Domes have long been incorporated into the design of many buildings. In North America, these are often seen in many states on the eastern seaboard, as well as in the eastern part of Canada. However, the buildings themselves are not always homes. In some cases, domes have been seen over barns and other institutions, such as mental hospitals and children’s homes. Why were cupolas added to many buildings during the 19th century? Although the purpose of the structure varies, it served both a symbolic and a practical purpose. Symbolically, a dome on the roof appeared to raise the structure and give it a successful appearance.

The successful appearance and uplifting image made the dome a fixture in many older 19th and early 20th century school buildings. However, schools were not the only place for a dome. Many houses, regardless of architectural style, were built with one as a bay window or vent for circulation. But, from the 20th century, the domes began to have an ornamental purpose. Many buildings, from gas stations to town halls, had a dome added to the roof, which did not always open to the building below. Today, as historic preservation efforts aim to keep older buildings architecturally significant, these various domes, from the practical to the ornamental, are being restored.

Why were these domes added in the first place, and why are they so common along the East Coast and Eastern Canada? Although domes are seen on a number of European buildings, they were added to many late 18th and 19th century houses in seaside towns as vantage points. Particularly in towns with fishing and whaling industries, the wives of fishermen or whalers went to the dome to see if their husbands returned from the sea. As a result of this, the domes were called “widows’ walk”, if a wife never saw her husband return from the sea.

But, domes are also found on many inland properties. These, however, were often added to homes for ventilation. Whether with windows or side openings, these domes were added to the tops of houses or buildings, much like early air conditioners, to increase circulation inside during the warmer months.