Old West Group

Everyone needs a place to call home, and for some of Sherman's citizens, they prefer to reside within the confines of town itself. Whether a flat above their business, a rented shanty, or a home built for their purposes, it's all 'Home, Sweet Home.'

Residences in small towns varied greatly depending on the town's size, wealth, and the social status of its inhabitants. However, there were common themes that defined homes and living conditions during this period. Residences in small towns were practical and functional, built to withstand the harsh conditions of the frontier. The humble and often makeshift homes of early settlers gradually evolved into sturdier structures as towns grew.

Social and economic status dictated the materials and furnishings of these homes, with wealthier residents living more comfortably, while the poor often made do with sparse, functional spaces.


Here’s a general overview of what residences inside small towns were like:

Frontier Shacks and Cabins :

Structure : Many of the earliest homes were simple, one-room log cabins or shanties built quickly to provide shelter. These were often made from locally sourced materials, like logs, stones, or adobe, depending on the region. The walls were typically not insulated, so winters could be harsh. Some were just hastily constructed shelters designed for temporary stays until settlers could build something more permanent.

Interior : Inside, these cabins were basic, with dirt floors or wooden planks, a stone fireplace or wood stove for heat and cooking, and a few pieces of simple, hand-made furniture. Beds were typically covered with furs, blankets, or simple quilts, and small tables or counters served for eating and other daily tasks.

Functionality : These cabins were often multi-functional, serving not only as homes but as workspaces where families cooked, ate, and slept. A small, rudimentary kitchen with a wood stove or open hearth would often be part of the main room. Space was at a premium, and privacy was rare, especially in the most crowded frontier towns.


The Town “Dwellings” or Small Houses :

Structure : As towns grew, more permanent homes were built, often using sawmill wood when available. These houses were typically one or two rooms, often with a front porch and a simple, rectangular design. These homes might have shingle roofs, which were more durable than the thatched or wooden roofs of earlier cabins.

Interior : For a modest family, the interior might include a single central room that served as a living area, kitchen, and dining space. Larger homes might have two rooms—one for the parents and one for the children. Stone or brick fireplaces were used for heat, and a cook stove was common for preparing meals. Furniture was basic and functional—wooden chairs, a table, perhaps a rocking chair or a trunk used for storage.

Comforts : These homes would be more furnished than a basic cabin, with handwoven rugs, simple wooden cupboards, and a table where families gathered to eat. There would be makeshift storage spaces—often with shelves or boxes—to store supplies such as food, clothing, or tools.


Wealthier Homes :

Structure : In towns where prosperity from the railroad, mining, or ranching led to a more thriving economy, homes of wealthier residents were larger, more elaborate structures, usually built with sawn timber and more advanced construction techniques. These homes could have multiple rooms, often including a parlor for entertaining guests, a separate kitchen, and bedrooms with small closets for clothing (a luxury at the time).

Interior : The wealthy might have furniture made of more durable materials like oak or mahogany, and some might even have imported rugs or wallpaper. The use of glass windows became more common in wealthier homes, though many residences still had only shutters. Parlors were often used for more formal gatherings, and a fireplace was the central feature of every room, while stoves in the kitchen were used for cooking.

Comforts : These homes would often include comfortable chairs, tables, paintings or photographs, and bed linens that were of a higher quality. Wealthier families might even have a small library, china cabinets, and decorative touches from back east, like curtains and lamps.


Boarding Houses and Saloons :

In growing towns, boarding houses were common, especially for single men who had traveled west for work. These homes served as a combination of lodging and dining, with shared rooms and common areas .

The Interior of a boarding house was often sparse, with bunk beds or single cots lined up in rooms, separated by thin partitions or simply open to the rest of the building. These were not places of comfort but rather temporary shelter for transient workers.

Saloons, which often doubled as informal lodging spots for travelers, also had residences above them. The living spaces above saloons were generally no-frills, with hard beds, minimal furnishings, and access to a common kitchen or eating area. Many saloon owners or workers lived in these spaces.


Ranch Houses :

Structure : Ranch homes, or ranch houses, tended to be more sprawling and practical. Often built as single-story structures, they were designed to house larger families and provide accommodation for workers. The most common material for a ranch house was wood, though in some areas, especially where timber was scarce, adobe or stone was used.

Interior : These homes typically had several rooms—bedrooms, a kitchen, a large living area, and sometimes a separate dining room. Large families who worked on the ranch might live in these homes, where daily life revolved around the demands of ranching, including the care of livestock, barn chores, and working the land. Kitchens were large, designed for cooking meals for many, and wood stoves and fireplaces provided heat.


General Features of All Residences :

Windows and Doors : Most homes in the Old West had simple wooden doors and small windows. In wealthier homes, glass windows were becoming more common, though many homes still had wooden shutters or even just cloth to block the wind and dust.

Decor : Homes were decorated with handmade items—woven rugs, quilts, and pottery. Personal touches, such as framed family photographs, were common in wealthier homes, while simpler homes might feature a hand-carved mantle or pictures cut from magazines.

Lighting : Candles or oil lamps were the primary source of light in the evenings. The more well-off might have kerosene lamps or gas lamps, but these were still relatively rare.