In a message dated 5/7/2000 6:22:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [log in to unmask]
writes:

<<
 >> So my question is in three parts:
 >>
 >> 1. What other areas of the world, besides Delaware and Iceland, have a
 >> tradition of benches by the doorways?
 >>
 >> 2. Has anyone archaeologically identified any activity areas associated
 >with
 >> front doors that might suggest household activities moved outdoors in fine
 >> weather?
 >>
 >> 3. Is there any literature on the subject?
 >> >>

Ned--regarding your questions. If you happen to have a copy of the catalogue
for the Museum of the Confederacy's (Richmond) "Before Freedom Came" exhibit
take a look at page 40, 113, and 166 for examples of benches and front yard
activity areas from the rural south in african american contexts. I think
several examples are also illustrated in John Vlach's "Back of the Big
House." Outdoor activity areas have been studied a great deal by the folks at
St Mary's City and like minded students of sampling here in South Carolina.
I cannot, however, point to any urban examples in South Carolina that match
yours.  Good Luck, Carl Steen


"Before Freedom Came" edited by E. Campbelll and K. Rice, Museum of the
Confederacy (Richmond) and Univ. of Va Press (1991)

Back of the Big House by John Vlach, Univ. of NC Press, Chapel Hill (1993)