Victorian period homes are characterized by an extensive amount of detail, both on the exterior (outside) and interior (inside) of the home. The introduction of new woodworking machinery made the production of detailed woodwork much easier and faster to produce. The late 1800's and early 1900's were considered the Victorian period. There are many Victorian styles, several of which are found in Perkasie; these styles are examined below.

Architectural styles after the Victorian period were a reaction to the fanciness of the Victorian era. Later styles were simpler and often featured natural materials.

SECOND EMPIRE or MANSARD STYLE (1860-1890)

Characteristics of Second Empire Style:

• Imposing two or three story symmetrical square block form to building
• Mansard roof - allowing for the top floor to be inhabited
• Cornices- repeated horizontal moldings along a wall of a building
• Windows in a pediment on the third floor
• Tall first floor windows

This building below was built prior to the incorporation of the Borough of Perkasie. In the early days of the town this building stood at the intersection of the two main roads of Perkasie. This home located at the corner of Fifth and Walnut Streets ( 134 S. Fifth Street) was built in 1876 by Abraham Hendricks as a private residence. various owners and tenants occupied the building until 1924 when Albert Durner purchased the building and converted it into a hardware store. Today the building again serves as a private residence.

This building was built as a private residence in 1876. Here the same building in 1929 was a hardware store. This view of the building is from the Walnut street side. This side of the building has been changed significantly since this photo.

VICTORIAN GOTHIC STYLE (1860 - 1890)

Characteristics of Victorian Gothic Style:

• Gothic gables dominate the rest of the house
• Steep pitched roofs
• Gothic arches (pointed)
• Bay windows on two floors
• Wrap around porch

The Strassburger Homestead is a significant landmark to the town of Perkasie as a home of one of the early settlers of Perkasie. It is also a significant example of Gothic architecture. The building is located at 659 E. Walnut Street near South Perkasie Road.

The original porch brackets create pointed arches.		Though the large porch remains today, most of the ornamentation has been removed.

An extensive stone wall sets this structure off against the street level. The pointed details of the wall repeat the pointed Gothic house design.		Two gables dominate the roof line and a wrap-around porch and two story bay window show typical characteristics of this Gothic style.

A deep pitched roof and narrow gable frame a gothic window.		This shutter features a cut design above and louvered shutters below.

In addition to traditional Gothic (pointed arch) windows, straight-headed openings are used in this structure.

QUEEN ANNE STYLE (1860 - 1890)

The Queen Anne style is varied and decoratively rich style. When comparing the architectural elements of the Queen Anne Style found in homes in Perkasie, they might be considered simple by some individuals when compared to Queen Anne Style homes found in more urban settings or in California.

Characteristics of Queen Anne Style:

• Asymmetrical composition
• Use of towers, turrets, tall chimneys, projecting pavilions, porches, bay windows and encircling verandahs
• Textured wall surfaces
• Colored glass panels in the windows

This Queen Anne Style home is found at the corner of Fifth and Vine Streets (500 Vine Street).

Postcard of Vine Street home from 1911.

The turret dominates the house on the corner. The rooms under the turret are round. A full bay window is also found on the Fifth Street side of this home. Many open porches grace this structure.		Details on the facade or surface of the building include pilasters next to the windows on the turret and stick decoration on the entrance pediment on the Vine Street side.
Simple doric columns support the wrap-around porch or veranda.		Panes of colored glass decorate the windows on the upper levels and give the home a sense of elegance..

Turned porch posts or balusters are decorated in a variety of colors that draw attention to the forms.		Curves are repeated throughout the design of this building including the arched tops of these windows and shutters.		Eaves, often hidden on homes today are decorated by colorful brackets.