Homes in this period were built in a dog-run style. This meant there was one long hallway that stretched the length of the house, so a breeze could flow through and cool off the home. Typical dog runs were not enclosed, but Mr. French had the doors put in on each end to add extra security.
In 1845, this home was still 3.5 miles outside of the Beaumont City limits, so the area was heavily wooded. The closest neighbors were several miles away. The Frenches were concerned about bears, wolves, and large cats, as well as the Atakapa Native people who would come through regularly to Mr. French’s trading post.
Look up and down for more info!
John Jay French Museum Tour
Dogtrot
Homes in this period were built in a dog-run style. This meant there was one long hallway that stretched the length of the house, so a breeze could flow through and cool off the home. Typical dog runs were not enclosed, but Mr. French had the doors put in on each end to add extra security.
In 1845, this home was still 3.5 miles outside of the Beaumont City limits, so the area was heavily wooded. The closest neighbors were several miles away. The Frenches were concerned about bears, wolves, and large cats, as well as the Atakapa Native people who would come through regularly to Mr. French’s trading post.
Look up and down for more info!
Ceiling
Home Feature
The ceiling of the dog-run hallway is painted deep blue and remains the only original paint in the home. In 1845 it was common to leave your doors and windows open to allow the air to flow throughout the home, but this also allowed birds and bugs to enter the home as well! The blue paint, made from buttermilk and indigo, was placed on the ceilings to mimic the sky and discourage critters from nesting inside.
Another reason for blue ceilings is rooted in Southern folklore and spiritualism. John Jay French was a known spiritualist who believed in the existence of ghosts. Spiritualists believed ghosts could not cross bodies of water, so they often painted their porches, ceilings, and window frames blue to represent water and confuse ghosts.
Hall Bed
Furniture
The hallway could be used as an additional room for the family or their guests. Often the coolest room in the house, the hallway would contain a small daybed or chairs for people to sit and enjoy the breeze.
Baseboards
Home Feature
The French home does not contain baseboards that are seen in modern houses. The bottom board closet to the floor was painted a slightly darker color throughout the house. Paint was typically made by hand using buttermilk, and dyed with various plants, berries, and more!
Dogtrot
