\GALLERY OF ARCHITECT GARY TURPENING'S FAVORITE BUILDINGS 

AMERICAN
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 it's 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
Castles and cities of the Cathars ***** Magic of Barcellona  *****Building a cathedral year 116  ***** Prehistoric finds
California Modern Architecture incluing Richard Neutra







E-Mail to Gary Turpening AIA NCARB