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| The John G. Schenck House, Neshanic, NJ 1858 Photo: Wikimedia |
The first story has simple molded paired windows and the expected porch, with very thin paired columns and a central rounded pediment, echoing the touchstone of the design, the segmental arch. The second story has paired arched tombstone windows in the side bays with elaborately eared moldings connecting the two windows (note the several ears). These are topped with keystones that become brackets supporting the hood molding. The central bay features a palladian window with a segmental arched central element and a conforming molding. The entablature construction is complex. The architrave molding here is a unique Greek key design, while a second molding is bead and reel, an expensive carved choice. The dramatic paired s scroll brackets terminating in acanthus leaves interrupting a run of elongated dentils divide bays with paired segmental arched windows in between. Round arched tombstone windows differentiate the central bay. Noteworthy is that the high level of decoration seems to continue on the sides. Finally, the cupola is magnificent. It's low with a run of five arched windows, brackets that run the length of the wall, a cornice that has an engaged rounded pediment (again the echoes of the arch), and a Moorish fringe forming the entablature decoration. This house uses its curves and echoes them in each element of the design to form harmony and a likeness of parts, drawing the house into a unified vehicle of design. It's definitely one of my favorites.
I lived as a little boy. We used to slide down the banisters. My Name is Scott Stillman my mom and dad was Barbara Stillman and Richard Stillman. Would really like to get a good pic.
ReplyDeleteMy best to you..
I lived there also as a child in 1942. My father was stationed at Belle Meade Depot. We shared the house with several other families and left in 1943.
DeleteWhat floor did you live on?
DeleteI have worked in all 21 rooms so I am sure I worked in yours?
Thanks,
Joe Hoff
908 414 0897
I have no idea what floor or rooms we were in. I do know there were other families there; probably also military. I remember the cupola was full of chamber pots, going to the basement where the furnace (and maybe washing machine?) was, and a water pump and flume in the yard. Otherwise, not much. We weren’t there very long.
ReplyDeleteMy cousins lived here in the mid-60s when I was a little girl. I loved visiting them and exploring the home’s many rooms, especially the sunken bedrooms. As I recall, each room had its own fireplace; loved the widow’s walk, which was the perfect place to hide; enjoyed the stairways and banisters; many memories of the grounds where we played and explored; was fascinated by the large registration book near the entrance that listed everyone who had ever stayed there, including many notable and famous people.
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