Petrolia, Ontario

A perfect illustration of Pete Seeger's "Little boxes" although once you really look they don't "look all the same."

They didn`t at the time, either, Jean. While I`m sure Malvina Reynolds`motivation for writing the song was benevolent, she and Pete needed to take a closer look. Tract houses have always looked more distinctive than the endless identical terraces in the posh parts of London, or the brownstones of New York.

However, I do think `Little Boxes`was lurking in the back of my mind when I took this, as it lurks in many of our minds.

Beautifully composed John.

Thanks, Jaap.

Superb shot! Stay well!

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Thanks, William.

I was struck by the odd name "Petrolia" and looked it up...........what a fascinating history.

I like this shot John........simple yet pleasing. The houses are not quite symmetrical but there is a certain uniformity to the design and look. I like the two different lamp posts as well.

Thanks, Keith. There is also a Petrolia in California whose history is strikingly similar, even to their having originally been called Petrolea. The Ontario one is near Sarnia, which is a refinery centre.

Well composed and I'd expect that those houses all have the same builder, even though there are variations in the design. In many ways this reminds me of some new suburbs here.

Once trees are planted things will look different, George. I grew up in a new subdivision; these days it looks positively quaint.

Great simplicity !

Thanks, Ulrich.

Suburbia, perfectly captured, in all its misery and joy. And those fluffy clouds in the blue sky are the perfect counterpoint to what looks almost like a fictional scene.
Petrolia always struck me as a strange name. We had a friend who lived in Petrolia, CA, in Humboldt County. Quite a different scene, given the cannabis cultivated in patches among the coastal Redwoods.

Both Petrolias were also originally called Petrolea, Sarah. Perhaps they are related. I think we should be told (© Private Eye, 1959).

Seriously, have you ever seen them in the same room at the same time?

Twin cities. But not identical.

I chiefly wonder if the Canadian Petrolia was named for the Californian one. Or vice versa. Apparently they both were established around the same time.

Before I sneer at the cookie-cutter similarity, I have to admit that our house has the same basic floor plan as ten others up and down the street. True, the builders mirror-imaged the plan, and we have a lot more small trees and shrubs, but this is a way of life these days, for those of us who either don't want or can't afford a mansion with swimming pool or a cabin in the remote woods.

I agree that you've captured the essence of the place. Individuality seems to lie in the shape of the street lights.

Lovely sky. I love the colour contrast between the brown of the houses and the blue of the sky. All the best, Joe

Thanks, Joe. Now tht you mention it, brown and beige seem yo be key colours in subutbia. And plainness.

As I mentioned above, Bob, the similarity of houses in this type of neighbourhood is a riot of diversity compared to many of the elegant neighbourhoods of the world.

Excellent view of a suave world...

Thabks, José.

Stop and comment !!

Houses are not very enhanced with trees, plants and flowers in this area !

They probably will be eventually, Léopold. The new subdivision I grew uo in in the 50s and 60s was equally plain then, but very bosky now.

Simple view with a lot to say...