Fig. 48. Elaborate porch detail on Hall home (Bldg. 150).
The detail drawing of the Governor Hall house, [figure 48], is illustrative of elaborate, nearly excessive, detailing. The window not only possesses pilaster trim with an entablature and pediment, but also a design featuring interlocking segmental and square panes in the upper sash. The entry door is slightly recessed which allows space for three segmented arches with keystones on Doric columns. And, in addition, the balcony above is supported by four curved fan-like wooden brackets. Note the large scale column bases.
The Travis Oliver house at the north end of Riverside Drive in [figure 49] is indicative of the continued popularity of the Colonial Revival style in the cities. Built circa 1930, this two story house, similar to those previously described, has a full porch with slender columns, a small balcony and accentuated front door with an elliptical transom and sidelights. But certain mutations make this Colonial Revival house distinct from those previously described. The lower front windows are wood casement with a semicircular wood fan above. Second story windows are large eight over eight pane double-hung sash. Most importantly, the house is of brick veneer construction. Those previously described have horizontal wood siding. The 1930’s decade witnessed the apparent popularity and desirability of the use of brick in preference to wood as an exterior cladding material.
Fig. 49. Circa 1930 Oliver house on Riverside, Monroe (Bldg. 151).
Although Colonial Revival has been a dominant style for house construction in the Monroe and West Monroe area during the 20th Century, other styles are represented and will be described following.
VARIOUS 20TH CENTURY HOUSE STYLES
During the first three decades of the 20th century, while the Colonial Revival houses were being built in both one and two story versions, other styles were being represented in the Twin Cities. The Tudor Revival, Prairie Style and the California Bungalow received widespread acceptance in the 1920’s and 1930’s. One selection each of the Tudor Revival and Prairie Style are illustrated herein; also depicted is an example of a hybrid Queen Anne-California Bungalow House.
The Tudor Revival style, popular in the United States from 1890 to 1940, received only nominal acceptance in North Louisiana. Characteristics included a simple box plan with extensions, facade dominated by two or more prominent cross gables and windows in multiple groupings with multipane glazing. Also used were massive chimneys with chimney pots.
The Masur Museum on South Grand Street in Monroe was constructed 1929 by Elmer Slagle, Sr. Depicted in [figure 50] are the characteristics of the Tudor Revival described above. This stone veneer house has a mezzanine porch in the rear overlooking a formal garden and the Ouachita River.