Nestled in the heart of Middletown, Connecticut, the Samuel Wadsworth Russell House stands as a testament to the grandeur and elegance of Greek Revival architecture. This majestic mansion, built in 1828, is not only a significant historical landmark but also a captivating destination for those who appreciate architectural beauty and rich history.
The Samuel Wadsworth Russell House was commissioned by Samuel Russell, a prominent figure in the 19th-century China trade. Russell, who founded the trading firm Russell & Company in Canton, China, amassed his wealth through the importation of opium and the exportation of fine teas and silks. While he was away in Canton, the construction of his dream home was overseen by his friend Samuel D. Hubbard and his wife, Mrs. Russell. The house was designed by the renowned architect Ithiel Town, a leading proponent of the Greek Revival style in America.
The Russell House is often regarded as one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the northeastern United States. Its design draws inspiration from ancient Greek temples, featuring six full-height Corinthian columns that support a grand entablature and a low flushboarded pediment. The front façade of the house is adorned with five bays, with recessed panels between the first and second-story windows, except in the central bay, where pilasters support a high entablature over the double entrance door. The intricate fretwork surrounding the doorway's side and overlights adds to the house's charm.
The side facades of the house are equally impressive, with windows separated vertically by panels similar to those on the front. The brick masonry walls are covered with stucco scribed to resemble large-block ashlar, giving the house a stately appearance. The brownstone foundation and load-bearing masonry walls provide a solid base for the structure, while the gable roof completes the classical look.
The Samuel Wadsworth Russell House is a masterpiece of architectural detailing. The portico column capitals, front corner pilasters, and attic window screen covers feature an antemion decorative motif, adding a touch of elegance to the exterior. The heavy entablature boasts three bands in the architrave, a band of foliated molding under the plain frieze, and a denticulated cornice defined by bead and reel molding and an elaborate crown molding.
Around 1855, the rear portico was enclosed, and a two-story north wing was added, attributed to Alexander Jackson Davis, a former partner of Ithiel Town. While the addition may disrupt the house's symmetry, it is treated sympathetically with identical pilasters and entablature, maintaining the overall aesthetic harmony.
Step inside the Russell House, and you'll be transported to a world of opulence and refinement. The interior is divided by a spacious center hall with two rooms on either side. A grand staircase with a landing graces the end of the hall, leading to the upper floors. The four chimney stacks are strategically placed in the outside walls of each room off the hall, ensuring efficient heating.
The south parlors are connected by a set of folding doors, allowing for flexible use of space, while the original north rooms have been opened up to create a single large area. The decorative treatment throughout the interior is characterized by meticulous attention to detail. Trompe-l'œil wall paintings simulate paneling on the walls of the north main rooms, entrance hall, and stairwell, adding a touch of artistic sophistication. The marble fireplaces, with Ionic columns supporting the mantelpieces, and the recessed paneling of the doors and folding window shutters further enhance the interior's grandeur. A wide frieze and deep cornice of decorative plaster define the high ceilings, creating an atmosphere of elegance and luxury.
The Samuel Wadsworth Russell House is not just a historical relic; it is a living legacy that continues to inspire admiration. In 1937, the house was deeded to Wesleyan University by Thomas Macdonough Russell, Jr., a descendant of Samuel Russell. Initially used as Honors College, the building now serves as a special events facility and houses the University's Department of Philosophy.
The Russell estate once occupied an entire block, bounded by High, Court, Pearl, and Washington streets. The extensive grounds behind the house were adorned with formal gardens, featuring boxwood imported from England and plants brought from China by Samuel Russell. A double stair of intricate ironwork, added when the rear portico was enclosed, leads from the first floor down to the garden lawn, offering a picturesque view of the surroundings.
The construction of the Russell House set a standard of luxury and sophistication for residential architecture on High Street during the 19th and early 20th centuries. While many other grand homes were built in the area, none surpassed the Russell House in terms of elegance and grandeur. It stands as a monument to Samuel Russell's vision and the exciting era of the China trade, when Middletown's mercantile tradition reached its zenith.
In conclusion, the Samuel Wadsworth Russell House is more than just a building; it is a symbol of architectural brilliance and historical significance. Its timeless beauty and rich history make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Middletown, Connecticut. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates the finer things in life, the Russell House promises to leave you captivated and inspired.
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