Doric, Iconic, Corinthian … the crowning glory of
classic columns, capitals come in three basic types. In Staunton, Virginia, however, architectural supports come in a luscious array of flavors.
Above is a textbook example of the Ionic style with a fluted pillar. I photographed it in one of the town's historic areas.
At
Mary Baldwin College (below), classic style reigns supreme with smooth Doric columns.
Founded in 1842 as Augusta Female Seminary, Mary Baldwin College is one of the oldest institutions of higher education for women in the United States.
Here are more stately Doric columns on a Greek Revival home with a double gallery (above).
In Staunton, the decorative treatment above the capitals is the icing on the cake.
As I walked around town, I noticed that
brackets were also popular, especially on square pillars.
Splayed brackets look airier.
Various ornate bracket styles were used on the Victorian era houses in Staunton. Towers topped several Victorian buildings, too.
The Miller House (above) is now a bed and breakfast. The columns are classic Ionic scrolls.
One of more than 200 buildings, designed by T.J. Collins & Sons, the Miller House was built in 1896 and exhibits noteworthy Chateauesque Victorian architecture.
Although, I may have missed them, I didn't find any leafy Corinthian style columns in town. However the variety of porch supports was truly noteworthy.
These Diamond Patterned openwork pillars were unique (above), as were the extremely ornate carved capitals and split staircase (below).
Hope you've enjoyed your walking tour of Staunton! It was several days late due to a series of computer woes.
AWARD NOTICEI'm honored to have been named by Barbara of
Ramblings From An English Garden to receive the Blogging With A Purpose award. Thanks Barbara. You've made my mom very proud!
*** BLOG DU JOUR ***Amanda Blake Soule, author of
The Creative Family, has just embarked on a 30-day photo quest. You can follow along at
Soule Mama.
In the past, I've often been "in the press" for my magazine and design work and Waterside Cottages book, now the next chapter...
On the east coast, many historic sites make the claim that “George Washington was here,” but in Alexandria, Virginia, it’s absolutely, positively true!
Founded in the 1700s as a Colonial seaport, Alexandria was
While living at his Mount Vernon plantation outside of town, Washington spent a good deal of time in Alexandria.
Recognized for its outstanding examples of early American architecture, Alexandria’s Old Town district includes more than 4,000 historic buildings that span centuries -- and styles.
Others were shops...
Hungry for history?
Above is a textbook example of the Ionic style with a fluted pillar. I photographed it in one of the town's historic areas.
Founded in 1842 as Augusta Female Seminary, Mary Baldwin College is one of the oldest institutions of higher education for women in the United States.
Here are more stately Doric columns on a Greek Revival home with a double gallery (above).
In Staunton, the decorative treatment above the capitals is the icing on the cake.
As I walked around town, I noticed that brackets were also popular, especially on square pillars.
Splayed brackets look airier.
Various ornate bracket styles were used on the Victorian era houses in Staunton. Towers topped several Victorian buildings, too.
The Miller House (above) is now a bed and breakfast. The columns are classic Ionic scrolls.
These Diamond Patterned openwork pillars were unique (above), as were the extremely ornate carved capitals and split staircase (below).
Hope you've enjoyed your walking tour of Staunton! It was several days late due to a series of computer woes.
About ten years ago, I had stayed at the hotel while on a photo shoot and remembered it as dark and depressing. The place had seen better days. How much worse would it be now, I wondered?
(photo from Henvy V, American Shakespeare Center)
When we arrived in town, I was amazed. The main street had been spiffed up to emphasize its small town charms. Fine restaurants, trendy bistros, and antique stores had replaced boarded up buildings.
And, the hotel had undergone a complete renovation. It was gorgeous! You could sit by a fireplace in the lobby bar, swim in an indoor pool or work out in the fitness center. We did all three.
We saw two plays. Henry V was very well done.
Taming of the Shrew was hilarious. The American Shakespeare Company makes the audience part of the show (their motto is “we do it with the lights on”) and could make a Shakespeare lover out of anyone. Really!
Located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, Staunton’s hilly terrain and church steeples create picture perfect vistas.
Because the town was unscathed in the Civil War, 18th and 19th century homes survived and have been beautifully restored and preserved. (I'll try to post more about the homes later in the week.)
On Sunday, we toured the Woodrow Wilson Museum and adjacent house where Wilson was born. The Greek Revival manse is restored to the year 1856 and decorated with period furniture.
Although Wilson didn’t live in Staunton very long -- his family moved when he was a toddler—he maintained strong ties to the town and locals are mighty proud of the 28th President of the United States.
Wilson bought his presidential car, a 1919 Pierce Arrow Series 51, upon leaving office and it now resides at the museum.
It's 4,465… 4,466… 4,467… 4,468 words!
