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The Italianate-style House, built in 1876 by J.F. Pratt on Main Street in Southington, was later the home of Governor Marcus H. Holcomb from 1899-1932. Holcomb was a state attorney general and superior court judge, before serving as governor of Connecticut from 1915 to 1921. Gov. Holcomb was a Mason and his house, located on the west side of Southington Green, has been the home of Friendship Lodge No. 33 since 1933.

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The Marcus H. Holcomb House (1876)

4 thoughts on “The Marcus H. Holcomb House (1876)

  • May 14, 2009 at 1:49 pm
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    Not quite sure why you’re calling it Italianate, except for the brackets. It’s asymmetrical, wood-clad, and has a bay window. Some variant of Queen Anne?

  • May 15, 2009 at 1:37 am
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    As one of the Romantic, or Picturesque, house styles, Italianate houses frequently had asymmetrical floor plans , as this site mentions. Indeed, as Old House Journal notes, “the style could readily become the means of providing flexible, asymmetrical floor plans that made home life easier for families.”

    Italianate houses could be built of either wood and brick. The house above has much different siding today than it would have had originally. According to Historic House Colors, “One of the innovative features of the Italianate style house was the inclusion of bay windows.” Further, “bay-windowed Italianates” increased in popularity in the 1870s, at the time the Holcomb House was built.

    Diagrams of the features of Italianate houses typically display their asymmetricality and the presence of bay windows. Note also some examples at Architectural Styles of America.

  • December 11, 2010 at 11:51 am
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    Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and all. But just imagine if you added some great visuals or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and video clips, this site could undeniably be one of the greatest in its field. Very good blog!

  • July 23, 2012 at 3:05 pm
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    I love your Italianate. Especially the double up bay windows. My home was also built in 1876, and its a two story Folk Victorian w/It. influences, including the balconies.

    Very nice to see it in such great shape! I love the pre-Queen Anne homes, we’re the last before them, really.

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