It is amazing how many things we regard as new or "in" have their roots so deeply established in our history. 

When awnings began to commonly appear on Australian and American storefronts-during the first half of the 19th century-they were simple, improvised and utilitarian assemblies. The  basic construction consisted of timber or cast iron posts set along the sidewalk, linked by a front cross bar. To lend support to larger installations, rafters linked the front cross bar to the building facade. The end of the canvas was connected to the building facade with fastners and the canvas was attached to a head rod bolted to the facade. The canvas draped over, or was attached to a front bar with the edge often hanging down to form a valance.  The more ornate examples, metal posts were adorned with decorative ends or balls. On overcast days or when rain did not threaten, the covering was rolled up against the building facade; in winter proper maintenance called for the removal and storage of awnings. A fabric called canvas duck was predominantly used as awning fabric.  A strong, close woven cotton cloth used for centuries to make tents and sails.

Awnings became a common feature  and were quickly adapted for awning frames and became widely available and affordable. It was a natural material for awning frames, easily bent and threaded together to make a range of different shapes and sizes.  Over time an awning industry developed offering an array of frame and fabric options adaptable to both storefronts, windows and homes.