Hidden Places: Porch Decorating Contest
Porches have always been vital to the social life of Saratoga Springs. Historically, porches were spaces that served as transitional spaces between the hazards and challenges of the outside world and the safety and comfort of private interiors of residences. In Saratoga Springs, the porches or verandas of the grand hotels that once graced Broadway were the place to see and be seen so it is not surprising that many Saratoga Springs residences feature prominent porches.
To highlight the importance of these unique outdoor rooms in the history of the city, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation sponsored a Porch Decorating Contest in early August to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the Saratoga Race Course. Local residents participated in the contest to win the opportunity to name a race and present the trophy at the Saratoga Race Course, compliments of the New York Racing Association. Participants were judged in four different categories: Most Elegant, Most Track Inspired, Most Historically Accurate, and Wildcard.
The three judges were delighted by the variety and creativity of the entries. From the street, many of the porches seemed unassuming but, once entered, were found to be remarkable. The porch at 171 Lake Avenue was one such example. Draped in eye-catching purple fabric an elegant outdoor space that features a chandelier and crystal accents is hidden from the street. Prominently placed is an advertisement of the sanitarium that was once operated in the home and historic maps from the house history completed by the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation clearly indicate the pride owners, Joan and John Brophy, have in the history of their home. Joan and John – with assistance Nancy St. John and her husband Jim, who also reside in the home – entered the contest because it was an opportunity to showcase their porch as well as to show their support and appreciation of Saratoga Springs.
Across the street at 180 Lake Avenue, Jill Ramos and Rod Sprattling were inspired by a historic glass plate image found in the attic of their 1887 house and developed by photographer Michael Noonan. The images show a family sitting on the porch steps for a portrait. Jill featured a handmade Victorian dress that her friend Sue wears when she is docent at Grant’s Cottage. In addition to wicker furniture and ferns that were typical of the time, the porch featured Jill’s great grandfather’s calling card tray from the King Estate in Wilton, one of the few items to survive a fire that destroyed the house.
Georgie Lussier and her husband, Brian, moved to their house at 117 Nelson Avenue last September to be closer to the Saratoga Race Course because they own horses and attend the races as much as they can during the season. Their children – Maginn, Ripley, and Elise – were excited by the contest and the whole family participated in decorating. Impressed by the creativity of the starting gate theme, the judges named their porch the Most Track Inspired. Georgie thought the Porch Decorating Contest was a great way to get the neighbors involved and to start a new tradition.
Joining the fun, the Lussier’s neighbors down the street at 132 Nelson Avenue won the Wildcard category. Mike and Kim Billok and their children, who moved relatively recently from Washington D.C., immediately fell in love with their historic house and neighborhood. Having never lived in a place where so many people have such strong community pride, the Billoks participated because it was an opportunity to rally around something special, the 150th anniversary of the Saratoga Race Course.
Peg Quinn and Dennis Campochiaro of 107 Union Avenue, Charles Foster of 115 Union Avenue, and Michele Erceg and Bob Giordano of 145 Union Avenue earned honorable mentions for their efforts. The Foundation thanks everyone who participated for their time, effort, and enthusiasm. Because of the interest and positive feedback received the Foundation hopes to host and expand the contest again next year. To view more images of the porches, please visit our website www.saratogapreservation.org.
Founded in 1977, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that promotes preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural, and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs.
— “Preservation Matters” Hidden Places by Samantha Bosshart. August 18, 2013–
And the winners are….
Most Elegant: 171 Lake Avenue
Nancy St. John, Joan Brophy & Jake Brophy
Most Track Inspired: 117 Nelson Ave
Georgie, Ripley & Maginn Lussier
Most Historically Accurate: 180 Lake Avenue
Jill Ramos & Rod Sprattling
Wildcard: 132 Nelson Avenue
Mike & Kim Billock
Honorable Mentions:
145 Union Avenue
Michelle Erceg & Bob Giordano
107 Union Avenue
Peg Quinn & Dennis Campochiaro
115 Union Avenue
Charles Foster
The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation would like to thank all the participants in this year’s Porch Decorating Contest for all the hard work, time and creativity they put into their porches and into celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Saratoga Race Course.