to the remaining charm left for us from centuries ago. Their numbers have diminished over the years, and will continue to do so. Drive carefully about our city's streets, and leave the gazing to me.
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Fully functional
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This latest gallery is a mere glimpse of such charming architectural features in Manchester. Every attempt has been made in the composition of the images to conceal the location of the properties featured. I cannot pretend to know all the historical facts behind what you'll see in the gallery. The gallery is simply an opportunity for the viewer to join the photographer, on his crazed mission to capture a mere sampling of these charming little trinkets of the city's history.
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Unique indeed
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The cupola's common definition derives from the root word of "cup", and is typically accepted as a dome-like, light roof structure used as a belfry, lookout, lantern or belvedere. For the purpose of this gallery, the cupolas featured have been limited to Manchester's barns and carriage houses. These are just some of the many pleasures yet to be realized by Manchester's folks of today.
Have a look.....
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Built to stand....
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Some are simple, yet there are others which are elaborate in their own right. You will see those of only 100 years; either well weathered and wind beaten or protected by modern materials. Others may be 150 years old or more, comprised of the same materials they were built with.
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Well Maintained
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Then there are some that seem to retain their original integrity yet have clearly seen their share of loving attention. The one to the left is such an example.
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Almost hidden
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This cupola is uncommon for its steep metal roof pitched almost like a pagoda. Then, the arched louver vents covered by plywood.
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Likely the oldest in the gallery...
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There is every reason to fear that this cupola, barn and remainder of the property will soon be gone and forgotten. This one could date to as early as the 1820's and has an interesting history in the structures associated with it.
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Similar, yet different
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Many cupolas take on a similar shape and size, but examples like this one stand out. It appears much more like a belfry on a simple rural church when presented in a close-cropped fashion.
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Unique Roof
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Likely the smallest of the cupolas featured, it is unusual in that the roof has two gables, as opposed to the typical hip roof.
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Clever positioning...
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Very few examples of the cupola attached diagonal to the ridge of the roof have been seen. This one reaches higher than most.
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Handsome indeed
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...is this example likely dating to the early 1870's. The high, steep gables make it tough to photograph. Ooh, such admirable spindles characteristic of their time.
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Character all its own
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This last image was grabbed from one of Manchester's most dense "populations" of barn cupolas. The age is hard to guess, based on its location. Nonetheless, the obvious Italianate flavor beyond the vivid contrast of the "Christmas Cupola's" paint suggests it has eluded the eye of many Manchesterfolk for 150 years.
Just because you have taken this tour in the safety of keyboard and monitor, doesn't mean it won't be worth your risk to seek out more of the treasures. As you travel about, remember that the last fourteen images featured are but a mere smattering of these curious little treats free for the viewing in a city whose charm is so often unnoticed.
More snippets soon of simple city-scape splendor seldom spotted by our people.
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