Ragtime Georgian architecture

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About Ragtime Georgian architecture

Around the turn of the century, architectural fashion took a turn toward the classical, but usually not from the Greek or Roman originals. The inspiration was the Georgian style in which affluent families built their homes just before and after the American Revolution. With Independence Hall in Philadelphia standing as a leading exemplar, 20th century Americans came to see the Georgian style as the embodiment of patriotism. But Georgian came to be interpreted in a freewheeling way which gives the architecture of about 1899-1915 a unique flavor.

Architectural terminology has stumbled over this period. The term most often used is "Queen Anne", but that encompasses a broader period and so many different styles and approaches as to be effectively meaningless. An assymetrical house from 1885, bursting with porches and turrets and Art Nouveau details, would be Queen Anne, as would a later one with classical details and symmetry. Sometimes the term "neoclassical" is used, either alone or in combination with "Queen Anne", to try to narrow it down.

It would be better to give these buildings a descriptor which is both apt and specific. Coincidentally or not, ragtime was the popular music of that era, and was thought to express the spirit of the age. Just as ragtime composers created novel variations on traditional music with a syncopated or "ragged" rhythm, the architects and builders of the time used traditional Georgian elements in novel ways.

Hence, the term Ragtime Georgian.

Some of the notable characteristics of the style, not all of which apply to every example:

(1) Symmetry

(2) Red brick

(3) Heavy dentil cornices

(4) Frequent use of gambrel roof forms

(5) Oval windows, especially with four "keystones".

(6) Pedimented gables, which is to say, the triangular gable end is framed by cornices on all three sides, like a classical pediment

(7) Classical, usually Doric, columns.

(8) Windows with small square panes, especially in the upper sash.

Of course, this list is not all inclusive.

Photos of structures matching these criteria (usually but not necessarily residential) are welcome here.