4 square 411

You may ask what is an American 4 Square?  Well its a style of home built from the 1890s-the 30s that were often square to make the best use of smaller city building lots.  They were some of the first houses built with a more open floor plan compared to the traditional and Victorian style homes.  The square shape allowed for larger rooms on the first floor and the upstairs the bedrooms tended to be build off a center hallway.  The attic space tended to be open with dormers on the sides.  They also tended to feature handcrafted wood work and built in features.

Our 4 square was built in 1905 on the lower east side of Erie, PA.  Unlike many of the homes from this era this one kept many of its as built 1905 features on the first floor.  Solid oak floors with oak panels on the walls along with a large built in oak chest in the dining room.  The first floor also has large bay windows that let a large amount of light into the living room.  The dining room enteranc is framed by 2 large columns creating and open feel.

Please pardon the mess I'll get better photos soon.  most were taken while we were still moving in.

The front entrance and stair case.  The small oval window is stained glass.

The living room and fire place

Looking into the living room from the dining room

The built in hutch in the dining room