11. Classical Greek Revival

               11a. Classical Revival (Queenston) 'Willowbank', 1834

This wonderful old house was going through a complete restoration when I last saw it. I'm very pleased about this.

   This attractive and dramatic style originated in Greece.

   The citizens of the United States, believing that the Greek ideals of democracy, simplicity and beauty matched what they were trying to achieve in their new republic, seized upon the style for their public buildings.

   People, trying to impress, began using the style for large homes.  There are an astonishing number of these magnificent buildings in the Eastern United States.

    11b. Classical Revival (Cayuga)  'Ruthven'

What to look for (clues)

 - Buildings are massive and very Symmetrical.

 - One of two full length verandahs are common.

 - The roof usually consists of one large flat roof or a massive gable roof, which might have a further gable over the top center of the facade.

 -  Dramatic columns extend from one to three stories.

 - Fake columns called pilasters may form 1/2 pillars against the facade but actually bear no weight.

 - There are many decorative items including urns, scrolls, fluted pillars etc.

   Three types of Classical Greek Revival are identified by differing columns;

     -- if  they're  plain  at the top of the column it's called DORIC.

     -- if they use scrolls it's IONIC.

     -- if they use leaves it's CORINTHIAN.

                            11c. Classical Revival (Stratford) -- Doric

11d. Classical Revival  - Ionic

                                                                         11e. Classical Revival - Corinthian                                      

      11f. Classical Revival (Stratford)

                           11g. Classical Revival (Stratford)  -- newly altered

Where to find it

    There are few 'pure' classical homes in Canada. The top two, Willowbank and Ruthven, fall into that category.

    Many, many small Canadian homes use 'decorative elements' from the Classical Revival to successfully 'spice up' their house.

                             llh.  Classical Revival (doorcase on small home)

Look how this small house in Stratford is greatly enhanced with the addition of the Doric doorcase.

   In the United States, the term 'ante bellum' refers to homes constructed before the Civil War. Many of them are Classical Revivals.

   Occasionally you come across Classical Greek Revivals that 'break the mold' that I've described above. Below is one such example.

                 11i. Classical Revival (Preston Cambridge)

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