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This page contains information on Historic Sites within Middletown
This is part of the ongoing program of the Greater Middletown Preservation Trust to increase public interest in Middletown's architectural heritage.The Greater Middletown Preservation Trust DeKoven House 27 Washington Street Middletown, Connecticut 06457
 ca. 1791. Georgian Style.This house, and the Captain Samuel Johnson House (44 Washington Street), were built by wealthy Middletown sea captains and are reminders of Middletown's early days as a busy river port. It is unusual that this house is of brick, for brickwork is a relatively rare phenomenon in eighteenth century Middletown and is generally associated with the Federal Style and not with the Georgian. Federal details include the fanlight over the door and the delicate porch, which is a later addition. RETURN TO MAP ca. 1735. Colonial Style. This house was originally a central chimney house, but the early addition to the east of the building has distorted the original design. RETURN TO MAP ca. 1830. Federal Style in transition to the Greek Revival. This is one of Middletown's most interesting transitional structures. The delicate fanlight over the doorway and the end gable are distinct Federal details, while placement of the end gable toward the street is characteristic of the Greek Revival Style. RETURN TO MAP ca. 1825. Greek Revival. With a striking setting at the head of Broad Street, this building was an important contributor to the Greek Revival character of the area. The iron railing and carved columns are reminders of its former grandeur. RETURN TO MAP 1930-31. Renaissance Revival Style. During the worst years of the Depression, the Italian population of Middletown raised $51,000 to make possible the construction of this church. The building is very similar to the fourteenth century Church of St. Sebastian in Melilli, Sicily. RETURN TO MAP ca. 1750. Colonial Style. The end chimneys and the gambrel roof of this mid-century house are typical of Connecticut's early domestic architecture, although the use of brick is not. Nineteenth century changes to the front façade are the Greek Revival entry and the first floor windows which, at one time, extended nearly to the floor. The two-story extension on the east is a later addition. RETURN TO MAP 1891. Queen Anne Style. This building's irregular plan, intricate brickwork, terracotta detail and stick work are typical of the best of Queen Anne ornament. RETURN TO MAP  ca. 1755.
Made Gothic ca. 1839. Georgian-Gothic.This house displays a few of its original Georgian features. The building was updated ca. 1839 to become one of Middletown's most impressive Gothic Revival structures. Of particular note are the acorn design bargeboards. RETURN TO MAP 1752-53. Colonial Style. This house is most typical of the Connecticut homes built during the mid-eighteenth century. It displays the characteristic double overhang and center chimney. RETURN TO MAP ca. 1810. Federal Style. This building originally faced Main Street and has been relocated to become the north building of the Armory complex. RETURN TO MAP 1824. Built by Samuel D. Hubbard, a former Postmaster General of the United States. This building, which served as a meeting house, hotel and commercial block, was an important contributor to the elegance of nineteenth century Main Street. Please Note: Since 1977, when this guide was originally published, some or all of the historic buildings at this particular location have been partially or completely demolished. RETURN TO MAP 1810. Federal Style. This building's end chimneys, brick exterior, and delicate portico are typical of Federal Style homes. The side garden is also characteristic of early residences. The General Mansfield House is owned by the Middlesex County Historical Society, and contains much Middlesex County memorabilia and other historical records. It is open to the public. RETURN TO MAP 1916. Acting Supervising Architect: James A. Wetmore. Academic Eclecticism-Renaissance Revival. The staid classicism of this building is characteristic of the public buildings constructed during the early twentieth century. This building and 315 Main Street (1926) are free interpretations of buildings of the Italian Renaissance. RETURN TO MAP 1872. Picturesque Eclecticism. Originally a part of a five building commercial block, this structure is notable for its façade made of cast iron. RETURN TO MAP 1749. Colonial Style. This is the oldest building remaining on Main Street. From the north, and from the rear, one can discern the original gambrel roof and clapboards. Please Note: Since 1977, when this guide was originally published, some or all of the historic buildings at this particular location have been partially or completely demolished. RETURN TO MAP The distinguishing features of this brick and brownstone commercial block are its four projecting bays, the brownstone