[MassHistPres] suggestions for appropriate paint on restored windows

[slater at alum.rpi.edu]

I think the answer to this question depends on the locale and the era of
the house.

Based on an extensive collection of postcards, I have found that in
Springfield, the vast majority of wooden buildings built in the late
19th/early 20th century have dark colored windows:

You can see 100+ examples here:

http://www.housesofspringfield.com/postcards/postcards.php

Most of these houses are not farmhouses though.

I have seen dark-colored houses with dark-colored trim that put in white
vinyl windows. The contrast looks pretty ridiculous. 

Ralph Slate
Springfield, MA

<-----Original Message----->Greetings- 
>
>A group of citizens has been working on the restoration of an old
farmhouse
>in Stoughton. We are beginning work on the 6X6 front windows. The house
will
>be repainted mustard with deep red trim - as we understand that was the
>original color, and this color scheme has been used in past
repaintings. The
>windows however have not been worked on for years.
>
>Some of these sashes will soon appear on my doorstep, and I am
requesting
>advice on the color to be used on the outside surfaces of sashes and
>muttons. Traditionally, was the house trim color used, or black, or
white
>...?
>
>I agree that paint can always be changed in the future, but given the
time
>and energy of dealing with these windows, I would like to make the most
>appropriate choice now.
>
>Thank you for your advice
>
>Rachel Morton
>
>Friends of the Capen-Reynolds Farm, Pleasant Street, Stoughton
>
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