While driving through a sparsely populated area of southwestern Nebraska I encountered a depressing amount of Victorian-era houses (which had once been grand for their locale) in advanced stages of deterioration. Despite their weathered facades, these houses were still clinging to their dignity; I won’t be forgetting them. How could I not photograph them?
![](https://i0.wp.com/architecturalobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/aa00076.jpg?resize=930%2C630&ssl=1)
Will a newly-constructed house last for decades with absolutely zero maintenance? Nope. A nice example of Folk Victorian.
![](https://i0.wp.com/architecturalobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/aa00077.jpg?resize=930%2C620&ssl=1)
Stick-work graces the gables of a more modest folk Victorian. Paint still clings to the wall beneath the porch roof.
![](https://i2.wp.com/architecturalobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/aa00078.jpg?resize=930%2C620&ssl=1)
The porch has fallen; the house can’t be far behind.
![](https://i1.wp.com/architecturalobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/aa00079.jpg?resize=930%2C620&ssl=1)
There is literally one post holding up the roof of this wrap-around porch!
![](https://i1.wp.com/architecturalobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/aa00080.jpg?resize=930%2C620&ssl=1)
The shingled band below the roof creates an interesting effect… vaguely mansardesque!