My recollection of this is that the Western Framing (Platform Framing) was
basically a result of the the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Chicago had
already depleted much of the timber resources prior to the fire and with
the rebuilding, there was a need to get more out of less. The Western
Framing allowed a greater use of the raw materials due to the shorter
lengths and reduced dimensions. Based on this need to conserve, wood
construction changed dramatically. The influences of ...... ...... ......
JBB
=====
Bruce Marcham wrote:
>
>
> I have a book called "Architectural Details" (pub. by Radford
> Architectural Co., Chicago, IL, copyright 1921) that, in a section called
> "Framing To Prevent Unequal Shrinkage-Settlement," depicts balloon
> framing, something called drop-girt framing, and the "western frame."
> It seems to suggest that the western frame method (basically the platform
> frame method commonly used today) should be adopted in order to lessen
> the effects of unequal shrinkage caused by framing with green or at least
> wood that is not fully kiln dried (the effects are exaggerated in the
> diagrams).
>
> The book is a paperback, 160 pages, possibly a precursor to
> "Architectural Graphic Standards."
>
> Perhaps in the west it was common to be in a hurry to build or didn't
> have access to kilns so they didn't take the time to fully dry the wood.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Hammarberg, Eric [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Friday, August 16, 2002 2:17 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Balloon Framing vs. Platform Framing
>
> I do not have hard facts but based on my experience, the technology
> probably:
> Traveled from east coast to west and from cities out to the countryside
> Was influenced by the Wars and the Depression
> Depended on the practitioner (carpenter) and availability of materials
> and
> lengths required - balloon framing requires longer lengths of studs.
>
> Bottom line you probably can not put a date on it. Around NYC and the
> northeast platform framing became common after WW II.
>
> Please note my direct phone and fax numbers have changed again
>
> Eric Hammarberg
> Associate Director of Preservation
> Associate
> LZA Technology
> 641 Avenue of the Americas
> New York, NY 10011-2014
> Telephone: 917.661.8160 (Direct)
> Mobile: 917.439.3537
> Fax: 917.661.8161 (Direct)
> email: [log in to unmask]
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Score, Robert [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Thursday, August 15, 2002 5:23 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Balloon Framing vs. Platform Framing
>
> Does anyonne know approximately what year platform framing replaced
> balloon
> framing in the united states (in Chicago would even be better)???
>
> --
> To terminate puerile preservation prattling among pals and the
> uncoffee-ed, or to change your settings, go to:
> <http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/bullamanka-pinheads.html>
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