In Praise of Front Porch Swings

by Roberta Murphy

Front Porch SwingTodays tragic massacre at Virginia Tech leaves us all wondering how such a thing could happen and what we might have done to prevent such a horror. And oddly, I find myself longing for a front porch swing.

There is the predictable push for gun control, the demands for metal detectors on campuses, and more efficient lockdowns. I suppose these are all good and reasonable solutions, but I can’t help but wonder about the small role real estate might play in solving or easing some of these pressing issues.

I think about the way we live and how we disconnect from our neighbors.

Once upon a time, people had the luxury of sitting on front porch swings where they could greet strollers and the mailman, hear the neighbors piano practice and watch the neighborhood kids barrel down the street on their bikes and scooters.

Neighbors knew one another and what was going on in their respective neighborhoods. On hot summer nights and before the proliferation of air conditioning and closed windows, people would sit outdoors on their porch swings sipping cold lemonade, Nehi Colas or other regional beverages. And even during cold or inclement weather, windows were eyes to the outside world and front windows were the most valued.

And because neighbors talked, gossiped and had telephone party lines, news travelled faster than a Facebook post.

Sometime after World War II, the backyard patio and barbecue became the focus of outdoor living. People moved  from porch swings to their fenced back yards, and with the proliferation of television, moved indoors where rooms were air conditioned in the heat of summer. The living room recliner eventually replaced the front porch swing and after time, front porches became little more than architectural decor.

Front windows in newer homes are generally relegated to unused formal living areas. It is usually the family room at the rear of the home where families choose to gather and relax in private.It is rare that neighbors stop by for an uninvited casual visit.

Years ago, I remember discussing neighborhoods and crime with Grover OConnor, former police chief of Dayton, Ohio. He was convinced that when America abandoned the front porch for the back patio, neighborhoods went to hell in a hand basket. In the old days, he said, kids couldn’t get away with anything because one neighbor or another would be reporting the mischief to the parents. And burglars were more hesitant to break into homes because of front porches and peering eyes behind windows.

Life was more public and people were more involved in each others lives.

And though a front porch swing might not have prevented todays tragedy, a return to front porch living might make just as much sense as gun control, metal detectors and lockdowns.

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This article has 3 Comments

  1. Roberta,

    Thank you for this great post. As a family that has roots at Va Tech since the 1970’s we are deeply saddened by what happened yesterday. When my husband and I were at Tech in the 70’s it was a great laid back little town. When my son and many of us buddies were Tech students in the late 80’s the school had grown but the small town feel was still in place. This weekend my son and a number of his friends are back in the DC area for one of their Tech friends weddings. They feel it is bitter sweet. Yes wouldn’t it be great if we could all just spend more time connecting with friends and neighbors and maybe help prevent these senseless tragadies.

    Thanks,
    Cindy

  2. Cindy: Your response touches–and my heart goes out to everyone connected with Virginia Tech. I have no adequate words to share with the families and friends of the fallen ones.

  3. hey!, once while seating in patio swings, i think it is also important to relax for our body. even though we have so many activities to achieve, it is good to have time to relax. our body needs rejuvation too, in order fot it to work well.

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