Classical Architecture Critique: A Gem From Antiquity In Carlisle

Catherine Louis-Charles

Professor Bomboy

Modern Culture and the Arts

September 17, 2017

A gem from antiquity in Carlisle

     Carlisle Pennsylvania may be a far cry from being a booming city or a Greek metropolis, but as one can see in the downtown section the architectural influences of the classical Greek order are present in many governmental, religious and educational buildings. Though many of the ancient Greek buildings have long succumbed to the elements or destroyed due to humans wants, its legacy lives on and can be seen all over the world. “The classical conception of beauty has had a profound influence on Western cultural expression” (Fiero 114). It is evident the ancient Greek building styles have a long reach across the world. One of the apparent use of the classical orders is found on the entrance of the east wing of the Bosler Memorial library. 

     The Library is located on High street, Carlisle, Pennsylvania. As the name states, it is still a functioning library presently. The whole library was renovated in 2015 to maintain its longevity, it’s current function and the legacy of J. Herman Bosler, who was a prominent businessman in Carlisle. The building was designed by a well-known Victorian architect name E. Francis Baldwin. “Baldwin is known as an architect of more than 50 stations of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, as well as dozens of churches and other structures for the catholic church” (Lear). Baldwin designed the library in a colonial style and enhanced the entrance with the façade from the Ionic order, which is one of the architectural designs established by the ancient Greeks. “The exterior with its pediment, columns, and symmetry, seems to reference classical design” (Lear14).

     At first glance of the front of the building, one can note that the ionic order was well executed.  Standing on the street in front of the building the four ionic columns stands remarkably majestic amidst all the colonial buildings. The ionic columns at the entrance are typically slender. “The ionic order has a base of the Asiatic or Attic type (the latter being favored by the Romans) and the shaft is more slender in proportion than in the Doric order” (Encyclopedia.com). The bases of each column contains two round rings and each sit on a large square foundation called a stylobate.  As the eyes is drawn up the columns, the grooves and line (fillet and flute) that runs vertically along the shafts are well define and proportioned correctly.

     At the top of the shafts is where the echinus’ accommodate the well carved four sided volutes.  The spiral shells on each side gives a full symmetrical effect to the façade.  The Architrave is the structure that supports the frieze, the pediment, and the cornice, that connects the four columns as it rests on the platform which is called the abacus.  The Frieze which lays on top of the architrave doesn’t boast much as in adornments such as seen in other similar buildings, it simply has the words “The J-Herman Bosler-Memorial” carved on to it. 

     As the eyes travels up the rest of the entablature the dentils are well defined and are carved not only on the cornice board of the entablature but also along the edges of the cornice board of the building and around the its pediment. The pediment of the building is well put together with the detail carvings of architectural adornments that has stand the test of time. 

     Though the building is mostly colonial in style with its huge stained glass and vaulted ceiling, the architect managed to flawlessly combined the two styles. Baldwin may have decided to create a classical approach for the library from the railroad stations he was accustom to designing. The building seems to convey a message of its practicality of a library and of an architectural treasure.  Without the Classical Greek order the building would have appeared simple and blend in with everything else around it. The ionic order enhances not only the entrance but the whole façade, making the library stand out and be noticed.  It’s Greek entry way lends credence to its usefulness. We may never know why Baldwin chose to incorporate the Classic Greek design into this specific project but walking up the steps to the entrance, one can’t help but be impressed and a bit amazed at the execution of his design. The building is well preserved and well used. It will be around for generations to come.

Works Cited

Fiero, Gloria K. The Humanistic Tradition. 7^th ed. Vol. 1. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2015. Print.

"Ionic Order." A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. . Encyclopedia.com. 15 Sep. 2017 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

Lear, Bernadette. “In Search of Pennsylvania Library History.” A railroad architect builds a library: E. Francis Baldwin and the Bosler Memorial Library of Carlisle, 5 Mar. 2015, palibhist.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-railroad-architect-builds-library-e.html. Accessed 15 Sept. 2017.