\GALLERY OF ARCHITECT GARY TURPENING'S FAVORITE BUILDINGS
AMERICAN
GREEK REVIVAL ARCHITECTURE
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Greek Revival Architecture
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Dedicated
to Harry Borchers, my Architecture History Professor at Ohio State University- he breathed life into history and made
us experience it as though we were there in flesh.
When
America gained independence the 'New
Democratic Citizens' wanted to express their place in history reflected in
their architecture. What followed was a charming style built upon their
perception of Greek and Roman architecture.
How
fitting that the details the Greeks copied in stone what had been
done in wood, and now the stone details are copied in wood.
The first
example the history books claim is the Second Treasury of the United States in
Philadelphia circa. 1802. However, Thomas Jefferson was perhaps the first
great believer. There are examples of houses he designed in Virginia that
go back around 1780 (photos later).
Later, sons of soldiers from Washington's army claimed the land George Washington had promised n the Western Reserve of Ohio that was set aside for them in payment for their services in the Revolutionary War. Many families built beautifully designed homes in the Greek Revival style. Later settlement of Michigan saw many examples, and got as far as the plains of the Midwest.
By 1850 the movement was pretty much dead, replaced by less classy styles like the Egyptian Revival and Tudor Revival. Unfortunately most of these houses and commercial structures were in the middle of towns that grew around them, and the great majority of works are long gone. A beautiful church of the style in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania was demolished when I was there in 1972 and nobody cared.
Marshall, Michigan
NEW ENGLAND
The forms of Greek Revival vary from subtle
variations on older church designs to the simple but somehow appealing designs
of farmhouses. It might be noted that those farmers carried their
design sensitivities to all sides of their houses, and even to the smallest hog
shed or well house. In short, they cared.
photographer
unknown
photographer unknown
SOUTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA
Around Carlisle and Mechanicsburg the
architecture mostly reflects the German Settlers. However around 1800
Thomas Jefferson, Latrobe, and other competent architects visited the area and
got commissions. The house below I believe was done or influenced by
Jefferson. The classic Pennsylvania barn is simple and reflects the pride
that the 'citizen farmers' felt in what they were doing. It also shows
the faith they had in the future of their new nation.
TOLEDO MUSEUM OF ART
Although
this was build around 1908-1910, the simple forms and expression of this
building is decidedly Greek Revival. Happily the interiors do not
disappoint. The Peristyle has holes punched in the ceiling and it feels
like you are outside looking at the stars. This museum has the largest
art program for children in the country - it is where yours truly got his
start.
Toledo, Ohio
photographer
unknown
photographer unknown
FINAL COMMENTS
The graphic below was in my
kitchen on a Christmas shopping bag. It represents a glorified view of
Christmas past- but notice the well proportioned Greek Revival building is at
the center of it all.
photographer unknown
I built this house for my family in Lakeville-Farmington Minnesota in 1985-88. The house section on the right has the exact proportions as Greek Revival. The windows on the upper level I copied from an 1850 house in Michigan because it adds a measure of humility. It actually makes the house look longer than it is. The garage and studio to the left is fashioned after an 1150 AD Stave Church I visited in Norway (built on sand - an upside down ship.)
WHO SAID BRIDGES CAN'T BE PRETTY
This circa. 1802 bridge on the
old National Route in West Virginia is now under water from a dam. Do I
have the only photograph?
Right - The weather of Midwestern Tornados and Floods and human disinterest has wasted a wonderful part of our history. You should see the craftsmanship on many of these old buildings.
THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE-
editorial comment is welcome.
Return to: *****Architecture Direct*****Cote
D'Azure*****Roman and
earlier ***** Medieval
Art****Pilgrimages
Castles
and cities of the Cathars ***** Magic
of Barcelona *****Building
a cathedral year 116 ***** Prehistoric
finds
California
Modern Architecture including Richard Neutra***** American
Greek Revival Architecture
E-Mail to Gary Turpening ALA