Architectural Styles in Sharon

Greek Revival Architecture

Following the War of 1812, Greek Revival Architecture became the predominant expression of the newly established government in the United States. The new constitution with its democratic government was based on Greek literature. The nation's founders also wished to express this new democratic spirit through architecture of impressive simplicity and practicality. The first public buildings of this period were built in Philadelphia and New York using the Greek Temple format with strong foundation, impressive colonnades, wide heavy frieze, heavy cornice and pedimented gables. Where British Colonial architecture had predominated, the trend now was to follow the strong elements of Greek architecture.

Americans sympathized with Greece's own struggles for independence in 1820. Public structures that had originally been designed in a Colonial style were followed by Greek Revival mansions and housing styles.

Stern House, 304 West Cornwall Road, Sharon, CT

The Stern building in Sharon, illustrated below, is an excellent and well-preserved example of the Greek Revival style. It is a farm complex with two large barns, utility buildings and a man residence with an important central entrance and colonnaded entrance porch. Later additions were added in complete harmony to the original structure. It is believed that the original portion of the house was built in 1842 by the Lockwood family who invested in numerous parcels in outlying areas of Sharon.