At the turn of the 20th century, architects and their patrons created the buildings that shape the America we know today. American communities were built—one block at a time—by the nation’s first generation of professionally-trained architects and their clients, creating the homes, schools, churches, commercial blocks, and clubs that mold our everyday lives today.   Owners of historic properties, professionals and students of architecture and design, and New England natives curious about their surroundings will delight in the level of detail presented in this new book.

This book is a window into the building of our nation during its most expansive era: The turn of the 20^th century, offering an in-depth analysis of the exceptional architecture of Connecticut’s own nationally recognized architect, Ehrick Rossiter (1854-1941), a pioneer in the new American architectural profession.  Noted American Architecture History expert and author, Ann Smith demonstrates how Rossiter’s domestic designs reflect the aspirations of American homeowners during the early 1900’s.  They trace the evolving relationships among family members, guests and servants, and reveal domestic society in rapid social and technological change.



Working primarily in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey, Rossiter and his partners Frank A. Wright and later, John Muller, designed low-cost housing as well as country estates, suburban developments and exclusive hotels and apartment buildings in New York City. The firm designed libraries, town halls, clubs, resorts, park facilities and churches, more than 350 projects in all, which were widely published in the contemporary press.  The son of a highly regarded painter, Rossiter wrote the book that is recognized today as a leading authority on color for Victorian houses.

Nearly 200 illustrations document this comprehensive story, including dozens of glass plate images of the buildings when they were new, and floorplans published in contemporary periodicals. The 50 color images, including many taken from a rare original copy of Rossiter’s 1883 book, capture Rossiter’s paint schemes, offering an authentic guide to today’s owners of period homes.