Some Gazebo History, borrowed from GC10Z2W)
Gazebos have been fixtures in gardens for centuries. Originally
called summerhouses, screen houses, kiosks, pavilions, pergolas,
arbors, grottos, or pagodas, the existence of gazebos has been
traced to the earliest gardens.
Gazebos were common in Egyptian gardens 5,000 years ago. As you
might imagine, members of royalty were the first to have them. The
structures were also popular in ancient Rome and Pompeii. China’s
gazebos were quite elaborate, while those in Japan, often called
teahouses, were used in conjunction with the revered Tea
Ceremonies, and were the places to rest, get in touch with one’s
spiritual side, and absorb the beauty of the garden.
During the late 1700’s, England and other parts of Europe got
caught up in a craze for Chinese-style summerhouses, which began
popping up in gardens everywhere. Gazebos did not gain popularity
in the United States until the mid-1800’s, with the prosperity of
the new middle class. Apparently, there was no denying the
advantage of having a quiet place to retreat to from the household
chaos. Gazebos were also status symbols.
Today, in many Connecticut towns, public gazebos are as common
as town greens, and many gazebos are often found on a green.
Visit some gazebos in your area, comparing the different designs
and construction of each. And maybe continue this gazebo caches
throughout the state. I invite you to bring a lunch, sit and relax,
and reflect in this beautiful structure, as people the world over
have been doing for thousands of years.
Some other Gazebo (or related to Gazebo) caches in the area:
CT Gazebo Series- Deep River Landing
CT Gazebo Series- Deep River
Tour of Old Mystic
Leatherman's Circuit-Essex