Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1911-09-25
Possibilities Of City Roofs.
THESE MAY BE TRANSFORMED INTO GARDENS,
AND CONCERT ROOMS
FAIRGROUNDS


The blue dome overhead completes the
illusion that The city is far, far away. In
the distance the eve catches the tops of
the trees in Central Park and - nearly
on level With the garden that it might
be but continuation.
Beyond, and sub1ued by the gray tones
of the atmosphere. are tie indefinite out
lines of buildings. There is a memorable
panorama of the Sound and the Palisades.
while miles of the Long Island woods
seem tn blend with the haZ$ sky
II moro conventional diversions are de-
sired. the possibilities are almost I'M
limited, Ones favorite novelist reads the
better from q chair made comfortable
With an armful of pillows The plano is
ready whenever the longing comes lol-
music or song. Sometimes an evening is
made 10 pass delightfully."- for everyone by
the swcct-volccd girl, back from her stud
les at the great Conservatives. Who sits
down To sing for a few friends and soon
has everybody spcllbuund
Afternoon teas and bridge parties ara
in high favor. ono may indulge In en-
hroidery or whatever strikes fle fancy
1t is feasible tu install bowling alleys
and squash courts FOR The Younger cIc-
| ncut. The chidrcns interests have been
] looked after. and miniature playground
portioncd OFF for their exclusive use. AL
the Joys of ring AMI doll
dressmaking and housekeeping may he
INDUCED in without thought Of danger
from motor cars or trucks.
More elaborate ar fltr eseiliris enter
tainmeuts. when the entire roof is trans
formed into fairyand of liRht and color.
! japanese lanterns and coIored electric
| lights alternate with flags and bunting to
| give the garden Il festive appearance.
| The summer house becomes Il rustic
stage for private theatrie;tIs or moving
pictures. An orchestra is created with IA
pianist. violin. and cello The program
may be- varied by sleight-of-haHd per
fornances and Ministries.
| ON such occasions there IS standing
room only" for those who do not come
early or neglect to requisitien i eaalr In
advance. There are facilities for tile hos
tess to serve her guests with cakes and
| ices.
! As tue Autumn leugtheus, nnC side of
the roof is enclosed in glass; and Il sun
parlor is the result. This is dom by adj
ding glass frames To the summer house.
/ The steam pipes are hidden frour view
by the ferns and palms which have been
| transferred from their tubs and boxes 10
indoors.
The sun paror is very popular as the
| lowering temperature proolaims the adj
vent of November Throughout lite win
! ter the tenants continue TO seek thc in
vigoration that comes from 4 turn on the
roof
1t is striking that in spite of Tire herd
| ing of people together in cities in modern
| times there has been surprisingly little
use made Of the thousands OF acres OF
open-tir space on The Eouaet0ps ones
| thoughts carried back to the days
when tie Caesars and their followers We'd
with one another in spreading priceless
draperies and rugs over tn parapets of
the low Grecian palaces. aud in enter
tanning their guests on the roofs of tho
buildings The custom was not confined
10 Rome, and in distant parts of the an
| eient empire it was not uncommon to
find couches for sleeping on the tops of
dwellings,
In recent years there has been Il tre-
mcndous development of the ''fresh-alr''
propaganda. 1t has brought new life and
| health to millions of city dwellers Al
ready the tenement districts at night are
evidence of the changed point of view
regarding nature. and in the heated term
there is scarcely roof that is not used
for lounging and sleeping.
The cultivated" hnusetop is neither a
Sad nor an experiment. Architects and
| landlords should take the lesson 10 heart
and householders should cooperate in
creating and utilizing the new type of
| garden which cannot but be the means or
| unsuspccted happiness. Boston Herald.
|