52 North Winooski Avenue

The Judge Torrey Wales House,
c
irca 1840s

 

By R. F. Panepinto

This high style example of the Greek Revival style is unique among the other examples of the style on North Winooski Avenue. It was likely constructed for Judge Torrey Wales. Wales was a distinguished member of the community who served as Mayor of Burlington (1867-68), a state representative (1868-69, 76), and probate judge (1862-98). Edwin, Aaron, and Moses Spear purchased the house when Wales moved to College Street (1870's). They lived and maintained a store in the building, which remained in the family through the 1830's. (1) At present the building has multiple apartments.

Five bays by three bays with brick bearing walls on a stone foundation the pedimented front facing gable features an oculus window. The wood truss roof with asphalt shingles has Gothic Revival influenced cross gables, which were added at a later date. One over one windows are symmetrically arranged. The entrance is recessed and positioned centrally. The elaborate surround features full Ionic columns. A stringcourse runs around the entire building between the first and second floors. A Greek wave motif decorates the eaves of the gable and the frieze. Bargeboards detail the cross gables.



(1) Plan of the City of Burlington, Chittendon Co., Vt, (Philadelphia, PA: Worley & Bracher Lith., 1869), map. and Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, Vermont Historic Sites and Structures Survey, North Winooski Avenue, Montpelier, VT, Division for Historic Preservation, n.d.