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Widow's Walk: Sailor's Friend, or Fire Station? Many older houses along the coast have what are usually described as a "widow's walk." But, contrary to popular belief, these may have been built as much for fighting chimney fires as they were for catching a first glimpse of returning seafarers.

Widow's Walk: Sailor's Friend, or Fire Station?

By 

John Ciardi

Widow's Walk: Sailor's Friend, or Fire Station?

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Many older houses along the coast have what are usually described as a "widow's walk." But, contrary to popular belief, these may have been built as much for fighting chimney fires as they were for catching a first glimpse of returning seafarers.