The history of
The Russ House
Jackson County, Florida
by
Merritt Dekle
July 2000
All rights reserved!

Back Porch

The back porch area was added during the 1910 renovation of the house. As described in the National Register of Historic Places registration form:

"A two-story porch with enclosed pantries and service rooms was added on the west facade; extensive lattice-work enclosed these porches.....also added on the second floor was a bedroom and bathroom extending over the pantry area of the downstairs."

The wraparound sidewalk that extends across the front of the house and curves around the porch area, led to a set of back steps which provided entry to the downstairs back porch area. There was a large lattice doorway there which led to the pantries and the kitchen. The back stairway inside the lattice enclosure led to the second floor porch and provided a private entrance to the newly added master bedroom and bath. Such a feature was commonly called a "garconierre" meaning the master of the house, Joseph Russ in this case, could enter his quarters without having to enter the main house.

Back stairs	Back stairs
Back stairwell	Downstairs back porch