Architectural Chronology

Out for a pleasant
Sunday morning stroll
On an remarkably cool
Mid summer day,
We zigzag our way
Through some of the
Older residential areas
Of San Jose, California,
Observing the various
Architectural eras represented.
The oldest place we passed
Was vintage 1890
Adobe brick house,
But there are a lot
Of the Queen Anne
Victorian style houses
From the 1900 – 1910 era.
Some are badly in need
Of care and maintenance,
But others have been
Renovated and repainted
To look stunningly beautiful.
Each decade seems to have
A recognizable style
Distinctly different from
That of the previous decade
As well as from
The decade that follows.
My least favorite houses
Are probably the ones
Build during the 50's and 60's,
For they seem to have
The least character
Of any period represented.
It is the tremendous variety
Of residences
That contribute enormously to
The flavor of this city.