lintels and the highly decorative cornice at the roofline. RETURN TO MAP Late Federal Style in transition to Greek Revival. The brownstone trim of this building is exquisitely detailed with a stylized Greek fret design. Of particular note are the fanlights on the gable. RETURN TO MAP 1799. Perhaps one of the most obscured buildings on Main Street is this old meeting house. The building originally stood near Court Street, but it was moved to its present location during the later part of the nineteenth century. The rear of the building now faces Main Street. Despite the exterior finish, one can still discern the dentil work below the cornice, the quoining, and in places, the clapboards of the original structure. RETURN TO MAP ca. 1855. Italianate Style. This house originally stood on Main Street near Liberty Street. It was moved to its present location in 1927. Of particular note are the carved acanthus supports for the columns of the porch. RETURN TO MAP The Green has played an historically important role in the development of Middletown, which was originally established as three settlements: one in Cromwell, one at the north end of Main Street, and one at the South Green. Some of Middletown's wealthiest citizens settled here, including the Revolutionary War hero, Return Jonathan Meigs, whose home stood at the intersection of Pleasant Street and Crescent Street. During the latter part of the eighteenth century, the founding of the Episcopal Church in America took place on the Green itself. This first Episcopal Church, located at the eastern end of the Green, and many other eighteenth century buildings in this area, were destroyed during the nineteenth century. Their replacements, however, offer many fine examples of late nineteenth century architecture. RETURN TO MAP Second Empire Style. The most interesting features of this late nineteenth century building are its mansard roof, wide brownstone foundation, second floor railing, and detailed "peacock's tail" cutwork in the frieze. The first floor porch is a later addition. RETURN TO MAP ca. 1750. Colonial Style. This house, one of the last eighteenth century structures in the area, is similar to the Constance Kirkland House (40 Main Street). It exhibits a center chimney and double overhang. The porch is a later addition. RETURN TO MAP Picturesque Eclecticism. Although this house displays many characteristics of the Second Empire Style (in particular, the mansard roof and its heavily corniced windows), the building indicates transition to a later architectural style. The south end of the building is almost a tower, a distinctive feature of the Queen Anne Style. Another important feature of the building is the oval window, which pierces the mansard roof at the south end. RETURN TO MAP  ca. 1811-13. Federal Style.This elegant brick house has an imposing location above the South Green. The house, though basically in the Federal Style, has undergone extensive remodeling. One impressive addition is the building's portico -- an Italianate central pavilion. RETURN TO MAP #77-83 built 1866-67 by Hon. Julius Hotchkiss. #71 built 1895 by his daughter, M. Amelia Vinal. Picturesque Eclecticism. In addition to their importance as the first attempt to bring a distinctly urban architecture to Middletown, the buildings are notable for the characteristics of elegance: the mansard roof, brownstone cornices and brick façades. RETURN TO MAP  1840. Greek Revival Style.The most notable features of this double house are the Doric columns and pilasters which frame the doorways and support the entablature. A row of dentil work can be seen between the architrave and the frieze. RETURN TO MAP 1840. Greek Revival Style. Although the fabric of this building is brick, it has been stuccoed and scribed to represent larger blocks of masonry. The third floor windows are covered with grilles displaying the anthemion motif, characteristic of this style. RETURN TO MAP ca. 1839. Greek Revival Style. The most interesting original features of this house are the pilasters flanking the front façade and the Doric entry porch. The large cupola -- a characteristic Italianate feature -- was added ca. 1855 in an effort to update the structure. RETURN TO MAP  ca. 1850. Late Greek Revival Style.The general effect of the building is achieved through its abstract geometry and is one of large geometric planes and volumes. The fabric is flush-boarded, rather than clapboarded, so that no shadow lines result. The square columns contribute to the effect of solidarity and are typical of a freedom of forms often seen in the Greek Revival. RETURN TO MAP ca. 1880. Picturesque Eclecticism. 128 Broad Street  1877-78.David R. Brown, Architect. 