Screen door or no screen door?

franniescan · Apr 26, 2009

Hey all,

Not sure if this is a historical specific question or it can fit under western? I threw it here because I'm writing a western...so, I'm just curious to know if a well to do rancher that has a nice house would have a screen door?

Would there have been screen doors back then? The book is set in 1876 to be exact. I've tried to find some info but can not entirely find anything with a solid answer. So, I thought I'd throw it to the masses.

Thanks!

MaryMumsy · Apr 26, 2009

I found an online reference that the screening was patented in 1884 (by a man in Chicago). Some form may have been in use before that. I think it is unlikely your rancher would have been using a screen door as early as 1876. North of Phoenix is a living history museum called Pioneer, AZ. One of the buildings is an actual Glendale AZ farmhouse from the 1930s. It does not have screen doors or window screens. I know my parents' homes when they were children in the 20s and 30s in AZ did not have screens, but they were by no means well-to-do.

MM

franniescan · Apr 26, 2009

Thanks Mary! I think I may just go ahead and drop it. It's one of those little details...but I don't think it's necessary

Again, many thanks!

CDaniel · Apr 26, 2009

Yeah, probably a good idea, Fran. After I seen your question here I went off and tried looking too, but to no avail. Sorry.

franniescan · Apr 26, 2009

Yep, I went ahead and scratched the screen door idea and just made it the plain ole front door banging open and then shut.

Decided to keep it simple.

But thanks for the thoughts!

Cav Guy · Apr 29, 2009

Blanket doors were also common on the smaller spreads. Screening was a much later invention.

Screen door or no screen door?

franniescan

Exploring the Last Frontier

MaryMumsy

the original blond bombshell

franniescan

Exploring the Last Frontier

CDaniel

Writing for the brand

franniescan

Exploring the Last Frontier

Cav Guy

Living in the backstory