*But were afraid to ask

Dear Ms Victoria Anna,

Since I want to increase my living space, enclosing my front porch is a good option. How can I do this?

Signed, Ivan Crown

Dear Ivan,
From the very beginning of Ocean Grove, the small lots did not allow for much private outdoor space. The open front porches became the prime outdoor living spaces for residents. In fact, they were part of the “Founder’s” plan to foster neighborliness and a strong sense of community. Residents could spend time reading, sipping fresh cool lemonade, and chatting with neighbors and passers-by, all while enjoying the refreshingly cool ocean breezes, at a time when air conditioning was not even known.

First floor porches almost always spanned the entire width of the front of the house. They often wrapped around at least part of one or both sides of the dwelling. Second floor porches were also very common. They varied more substantially according to the home’s style. For example, “stick style” buildings such as the “Aurora” features wide verandas on the 2nd floor while “Queen Anne” homes were built with recessed porches and balconies.

Because of their prominence, residents lavished their front porches with elaborate decoration or “gingerbread”

Spaces between the turned, square and round columns were spanned by relatively low [around 30”] railing systems [all the better to see the happenings on the street] while sitting on the porch.

Railings were supported by fancifully sawn out, closely spaced, wide flat boards, substantial turned spindles, or even simple 2” x 2” square spindles closely spaced. Railings coming down the wooden front steps opposite the front door end in fancifully caped newel posts. Unfortunately today’s building codes don’t allow for such low railing system. However, to retain the more original look of their porches, and to avoid a playpen look, when replacing the railing system, many homeowners opt to use a second railing placed above the first one. This is a good way to trick the eye into minimizing the look of the required 36” railing height on first floor levels and the 42” height on upper floors.

Brackets or knee braces extended from the upper portion of columns and supported the roof’s edge. These were often jigsaw out into “scroll” designs. Occasionally a short [12”] row of spindles filled the spaces between the column uppers. Alternatively a short drop canvas awning was sometimes hung.

Often a “ pent” roof extended over the porch to protect the porch from the weather. First floor porches floors were made of tongue and grove wood boards and prainted natural or grey. Bead board porch ceilings were often painted light blue to mimic a clear blue sky.

Front doors were imposing and inviting they could be single or double and often had curved tops. Glass accounted for ore than 50% of each door. The doors and windows were highlighted by being topped with important crown molding and surrounded with wide wooden trim.

The various elements were emphasized by the careful use of several co-coordinated colors [but that is a book and a topic in itself]

All these factors show the important role the open porches plays architecturally and historically in Ocean Grove life. As a whole, the community holds their maintenance as essential. Because of this Ocean Grove is known as a “Open Porch” community.

The Historic Preservation Commission is extremely reluctant to allow the enclosure of a porch. Rather, they encourage and applaud the re-opening up of any and all enclosed porches.

Enjoy the summer breezes on your porch,
Victoria Anna

Victoria will answer any questions or clarify any answers about the Historic Preservation Commission that you may have. Send her your questions by e-mailing RHavey@NeptuneTownship.org, or through the post at Victoria Anna, c/o HPC Office, PO Box 1125, Neptune NJ 07753.