07. The Cape Cod

7a. Cape Cod (Grand Manan Is., N.B.)

The early American settlers built Cape Cods along the wind-swept coasts of New England, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. They were usually constructed by shipwrights and were extremely 'tight'. The houses were generally kept very plain because of the damaging gales that blasted through the region. When shutters existed they were not for decoration, but to be swung shut to protect the smallish, expensive windows.

7b. Cape Cod (Blue Rocks, N.S.)

What to look for (clues)

- A small 1 1/2 story building where the moderately steep roof extends down to the

main story.

- Roof and house (were) originally covered by wooden shingles that stayed

unpainted and would weather to a darkish gray colour. Newer houses are

generally of wood and painted.

- A large chimney straddles the roof directly behind the front door.

- The `specific type`of Cape Cod depended upon the windows and their placement:

One window on each side of the door is standard.

Two windows on each side of the door is a full Cape Cod.

Two windows on one side and none on the other is a half Cape Cod.

Two windows on one side and one on the other is a three-quarters Cape Cod.

7c. Cape Cod (Kitchener,Ont.)

7d. Cape Cod (Waterloo)

7e. Cape Cod (Guelph)

Where To Find It

The Cape Cod style was originally constructed in the 1600s close to the Atlantic Ocean shoreline. Surprisingly, the style, or at least Colonial Revival versions, became popular in the time period around 1930 to 1960, but this time they were built in suburbs beside Ontario towns and cities. (They are no longer encased in cedar shingles and the chimney may break from its traditional location.)