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!
This Second Empire gem in Bangor, Maine, was built in 1874-75 and designed by architect George W. Orff, a Bangor native who spent much of his career in Minnesota.
The defining feature of a Second Empire style building is the Mansard roof. Typically called a French roof in the U.S. during the 19th century, it was popular during a period when all things French were “en vogue” for fashionable middle- and upper-class Americans. From the eave line down, Second Empire buildings are essential Italianate in style, 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.
This wonderful example is one of the hundreds of houses illustrating different historic domestic architectural styles 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!