Laserfiche WebLink
DESCRIPTION <br /> CONDITION CHECK ONE CHECK ONE <br /> -EXCELLENT _DETERIORATED _UNALTERED X-ORIGINAL SITE <br /> GOOD -RUINS X ALTERED _MOVED DATE <br /> _FAIR -UNEXPOSED <br /> DESCRIBE THE PRESENT AND ORIGINAL(IF KNOWN) PHYSICAL APPEARANCE <br /> The Stone Building (Cary Wmorial Library) faces onto Massachusetts Avenue <br /> (formerly Main Street) , one of the principal roads in East Lexington. It is <br /> set back from the road approximately thirty feet and is surrounded by a cir- <br /> cular driveway, <br /> The Stone wilding was designed in 1833 by architect Isaac Melvin of Concord <br /> and is said to be his first work, The contractor was John Colby and the car- <br /> penter was Curtis Capell. The building is an impressive example of the Greek <br /> Revival style. <br /> The two-story structure is five bays wide and five bays deep. Its tetrastyle <br /> portico is supported by massive fluted Doric columns, and its front pediment <br /> contains two quarter-circle windows with finely wrought radiating sash. A series <br /> of guttae at the eaves adds further ornament to the pediment. The main focus <br /> of the front facade, and the highlight of the entire building, is the central <br /> entrance. The doorway is surmounted by a fanlight and flanked by sidelights. <br /> The entrance is further enhanced by Greek fretwork and other detail derived from <br /> anthemion and palmette motifs, The second floor window above the doorway echoes <br /> the sidelights and Greek detail below. Heavy pilasters add emphasis at either <br /> corner of the front facade. <br /> The Stone Building is sheathed with white clapboards, and the dark green shuttered <br /> windows have six over six lights, Three brick chimneys rise from the ridge roof. <br /> The exterior of the building is basically unaltered from its original appearance. <br /> Inside the downstairs floor has been adapted for library purposes, although the <br /> upstairs meeting room remains much the same as when it was used for religious <br /> and political- gatherings, <br />