Cracker Chic?

Cracker architecture was born of necessity and honed with practicality. A simple homespun style that provided basic shelter and over the years expanded to accommodate family growth. Tall windows and high ceilings helped provide comfort in pre-air-conditioned Florida. "Cracker Style" is reflected in tin roofs, hip shaped to resist hurricane winds. The indigenous cedar, cypress and heart pine repelled termites and weathered to a rich patina.

An appreciation for a new Cracker Style began 20 years ago in Seaside and expanded along the Gulf Coast. These contemporary imitations, now dubbed Cracker Chic, are reminiscent of the original. But, they sport vinyl windows, laminate floors, plywood paneling and synthetic siding. New buyers drawn to the style must unconsciously long for the honest materials of the original, their patterns of use, the irregularity and imperfection bestowed by time. At least they can still experience the authentic sound of rain on their shiny new galvalume roofs.

Holy Buckminster Fuller

When we rebuilt the yellow cottages we considered putting a stacking washer and dryer in a closet. We even considered installing coin operated machines in the shed. Then, both cottages could use the laundry, maybe even a few visitors from the campground down the road, a real profit center. True, it might make us feel like two-bit money launderers with 5 gal pails of tax-free quarters hidden throughout the compound. But hey, a cash business... is a cash business.
As we were completing the shed, contemplating wiring and plumbing, considering our coin-op options, a cease and desist order arrived in the mail. The local building official stopped work, put our laundry plans on hold and we had to make alternative washing arrangements.

Here's an interesting installation we visited in a neighboring town. It makes our shed-o-mat concept tame by comparison. Granted the Posted No Trespassing sign on the building doesn't build customer loyalty, but how can you beat that wild west typestyle on the cutout sign? Maybe a little dark without any windows, but doesn't that roof top ventilator look just like the cute little button on a beanie?