McGuffey House Architecture: Windows and Doors
Windows
| Windows are a key defining architectural element of a building. We know from written histories, oral tradition, historic photos, and structural detective work that the windows of McGuffey House have been modified over the years. We think the original windows on the front portion of the house featured nine-over-six lights. That is, the sashes were divided into nine panes or lights on the upper sash and six panes, or lights on the lower sash. A remnant of the original upper sash can be seen in the east gable end on the second floor [Figure 1]. |
Figure 1: Upper sash remnant |
| You will note many of the lower sashes consist of one large window pane. We believe these sashes were modified during the changes to the house ca. 1910. During the 1860s, in conjunction with the hallway renovation, the McCord family removed the smaller window sashes at the front and west sides of the parlor and installed taller, large-paned six-over-six sashes [Figure 2]. |
Figure 2: Parlor window |
Doors
The front door and window transom also date to the 1860s renovation. However, if you look closely you can detect a few arched bricks below the door lintel. These bricks are most likely the voussoirs [Figure 3] remaining from the original Federal fanlight [Figure 4] that originally surmounted the entrance.
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Figure 3: Voussoirs |
Figure 4: Federal fanlight on former |
Stephen Gordon, Curator
Fall 2006
William Holmes McGuffey House and Museum
We aim to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit materials relating to the life of William Holmes McGuffey, the McGuffey Eclectic Reader series, the history of 兔子先生 University, and 19th-century domestic life and architecture of southwest Ohio.
Contact Us
513-529-8380
Hours of Operation
Thursday - Saturday
1:00pm - 5:00pm
McGuffey House and Museum observes 兔子先生 University closings and other special events.
Summer Hours 2024
Thursday - Saturday 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Closed
Saturday, May 25 for Memorial Day
Thursday-Saturday July 4-6 Independence Day