128 Broad Street was built for Psi Upsilon Fraternity at Wesleyan University. The fraternity's insignia appears on the stonework above the door and on the beam ties on the side. Of particular note are the raised entries and massive iron railings of both buildings. The projecting bay window and projecting hood on the doorway at 126 Broad Street are important features, as are the pointed door arch and intricate stonework at 128 Broad Street. Please Note: Since 1977, when this guide was originally published, some or all of the historic buildings at this particular location have been partially or completely demolished. RETURN TO MAP ca. 1835. Greek Revival Style. Although the building has been altered, the basic lines of this Greek Revival house remain unchanged. RETURN TO MAP 1892. Picturesque Eclecticism. The first entrance to this building was through the Middlesex Mutual Assurance Company at 179 Main Street. At one time, when occupied by the Middlesex Opera Company, this building boasted the largest stage between New York City and Boston and was the scene of many performances by John Philip Sousa and other turn of the century artists. Directly east of the building is the old firehouse. RETURN TO MAP 1755-56. Colonial Style. Little is now visible to indicate this building's original exterior appearance; however, the gambrel roof seen on both the main structure and on the ell on the north side is evidence of the building's early construction date. RETURN TO MAP ca. 1822. Federal Style. The asymmetrical placement of the door, the use of brick as a building material, and the entry porch with its attenuated columns are characteristic features of a Federal townhouse. The building originally had four chimneys and a kitchen ell. RETURN TO MAP ca. 1830-37. Greek Revival. This building displays one of the most characteristic features of the Greek Revival Style, the temple front. At one time the temple-fronted porch and columns, which are found on the north façade, also extended along the east wall. The building was remodeled and converted into a church around 1916. RETURN TO MAP ca. 1772-76. Colonial Style. The building displays the characteristic double overhang, double leaf doors, and twelve over twelve pane windows which are indicative of a mid-eighteenth century Connecticut house. RETURN TO MAP ca. 1765. Colonial Style. This house, with its gambrel roof and central chimney, originally stood on High Street and was moved to its present location in 1830. Of particular interest are the course of dentils below the roof line, and the weatherboarding on the east wall of the house. The front porch is a later addition. RETURN TO MAP 1884. Romanesque Revival. 183 Court Street Masonic Meeting Place ca. 1886. Italian Renaissance Revival. 189 Court Street Middletown Club 1887-88. Queen Anne. These buildings, with their clear cut forms, flat roofs, and arched doorways, are typical of late nineteenth century civic architecture. Of particular note is the elaborate ornamentation of these buildings, especially in the terracotta and brickwork. Please Note: Since 1977, when this guide was originally published, some or all of the historic buildings at this particular location have been partially or completely demolished. RETURN TO MAP  1883-84. Stick Style.This house exhibits the irregular silhouette, bracketed projecting eaves, and the verandas that are typical of the Stick Style. The John Mansfield Douglas House at 258 Court Street (1880-81) is of a similar architectural style. RETURN TO MAP 1894. Romanesque Revival Style. Architects: Curtis and Johnson of Hartford. Gymnasium addition ca. 1920. This building incorporates several window designs. The side tower and the wealth of materials used are distinguishing features of the Romanesque Revival Style. RETURN TO MAP 1873-74. Second Empire Style. The high mansard roof is a feature typical of the Second Empire Style. The etched glass of the entry door is also of note. RETURN TO MAP ca. 1834. Greek Revival. Mason: Barzallai D. Sage. The geometric form of this Greek Revival house is enhanced by the solidarity of its brick façade and brownstone window casings. The dentil work at the roof line is of particular note. The building's door with transom and sidelights is a later addition, as is the west wing. RETURN TO MAP ca. 1814. Federal Style. The dimensions of this half house are dense -- one might refer to the house as a "compressed Federal." The house exhibits a very typical Federal feature, the fanlight over the door. RETURN TO MAP 1841-42. Greek Revival-Italianate Transition. The flat surface of the façade and the projection of the roof, as well as the curve of the porch roof, stylistically link this house to the Alsop House (301 High Street). Also of note is the delicate iron work of the porch. RETURN TO MAP 1854-56. Greek Revival-Italianate Transition. The characteristic Greek Revival elements of this building are the classical entry and the geometric solidarity. The cupola is an Italianate feature. RETURN TO MAP ca. 1828. Federal Style. Originally built to face William Street, which was laid in 1825, this building was turned and moved to its present location in 1873. The delicate portico is a later