Gray rock fences built of ancient limestone are hallmarks of Kentuckys Bluegrass landscape. Why did Kentucky farmers turn to rock as fence-building material when most had earlier used hardwood rails? Who were the masons responsible for Kentuckys lovely rock fences and what are the different rock forms used in this region?In this generously illustrated book; Carolyn Murray-Wooley and Karl Raitz address those questions and explore the background of Kentuckys rock fences; the talent and skill of the fence masons; and the Irish and Scottish models they followed in their work. They also correct inaccurate popular perceptions about the fences and use census data and archival documents to identify the fence masons and where they worked.As the book reveals; the earliest settlers in Kentucky built dry-laid fences around eighteenth-century farmsteads; cemeteries; and mills. Fence building increased dramatically during the nineteenth century so that by the 1880s rock fences lined most roads; bounded pastures and farmyards throughout the Bluegrass. Farmers also built or commissioned rock fences in New England; the Nashville Basin; and the Texas hill country; but the Bluegrass may have had the most extensive collection of quarried rock fences in North America.This is the first book-length study on any American fence type. Filled with detailed fence descriptions; an extensive list of masons names; drawings; photographs; and a helpful glossary; it will appeal to folklorists; historians; geographers; architects; landscape architects; and masons; as well as general readers intrigued by Kentuckys rock fences.
#2311679 in eBooks 2010-06-01 2010-06-01File Name: B003RWU2SS
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Every Visitor Should Get!By CarlyBThis is such an interesting book that I find myself picking it up again and again to reference when people ask me questions about the history and meaning behind some of the traditions in Santa Fe. Some I knew from my grandmother who was born and raised in Santa Fe. but now that she has passed on. I find myself asking. "What was the story behind the turquoise doors? What was Zozobra about again?" This book helps bring back the memories and sense of history in Santa Fe. In the section about the tradition of Posole. there is an EXCELLENT recipe for it as well- a nice treat. When in Santa Fe last September. I met the author and was so impressed by her. She has so much knowledge and has contributed a lot to the community. including $ from this book. My father (son of my grandmother from SF) was fasinated by this book as well. For those of us with roots from Santa Fe. it is much appreciated!3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. great guideBy PepeThis honestly covers all the things and places from which to choose in Santa Fe for anyone visiting and for those of us living here and need to look around more! The author knows all about her topics. Great set-up and stimulating - you want to do it all right now! The colourful photos say everything about Santa Fe.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A great summary of Santa Fe area higlightsBy Doug (Iowa)Having traveled from Iowa to Santa Fe several times in recent years. we have found it a fascinating. colorful and historical place to visit. The book. Santa Fe Icons. captures extremely well some of the best sites. festivals. etc. that a visitor MUST experience! Photography is beautiful and the accompanying descriptions are excellent summaries of each photo and what one will want to see in person. Recommended highly for anyone visiting Santa Fe for the first time.
