Glossary

This is becoming an illustrated definition of architectural (and other historic) terms relevant to Wheeling. Please add addition terms you think should be here or write definitions. Ideally, we can illustrate all terms with Wheeling examples.

Architectural Styles
[[image:1307Chapline-1stPresbyterian-sm.jpg width="100" link="[1300 Chapline Block"]] - inspired by Greek and Roman temples; symmetrical, columns, triangular gable/pediment. Many buildings in Washington, DC; in Wheeling many now demolished buildings of the 1830s-1850s such as the Exchange Bank (1834) and Ohio County Courthouse (1939). Two beautiful standing examples are the Church of God and Saints of Christ and the First Presbyterian Church.
 * Neo-Classical - Greek Revival**


 * Neo-Classical - Federal/Adams** - Architects call these Neo-Classic style, but they lack all the temple-like elements, however, //symmetry and decorative details are classically inspired//. In Wheeling these are generally plain buildings with stone lintels and a symmetry and orderliness.


 * Victorian**


 * Queen Anne** - Victorian style on steroids, overly ornate


 * Shingle** - A reaction to the overly ornamental Queen Anne, these are more informal buildings, with rambling plans, gables and cross gables, deep eaves, and of course, wood shingles.


 * Stick** - Decorative half timbers on walls, typically on wood-sided houses, to give a Tudor look. Also commonly have steep, gabled roof, overhanging eaves, and decorative braces.

Architectural Terms
**Oriel** - essentially a second or third floor bay window. For houses like those in Victorian Wheeling that are directly on the front sidewalk a baywindow would obstruct walking. This example is from 834 Main but they are common in North Wheeling. **Terra Cotta** - an enriched cast clay block or design used from late 1800s to 1930s. Many Victorian buildings in Wheeling have terra cotta decorations inspersed with lines of brick. [|More].
 * Baluster** -
 * Balustrade** -
 * Corbeled** -
 * Cornice** -
 * Dormer** - windows projecting at right angle from the side of a sloping roof.
 * Eaves**
 * Facade** - the side of a building, usually refers to the street facing side.
 * Flemish bond** - brickwork that alternates short (headers) and long (stretchers) sides of brick in each row (course).
 * Fretwork** -
 * Gables**
 * Lincrusta** - embossed decorative wall covering made of linseed oil and wood pulp, resembles the more expensive tooled leather. Common in elegant Victorian homes in Wheeling and easily visible at the Eckhart House gift shop or the Hess House tour.
 * Lintel**
 * Mansard roof** -
 * Pediment** - low pitched triangular gable, common on classical styles
 * Pilaster** -
 * Transom** - window above doors
 * Wainscoting** -

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