addition. RETURN TO MAP Wesleyan University College Row The earliest buildings of the Wesleyan University campus were all of brownstone and were built between 1824 and 1872. Orange Judd Hall of Natural Science 1869-72. Second Empire Style. Architects: Bryant and Rogers. This building is said to be the first college building in the country to be devoted entirely to the study of science. '92 Theater/Rich Hall 1866-68. Gothic Revival Style. Originally built as a library. Memorial Chapel 1868-71. Gothic Revival Style. Architect possibly G. B. Keeling. Remodeled 1916 by Henry Bacon. South College 1824-25. Federal Style. Architects: Edward Hine and Merrill Ward. Belfry added in 1916 by Henry Bacon. This is the oldest building on the University campus and was built for Captain Partridge's American Literary, Scientific and Military Academy, Wesleyan's predecessor. North College  1824-25. Federal Style.Destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1906-07. This building was also completed for Captain Partridge's Academy and was to have been duplicated on the other side of South College -- a plan that was never carried out. RETURN TO MAP 1837-38. Greek Revival Style. Design: Barzallai D. Sage. Carpenter: Isaac Baldwin. Mason: John Bliss. Built to serve as a home for Wesleyan's first president, Wilbur Fisk, the house originally had a large veranda on the south side. RETURN TO MAP  ca. 1856. Italian Villa Style.This house is an excellent example of the symmetrical villa plan. Of particular note are the decorative cornices over the windows, the small balconies on the first floor and the handsome entry porch. RETURN TO MAP ca. 1875. Late Italianate Style. Architect: possibly Henry Austin. This house is built according to the asymmetrical villa plan and has particularly handsome front doors. RETURN TO MAP 1836-38. Greek Revival/Italianate Transition. Architect: possibly Ithiel Town. Mason: Barzallai D. Sage. Carpenter: Isaac Baldwin. As with Ithiel Town's own house in New Haven, the central portion of the house is a simple block flanked by wings. The severity of the design is relieved by the porch, which is supported by delicately scaled ironwork and by areas decorated with wall painting. The interior is remarkable for its decorative frescoes and freestanding staircase, now encumbered by the addition of a closet. The building is open to the public and the principal rooms are furnished with period furniture. RETURN TO MAP ca. 1841-42. Greek Revival. Architect: possibly Ithiel Town or A. J. Davis. The original cornice, with a carved stopping course, and the protruding window cornices were removed when the third floor was added in 1930. Stylistically, the house is similar to other homes attributed to Town and Davis, two important nineteenth century architects. RETURN TO MAP  ca. 1847-48. Gothic Revival Style.An exquisite brownstone Gothic Revival cottage possibly designed by Barnes himself or by A. J. Davis. The original wooden veranda, which ran from the front door around the south wall of the house, was replaced by the present brownstone porch in 1936. Of particular note are the decorative bargeboards of the eaves and the window over the central bay, which is shielded by an intricate glass and wooden hood. RETURN TO MAP 1901-02. Classical Revival Style. Typical revival features of this house are the hip roof and classical entry porch. RETURN TO MAP  1828-1830. Greek Revival Style.Architect: Ithiel Town. Builder: David Hoadley. One of the most distinguished buildings in Middletown and one of the first temple fronted houses in America, this house is notable for its monumental scale and spacious interior. Two aspects of the plan (the double parlor joined by an opening wider than a door and the colonnade on the rear façade, since enclosed) were widely copied in other Greek Revival homes, particularly in the South. RETURN TO MAP ca. 1873-74. Picturesque Eclecticism Style. One of the most notable features of this dwelling is the exterior woodwork. The scrolls under the gables, the shingles under the eaves, the varied window trim, and the decorative porch are all beautifully executed. Of particular note is the course of woodwork which surrounds the house, indicating the division between the first and second floors. The carved detail in this "belt" is most often seen in the terracotta work of the Queen Anne Style; its execution in wood is highly unusual. RETURN TO MAP ca. 1813-15. Federal Style. The distinguishing Federal characteristics of this brick half-house are the delicate porch and the fanlight over the door. RETURN TO MAP CREDITS: Research, GMPT Summer Interns Stephen Roper, Nancy Stack, Alain Munkittrick, David Reynolds, Joellyn Kuhnlein, Elizabeth Reynolds; Map, Jorgen Hansen; Photos, Stephen Robison. The original publication of this guide was funded in part by a Community Development Block Grant from HUD.
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1834. Greek Revival Style.