[MassHistPres] Help Save Tappan House

[Charles Adler]

I am a newcomer to this list, and a resident of Attleboro involved with
Scott Winkler and others in trying to save Tappan House from demolition.  I
found Dennis' comment about the architectural style immensely helpful.

As someone with no training in architecture, I did a quick scan of the
Internet, and it does seem that Tappan House is best classified as
Jacobethan (or Jacobethan Revival?), rather than Colonial Revival.  However,
the Jacobethan style seems to encompass great latitude in the features
employed.

The features of the Tappan House that seem to fall into the Jacobethan
category are the chimneys, the finials at the gable peaks, and the clusters
of rectangular windows.  On the other hand, the Tappan House exterior is
wood and the front facade is symmetrical with Ionic columns, characteristics
which don't seem as common in the Jacobethan style.

I would love to hear more on the Jacobethan style, and any other examples in
New England.  This can't help but aid us in trying to save this building,
which could be demolished as early as the day after Christmas.  Any leads on
the identity of the architect would be of particular value.

As to the building's condition, the exterior seems pretty well preserved.
The biggest difference in comparing old and new photos is the window trim is
white rather than the original dark finish, probably due to replacements.  I
haven't seen the interior.

There are recent pictures of the building here:
http://attleboro.patch.com/articles/support-to-save-tappan-house-from-demolition-grows-stronger

Pictures showing the original appearance of the house are in this YouTube
video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=RszpoxCn1hM

Thank you all,

Charlie Adler
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://mailman.cs.umb.edu/mailman/private/masshistpres/attachments/20101217/6e120643/attachment.htm>