Quonset Huts are a symbol of America
05/03/09
The need for stronger and easily portable shelters for troops in combat than canvas tents resulted in the evolution of Quonset huts. The design was that of a tube with a semi circular cross section that imitated the British design for the same purpose called the Nissen Hut. The huts get their name from the native word for frontier in the place where they were first made. They are tunnel shaped structures made of metal with plywood doors and windows at each end. Quonset huts were no longer needed by the armed forces after the war and they were sold to the public. Garage buildings
The public put the quonset huts to good use and they can be found around the country as churches meeting halls warehouses garages residences and small business establishments. These prefabricated huts are easy to build and dismantle. The state of Alaska has the largest number of Quonset huts because they assure an insulation against harsh winters The huts are prefabricated and therefore easily portable. The huts have plenty of space because of the absence of thick walls and other constrictive structures and have proved ideal for places where large groups can meet without feeling cramped. Quonset huts are regarded as a symbol of American practicality, uniqueness and intelligence.
