Turnback Tuesday is showing an image of Minerva Street in Derby.
This picture was taken standing by the Derby Green while looking north. The house on the right is still there today.
If you look closely, you will notice hitching posts lining the street as well as shutters on many of the windows.
Minerva was the name of one of Sheldon Smith's daughters. Smith was a co-founder of Birmingham.
Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting history each week!
Turnback Tuesday highlights the use of exterior shutters.
Shutters were used for a number of things. Through the middle 19th century, most homes would have solid raised panel shutters on the first floor for privacy and security. Sometimes the first floor had white shutters so when candles were lit at night it would appear brighter.
The second floor would have louvered shutters to allow the breeze to enter during the warm months like the ones shown here on the Y.M.C.A. building in Derby. Dark-colored louvered shutters on the second floor would provide darkness while sleeping.
Thanks to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.
