Salem State University - Clipper Yearbook

Page 33 text:

1926 SALEM NORMAL SCHOOL 15926 We heard of the possible origin ol' some ot' these architectural details, in the wave-scroll ol' the Egyptians, the game ol' rope-throwing, the Acanthus vine grow- ing about a basket, the pendant lotus ol' the Nile region, the Fret and other stories. The study ot' the lintels and arches was next begun. Primitive man iirst built an arch by piling crude stones nearer and nearer together. A little later, men be- gan to cut and lit the stones. In this type a capstone was used. Still later an ellip- tical arch was developed in Greece. the semicircular arch in Rome, and the pointed arch in the Gothic period. The keystone was originally developed as :1 structural necessity, but in some ot' the arches and doorways which we were studying it was merely for decorative purposes, and gave no support, although seeming to do so. After examining these mansions carefully, we proceeded to visit Hamilton Hall. This building was erected in 1805 by an association ol' wealthy men as at place for assemblies. It boasts little adornment on the exterior, but the interior with its Palladian windows and pilasters was very dignified and beautiful. Though these details originated in different styles of architecture, they were most harmonious in their use and application here. We studied the mass and details of several Gothic churches, noting the towers, windows, arches, buttresses, and ornamental details, all having religious symbolism. By taking these walks and studying these examples of architecture, we are be- ginning to notice and appreciate the many beautiful details of construction that have come down to us from the early Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans: revived in the Renaissance, and again appropriated today. MARY B. RAMSDELL. xx W fl N Var' Q l A bl Xxjixx i li y,:fj!,! N ELK , ff 1 ICQ-J 3 Ti ' l l l I 3 ELIZABETHAN ARCHITECTURE MONG the various phases of architecture which we encountered in 0 ', our Art Studies, one ot' the very interesting ones was the Eliza- ji ht lf bethan. This type developed during the reign and times ot' Queen L ' Elizabeth in England. It may be said to have prevailed from about 1565 to Elizabeth's death in 1603. 'vii The term Elizabethan at this time, when applied to a country house, was synonymous with the term English Renaissance. It is a type which grew out of the Tudor style, mainly through the great country houses built by noble- men and landowners in England, who, upon finding the country at peace, began to build great mansions in different parts of the country, with gardens and parks attached. 71

Page 32 text:

1926 YEAR BOOK 1926 ART APPRECIATION oUR ART WALKS g .1 AHE sad fact is that many of us walk by beautiful buildings every fix: day without even noticing them. Later, when some one calls our F ' ' ji-gf' A attention to them. we agree that they are beautifulg but I wonder .gl Ill if 'we ever stop to think what type they are, what their possible i : n ij b origin, and what there is about each one that lends it charm. This year our class has been having a course in Art Appre- I I, ciation. Art has many phases, and there are many methods of T approach to the study. We began this course by taking walks about Salem. and acquainting ourselves with the various types of architecture, and in studying their details and possible historic origin. Gui' first walk took us up Chestnut Street. This broad avenue, bordered by giant elms. through which stately residences and welcoming doorways and gardens are seen. presents a favorite picture of the days of Salem's greatness. It has been spoken of as one of the finest architectural streets in America. The houses are mostly ot' red brick, and ofthe three-story type, with white doorways and trimmings. HLL1117 117:-inqzf .b i IXX' Y:-2 I v T, -1 g s' I IIT 3 'A I' 49?-sfie .. T o -.- I if I I g, -' I ' I s P 'E - 2 ? I oml Iioli :I 2 I U JJ i 'I f, I ' ' V I I I II? i I I . 1 , I V ' IL I 'I' '- ff I I . , ' I ' I I if -J , I xx 0- L U. . by--l I' IT K i 1 I. , I I I All I V ' o ' I- I Ja ,ri , W II -if 'N ' 'rx K IJOORWAYS Later walks took us to Washington Square, Federal Street, and elsewhere. .Al- though there is no lack ol' unity in the buildings, our attention was particularly drawn to the beautiful doorways. Here we noticed many types ol' columns, pilas- ters, lintels, and arches. The simplest column and one ofthe earliest was the Doric. In many ol' these there was an almost imperceptible widening toward the lower part ol' the pillar. lly study, we found that the Greeks, who loved grandeur ol' proportions, had done this in their columns to obtain a greater effect of height. This was also the case in the Ionic and Corinthian types, and has been borrowed, and sometimes fear- fully exaggerated, by modern designers. The lflchinus was another detail much used by Colonial architects. QU

Page 34 text:

1926 YEAR BOOK 1926 In most cases, Elizabethan architectural ornaments Were very pretentious and, many times, ugly. Quite often, there were no complete drawings prepared in advance. Only roughly sketched plans and elevations we1'e furnished. These were freely moditied, and the details developed as the Work progressed under the direction of the master mason. This frequently resulted in lack of unity and harmony. There is no doubt in the minds of many that the Elizabethan designer usually aimed at effect as well as convenience of arrangement. The plan was usually a rectangular one, with plain enclosing walls in long blocks, broken by projecting bay windows. The period developed, to a large extent, the use of the bay window. Formerly, these had been treated as isolated features, but at this time they were repeated symmetrically, so as to help the rhythm of the design. Up to this time, the staircases were strictly utilitarian in character, but later on they became a decorative feature. Although the chimneys had been rich in appearance, they were outdone by that richness which the Elizabethan designers desired. Another characteristic of the Elizabethan house was the use of the classic cornice. With the coming of Italian fashions came Italian stonework, and the string courses were replaced by cornices, more elaborate and deeper cut. Pilasters were also introduced with the cornices, and several of the grander buildings Were adorned with many orders, or kinds, placed one above the other. In time, it became a custom to use the Doric order on the first story, Ionic on 'the second and Corin- thian on the third. These pilasters-and the same may be said of most of the pilasters of today-were generally of no practical useg they were merely ornamental features. This use of variety we observe in many buildings during our walks today. aim ' 7lll 'w ' ., Sul, if if my 'tl' is 5ting:' f . At this time, there became apparent a characteristic which remains still as :1 conspicuous and peculiar charm-though frequently misused-the application ol' local and varied building materials. Where stone was abundant, the houses were ol' stone, with more or less elaborate detail, according to the hardness of the mate- rial. In some instances, where stone was not to be had, the detail which otherwise would have been in that material was worked in plaster to imitate it, much as we use papier mache in place ol' wood. This shows a decided lapse from the older periods, where materials and design were consistent. When timber and plaster were freely used, the structural beams were left vis- ible: most ol' them vertical, but frequently braced together by horizontal timbers. This Vrann-work in itselt' made a pattern and satisfied the eye as to strength and stability ol' the structure. A central porch between projecting wings ol' greater or less length was almost universal. The windows were composed ol' various sizes and numerous rectangular 'mms' EVA Lotilzln. QS