As Victorian styles of architecture fell out of vogue in the late 19th century, New England towns and cities alike, saw a revival of Colonial designs which dominated building styles throughout much of the next century. Early examples of Colonial Revival tend to blend Queen Anne (Victorian) and Colonial motifs under one roof, which makes for exuberant yet refined designs. The Lester Thurber House in Nashua, New Hampshire was built in 1895 and is an ornate example which preserves elements of the Queen Anne style in its asymmetry and high gables, but with Colonial pediment scrolls and classical columned porch. Lester Freeman Thurber (1858-1935) was born and raised in Vermont and was engaged in the political arena there, serving as private secretary to Gov. Roswell Farnham of Vermont, 1880-2. He moved to Nashua in 1882 and was BUSY! He served in both branches Nashua city government, was member for six years on the board of education, member N.H. House of Representatives, 1895, served on railroad committee; was a delegate to Republican National Convention, 1908, and was a member of many local fraternal organizations and clubs. The Thurber House has suffered from some deferred maintenance of sorts, but is a great local example of the transitional Queen Anne/Colonial Revival styles in Nashua.
Buildings of New England 
…stunning; “exuberant yet refined,” is well-put and well-said. Do you get a lot of comments or commentary? Seriiously, what is the etiquette of the “leave a reply” – online blogging (?), if that is what this is journalling is still called? Admittedly, I just realized I might be writing to someone that actually doesn’t want to hear from me; or, perhaps, it is the case you have too many people with which to correspond, in which case, I won’t add to your work. I guess at this point, I spent enough time before realizing I was writing to a person who, for goodness sakes, – well, why would I waste my time, as well, right? In postscript, thanks for your efforts. I learn a lot. / David, York, Pennsylvania
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I enjoy comments and questions in the blog personally, it’s nice to know I’m not writing into a vacuum that no one will ever see! 😊
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This is something of a quibble, but I always react negatively to the use of “Victorian” to describe a style. Victoria’s reign lasted from 1837 to 1901, so included everything from Greek Revival, Italianate, Gothic Revival, Stick, Second Empire/Mansard, Shingle, Richardson Romanesque, Colonial Revival, Neo-Classical and Tudor. Queen Anne is just one of the styles, admittedly the one most often called out as Victorian. I think of Colonial Revival as part of the inventiveness of the Victorian period. It inflates and exagerates earlier, British motifs, playing with them in new ways. So the Neo-Colonials with their stiff, more precise Georgian or Federal elements but often shrunken and off-kilter proportions has nothing to do with the Victorian period. Forgive my rant.
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I don’t believe I called Victorian a style, I said that the styles under the “Victorian” umbrella fell out of favor towards the end of the 19th century, being replaced for the revivals of Colonial and Classical (Greek).
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Good day, Heli: Thank you for your comment. It was elucidating, clarifying for me the Victorian Era included many styles, as noted by our architectural photo- troubadour. I had no knowledge of Richardson Romanesque: “Henry Hobson Richardson, FAIA (September 29, 1838 – April 27, 1886) was an American architect, best known for his work in a style that became known as Richardsonian Romanesque. Along with Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright, Richardson is one of “the recognized trinity of American architecture”. (Wikipedia). I also was interested to read your comments and descriptions of the influence and Henry Hobson Richardson, FAIA (September 29, 1838 – April 27, 1886) was an American architect, best known for his work in a style that became known as Richardsonian Romanesque. Along with Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright, Richardson is one of “the recognized trinity of American architecture”. (Wikipedia) I also found interesting to read your comments and descriptions of the influence, if motifs, exchanged between England and America.
Respectfully
David Loring, York, Pennsylvania
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I found the article on the Lester Thurber House, dating back to 1895, to be quite captivating. The intricate architectural elements and its historical value make it a compelling piece of New England’s past. The well-preserved nature of these structures provides a valuable glimpse into history. Thanks for sharing this informative post!
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