American Vernacular and Boomtown

This American vernacular house was built in 1894. The roof is a straight-sided gable, which means its opposite slopes rise up from the roof overhang and meet at the summit.

The construction is characterized by the front parapet wall, which reaches beyond the actual roof line. The roof itself slopes gently to the rear.

The use of tar paper and asphalt to keep water and snow out enabled this innovation.