Colonial Revival style home retains original charm
This view from the rear shows the relationship between the home and the similarly designed carriage house. Both structures compliment each other quite nicely.
The view of the grand entranceway as seen from the second floor upper entry area shows the magnificent stained glass art panels and the beautiful highly detailed oak trim.
The view of the leaded glass panels located in the dining room is quite stunning. Not only are these panels splendid to look at, but they also form a certain level of privacy for the residents.
The overall stately character of the wonderful Colonial Revival Style Home is quite evident as seen from this front and left side location.
The west end area of Uniontown is especially abundant with truly wonderful architectural masterpieces that were constructed during the period of time in which southwestern Pennsylvania was experiencing its most predominant period of economic growth.
The Coal and Coke Era during the first part of the 20th century was an amazing time especially related to the personal wealth of the prominent businessmen who were fortunate enough to be involved in the industry’s growth and development.
?Many of the homes that were constructed for the corporate elite were direct reflections of not only one’s particular needs, desires and tastes, but also were a statement of their individual social status.
There are in fact so many magnificent examples in the west end that can easily be classified as personal statement-type structures that it is actually quite difficult for an individual home to stand out. Although, this particular home is somewhat at an advantage as its overall sense of symmetrical balance and proportionately correct elements of design, as well as proper size relationship to available property footprint, exhibit a splendid sense of order and harmony.
The home was constructed for, and under the watchful eye and direction of Emmitt Cleveland Ricks, of the Rick’s Manufacturing Co. fame. Needless to say, the home and complimentary carriage house are quite fitting of Rick’s considerable wealth and elevated social standing within the community at the time.
The home can technically be classified as a colonial revival style, inspired somewhat by Northern Colonies Georgian influences with a few regional eclectic touches.
The term “colonial revival” refers to the rebirth of interest in the early English and Dutch styles of the Eastern seaboard. The Georgian and Adam styles of architecture form the foundation of the Revival movement. Early Revival examples prior to 1900 tended to be highly exaggerated and somewhat awkward regarding specific colonial detailing.
After the turn of the last century, detailing features of Colonial Revival homes became more reflective of correct Georgian and Adam styles. This particular home is a classic example of the proper relationship of design elements. Of particular interest regarding overall outward appearance is, of course, the full-length front porch, which is one of the non-typical, but truly stunning exterior features.
The Doric Style Greek fluted columns with capital and base features as well as the pediment-type gable peak center extension are quite pronounced design details that work well with the overall front facade character.
A very nice sense of symmetry is exhibited regarding the first- and second-floor window locations and size as well as the three appropriately-sized and perfectly-spaced gable roof dormers. The cut-stone keystone lintels and sill stones at various window locations further highlight the exterior wall surfaces.
The roof overhang frieze board and Gornice Modillion moldings as well as the dormer and porch trim are also superb examples of the aforementioned design elements working within harmonious relationships with the overall appearance.
The porte-cochere located along the left side not only serves the needs as a utilitarian covered entry, but also as a design entity that seems to balance the front porch when viewed as an outward extension. The actual brick utilized in the construction is rather unique. The size is less in height and longer in length than normal and is applied in a non-traditional unbalanced offset running pattern that is utilized to define a smaller than normal raked mortar joint space which accents the brick and course patterns nicely.
The original pink slate roof was quarried in New Hampshire and has been applied in a plain offset pattern. The two massive end wall chimneys also serve as nice design touches when viewed as vertical design elements.
The interior layout of the home is somewhat conventional of a mansion-type structure of the early 1900s with a few interesting and elaborate features. The first- floor featured a grand entrance way/greeting area with a ladies parlor on the right and a formal study flanking it to the left. An appropriately sized formal dining room is located directly behind the ladies parlor. The extremely large kitchen/food preparation and staging area as well as butler’s pantry was located behind the formal dining room.
Across from the formal dining room and connected to the first floor entry was the grand staircase to the second and third floors. The second floor featured a massive master suite with his/hers shared bath and a personal sitting room. And additional fully appointed bedroom suite and upper grand entry were located on the second floor. The third floor contained four additional bedrooms with shared bath as well as the maid’s/butler’s quarters.
Interior features of specific interest are, of course, the magnificent stained-glass window panels located along the left side grand entryway/staircase and the splendid leaded-glass window panels in the formal dining room. Both window treatments are not only beautiful design elements but also serve as privacy panels when viewed from the interior.
The interior wood trim associated with the first floor and stairway as well as the second-floor master suite is old growth North American oak and is quite intricate regarding grain pattern and application detail. The interior fireplaces feature period correct cracked glazed tile treatments as well as elaborate multi-layered trim details.
A full basement constructed of Ashlar square cut stone in regular courses with a splendid cut-stone top course fits the utilitarian needs of its residences. A carriage house of similar style and construction is located directly in the rear, which provides a nice compliment to the home and grounds.
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(Editor’s Note: This is another in a series of stories by Robert Adamovich, a residential architectural designer since 1974, a retired design engineer and local architectural historian. The creator and host of HSTV’s “Historically Speaking,” Adamovich is also an award-winning historical artist. he can be reached by phone at 724-439-3711. His website is www.RobertAdamovich.com).
JUST THE FACTS
STRUCTURE TYPE: Three-story single family residence with detached carriage house.
STRUCTURAL STYLE/DESCRIPTION: Colonial Revival with Northern Colonies Georgian influences and regional eclectic touches.
LOCATION: 76 Ben Lomond Street, Uniontown, Pa.
DATE DESIGNED/BUILT: circa 1905
DESIGNER/BUILDER: unknown
OWNER: Jess C. Ball since 1992. Orginal, Emmitt C. Ricks and Ricks family members, circa 1905-1980’s, various others 1980’s to 1992.
SPECIAL THANKS TO: Jess C. Ball for his generous permission to have access to his magnificent colonial architectural gem and to share the passion of its legacy.