The best way to learn about historic houses is to look at them closely, and the most fun way to look at them closely is to do a puzzle showing a wonderful historic house! So, we made a unique and interesting collection of Historic House Puzzles for you to enjoy!
The George R. Drowne House in the College Hill neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island, was designed in the Second Empire style by Boston architect Gridley Bryant and built in 1862. The defining feature of the Second Empire style is the Mansard roof, first used for an addition to the palace at the Louvre in Paris c. 1550. It got its name from 17th century French Baroque architect François Mansart.
It became especially fashionable during the Second French Empire (1852–1870) of Napoléon III, which corresponded with the middle Victorian era in the English-speaking world. Typically called a French roof in the U.S. during the 19th century, Second Empire buildings are essentially Italianate in style from the eave line down, but their roof gives them a different identity.
Understanding the style of a house is the essential first step in developing a restoration plan that prioritizes the preservation and restoration of character-defining features while making changes necessary for modern life in an old house. Second Empire is one of 25 styles and types described and illustrated in Chapter 2 of “Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners.”
Click on the dashed box at the top-right in the puzzle box below to open the puzzle to full screen. In the top left, you can change the number of pieces (100 pieces is the default), toggle piece rotation, and change the background color. Then hit “OK” and have fun!