Greek Revival style

The old house on Ridge Road had Greek Revival components. The front door with the sidelights and an overhang plus side trim and was classic. A gable on the front of the house is also typical of this style. Grampa Cooley's Vermont house also had the classic Greek Revival returns on the trim of the gable ends (the trim rather than continuing downward from the slope of the roof, turns back in on itself pointing towards the center of the building).

During the 1820-1860 period, Americans were drawn to this style which was from classical Greek temples. Was it, as some write, a nod to the democracy of the Greeks? Or was it the grandeur of the temple entrance (even when it was a barely used front door)?

It is interesting to me that Vermont farmers during the 1800s who relied on subsistence farming and needed to survive in a harsh, cold climate would bother with grandeur. But grandeur to some can be just be a delight to the eye for others...sidelights create balance on each side of the door along with the added benefit of letting light into the house. Greek revival also included some simplicity. A boxy style of the house and balanced front windows were a part of that simplicity.

We are working on maintaining these Greek Revival components in the new house.