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Historic Structures of
Orange County, Indiana
More than half of Orange Co., in the
scenic hills of Southern Indiana, is devoted to the Indiana
National Forest. Paoli is the county seat..
West Baden Springs,
5 miles from Paoli, near French Lick, is home to one of Indiana's
most majestic buildings, the West Baden Springs Hotel. Once touted
as the Eighth Wonder of the World, and a health mecca and gambling
oasis, the 94-year-old hotel was recently saved from neglect
through the purchase of the Indiana Historic Landmarks Foundation.
Here we see a church in Paoli and a bank in
West Baden Springs.
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Distinguished 150 year-old Orange County Courthouse
(1847) in Paoli is an example of the Greek Revival style of architecture
(sometimes called Classic Revival).
The Greek Revival style is distinguished by the presence of
one or more (but not necessarily all) of the following characteristics:
- Greek inspired columns and pilasters (decorative features
which imitate columns but are not load-bearing)
- Bold and unadorned exterior moldings
- Pedimented gables (the triangular top of the roof)
- Heavy cornices (overhanging projections at the top of a roof)
with unadorned friezes (area above the columns, just below the
cornice)
- Horizontal transoms (bars or openings) above entrances
The Greek Revival style can be distinguished by the Federal
or Jeffersonian styles by the absense of any fan or arch-shaped
windows, since the ancient Greeks did not use arches. Greek Revival
buildings are usually painted white in imitation of the white
marble used in ancient Greek structures.
Side and rear view of the Courthouse, showing off
the clock tower and weather vane, and row of four brick chimneys
on one side of the building. The clock tower marks the building's
status as the centerpiece of the town square.
This bank in West Baden Springs (1917), may once have
served wealthy patrons staying at the resort.
The building is an example of the Vault style of architecture,
which communicates massiveness, stability and enclosure (a commonly-used
and fitting architectural style for banks). The effect is somewhat
reminiscent of the fortified complexes of ancient times. In some
examples of vault architecture, the character is inspired by
Renaissance Italy or 18th-century France.
Generally two to three stories high, the vault has a facade
penetrated by a large, tall and generally narrow central opening,
and occasionally smaller ones on either side.
Related Site:
West
Baden Springs Hotel
Excellent site on one of Indiana's most
important landmarks. Contains dozens of photos, including historical
photographs and documentation of the restoration process.
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