I have always felt close to the colonial period of our country and the saltbox house played an important part in our early history.

Although this isn't a true saltbox house...it has that feeling. Typical Saltboxes will slope from two stories on the front to one story on the back. There were two reason why this type of house became so popular. First of all from a practical sense...the original house was built and as the family grew...an addition was simply added on to the back of the house...usually a kitchen. The original reason for a saltbox house was a financial decision. At that time, house of more than one story were taxed by the government. Since the roof line of a saltbox sloped to one story...the house was exempt from taxation. I wish those laws still applied!

This house is located in the early Utopian community of New Harmony...a small town in Southern Indiana from which I have drawn so much inspiration for pictures over the years. Personally...I would love to spend a Thanksgiving or Christmas holiday in this house. Warm fire lit, the heavy fragrance of Wassail mixing with the earthy fire drifting throughout the first story.

A peaceful time with a few close friends and family...no false smile or conversation just to mark the time but true connections...there may be laughter or smiles or even tears...but the knowledge that you are with friends...make the night.

I am so looking forward to the holiday season.

Dan