The hamlet of Essex, NY, is on the United States list of historic districts. Essex was once a popular maritime port, but after 1850 the population shrank as a result of the decline in industrial and commercial activity, and with the advent of the railroad trade by waterway diminished. This decline in activity and population unintentionally preserved many historic buildings in Essex as fewer new buildings were needed and it was more affordable to reuse existing buildings.
Several types of historical architecture styles have been preserved in Essex. The most significant are included here.
Georgian Architecture
Grown out of the Italian Renaissance in Europe and ancient Greek and Roman influences, the Georgian architectural style was developed by English architects who “emphasized classicism, order, and symmetry regardless of function” (Historic New England). Georgian architecture spread across the Atlantic and was popular in America from about 1700-1830. It is the oldest style of the historical homes remaining in Essex, NY. Some of the features include a square, symmetrical shape; paired chimneys; decoration above the entryway…[Continue reading.]
Federal Architecture
Federal architecture, sometimes referred to as the Federalist or Adam style, was a highly popular style in many places throughout the newly independent colonies from about 1780-1840. Today many historians consider Federal architecture an evolution (or refinement) of the earlier Georgian style. Federal architecture is more likely to incorporate curved lines and decorative flourishes than its predecessor. A simple square or rectangular box shape, two or three stories high and two rooms deep was the typical form; although some buildings were or have since been made larger with additions…[Continue reading.]
Greek Revival Architecture
Greek Revival architecture was popular in America from about 1818-1850. It was the first truly national style in the United States that spread all across the country. This young nation identified it with a connection with Greece, the birthplace of democracy, which was the strong emerging ideology of the recently independent country. Columns and pilasters are among the most common elements of Greek Revival architecture. The roof line and decoration along it are also popular features of this style; the front-gable design influenced the shape of American houses well into the 20th century…[Continue reading.]
Victorian Architecture
Victorian architecture is a broad and diverse classification including Gothic Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne, and Shingle style amongst many others, and the particulars of this style are often under debate. Essex was undergoing a shaky economic time during the Victorian Era, so few new houses were built. There was a brief surge in new construction from 1890-1910, but the majority of construction that occurred during the Victorian Era were modifications to existing buildings. With Victorian renovations and embellishments primarily undertaken within residential interiors, much of the Victorian architecture in Essex is not readily visible, however, there are some exterior examples…[Continue reading.]
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a greek revival house from Bristol Vt was shipped tp Essex…has this house been resurrected ? It was previously owned by my family ( Noble Boynton in late 1800s) and I would like to visit. Have called historic Essex 518-963-7088 which is “not in service” would appreciate a reply as planning a trip
Thanks for contacting us, Eleanor. The house you refer to is unfamiliar to me, but now I’m thoroughly intrigued! We’ll certainly see what we can do to solve the mystery for you so that you can learn more about this peripatetic house mystery, but I’m hoping you can help us out a little bit. Do you know when the Greek Revival house was moved from Bristol to Essex? Do you know if it was a private buyer or an organization responsible for the move? I’ll poke around on our end, but any tips you can pass along would be greatly appreciated. Here’s to successful sleuthing… 🙂
Hi, Eleanor. Not sure which house you’re referring to. Can you give us more detail about the house and what it looks like? Let’s see if we can figure it out. You can also try contacting Historic Essex through their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/historicessex.
The house had 6 pillars on the south and east sides. It was located on VT RT 116 south of Bristol VT and is pictured p.78 and later described on p.83 in History of Bristol 1762-2012: “The house was built around 1847 by Eastman Chase, a local designer and builder of the Bristol Flats Schoolhouse and several other nearby houses, all in the Greek Revival style. The most striking features of the house are its massive fluted Doric columns that surround its two-sided portico, a central pavilion with flanking ells, a recessed entry porch and two carved eight-paneled doors.”
Sadie and Thad Lathrop owned the farm from 1930 until their son, Earl and wife, Gertrude, took over and lived there until 1974. The next owners were Alan and Diane Saunders but they didn’t live in the house and probably were the ones who sold it to be removed and restored in Essex NY. The rumor in town was that Gov. George Pataki was the one who purchased it.