The Carrie C. Sickler House, commissioned in 1900, is the third and final residence in the remarkable trio of female-commissioned houses that marked a pivotal moment in Greene & Greene’s early career. Alongside the Mary M. Smith and Mary R. Milnor houses, the Sickler House stands as a testament to the architects’ growing reputation and their ability to attract a progressive, independent clientele. This important commission showcases the Greenes’ evolving mastery of the Shingle style, their increasing use of natural materials, and their movement toward a more informal, California-centric approach to residential design. The Sickler House, with its elegant simplicity and its celebration of craftsmanship, is a key example of the Greenes’ transition into the Arts and Crafts aesthetic and their growing confidence as they entered the new century.
Architectural Significance
The Carrie C. Sickler House of 1900 is a crucial piece in the puzzle of Greene & Greene’s early development, offering a unique glimpse into their design philosophy at a time of significant transition. The house is a masterful blend of the formal, East Coast-inspired Shingle style with the more relaxed, nature-oriented principles of the burgeoning Arts and Crafts movement. This synthesis of styles is a defining characteristic of the Greenes’ work from this period, and the Sickler House is a particularly compelling example of their ability to create a residence that is both sophisticated and unpretentious, elegant and comfortable. The house’s significance is further underscored by its place as one of three important commissions from female clients in 1900, a fact that speaks to the Greenes’ growing appeal to a new generation of patrons who valued modern design and a more informal way of life.
The Trio of 1900: A Year of Female Patronage
The year 1900 was a watershed moment for Greene & Greene, not only for the increasing sophistication of their designs, but also for the forward-thinking clients who sought them out. The commissions for the Carrie C. Sickler, Mary M. Smith, and Mary R. Milnor houses represent a significant chapter in the firm’s history, a time when they were chosen by three independent women to create homes that were both aesthetically pleasing and perfectly suited to their modern lifestyles. This trio of houses, each with its own distinct personality, stands as a testament to the Greenes’ ability to listen to their clients, to understand their needs, and to create architecture that was not only beautiful, but also deeply personal and humane.
Architectural Features
Exterior Design
The exterior of the Carrie C. Sickler House is a study in understated elegance, a masterful composition of simple forms, rich textures, and a deep respect for the natural beauty of the materials. The house is a beautiful example of the Shingle style, with its characteristic use of wood shingles to create a continuous, flowing surface that unifies the various architectural elements. The design is a harmonious balance of symmetry and asymmetry, with a graceful, sweeping roofline and a series of well-placed gables and dormers that create a sense of rhythm and movement. The use of natural materials, such as wood and stone, further enhances the house’s connection to the surrounding landscape, while the simple, unadorned detailing speaks to the Greenes’ growing interest in the principles of the Arts and Crafts movement:
Shingle Style Grace: The use of wood shingles to clad the entire exterior of the house is a hallmark of the Shingle style, and it gives the Sickler House a sense of warmth, texture, and continuity. The shingles are laid in a variety of patterns, creating a subtle and sophisticated interplay of light and shadow.
Elegant Roofline: The house is crowned by an elegant, sweeping roofline that is both graceful and dramatic. The roof is a complex composition of gables, hips, and dormers, all of which are carefully integrated to create a sense of unity and harmony.
Natural Materials: The use of natural materials, such as wood shingles, stone, and brick, is a key element of the exterior design. The Greenes’ celebrated the inherent beauty of these materials, allowing their natural colors and textures to become a central part of the architectural expression.
Simplified Detailing: The detailing of the exterior is simple and restrained, with a focus on the quality of the materials and the craftsmanship of the construction. This emphasis on simplicity and honesty is a hallmark of the emerging Arts and Crafts aesthetic.
Interior Design and Craftsmanship
The interior of the Carrie C. Sickler House is a warm and inviting space, characterized by a sense of openness, simplicity, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of natural materials. The floor plan is a departure from the more formal, compartmentalized layouts of the Victorian era, with rooms that flow into one another in a way that encourages a more casual and relaxed way of life. The use of natural wood throughout the interior, combined with the simple, honest craftsmanship of the built-in furniture and architectural details, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that is a hallmark of Greene & Greene’s work:
Open and Flowing Floor Plan: The open and flowing floor plan is a key feature of the interior, reflecting the client’s desire for a more informal and relaxed lifestyle. The elimination of unnecessary walls and partitions creates a sense of spaciousness and a more seamless connection between the various living areas.
Natural Wood Finishes: The extensive use of natural wood finishes, such as Douglas fir and redwood, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The Greenes’ celebrated the natural grain and color of these materials, allowing their inherent beauty to become a central element of the interior design.
Built-in Furniture: The inclusion of built-in furniture, such as benches and bookcases, is a characteristic feature of the Arts and Crafts movement. These simple, well-crafted pieces are an integral part of the architectural design, creating a sense of unity and harmony between the architecture and the furnishings.
Honest Craftsmanship: The simple, honest craftsmanship of the interior details, such as the exposed joinery and the hand-finished woodwork, is a testament to the Greenes’ commitment to quality and their deep respect for the traditions of the building arts. This attention to detail and the celebration of the craft of building is a central tenet of the Arts and Crafts philosophy.
Historical Context
A Pivotal Year: 1900
The Carrie C. Sickler House was designed and built in 1900, a pivotal year in the history of American architecture. The turn of the century marked a period of significant change and transition, as architects and designers began to move away from the historical revival styles of the 19th century and toward a more modern and expressive approach to design. The Arts and Crafts movement, with its emphasis on simplicity, honesty, and a return to traditional craftsmanship, was a powerful force in this transformation, and the Sickler House is a beautiful and eloquent expression of this new architectural spirit.
Greene & Greene’s Evolving Style
At the time of the Sickler House commission, Charles and Henry Greene were in the midst of a period of intense creative exploration and growth. They had established their practice in Pasadena in 1894, and had spent the first few years of their career designing a series of houses in a variety of historical revival styles. The Sickler House, along with the other commissions from 1900, marks a significant turning point in their work, a moment when they began to more fully integrate the principles of the Arts and Crafts movement into their designs. The house is a testament to their growing confidence and their increasing mastery of the art of architecture.
A New Century, A New Clientele
The commission for the Carrie C. Sickler House, along with the other two female-led commissions of 1900, is a testament to the Greenes’ growing reputation and their ability to attract a new and more progressive clientele. These women, with their independent spirit and their appreciation for modern design, were the ideal patrons for the Greenes’ evolving architectural vision. The Sickler House, with its blend of elegance and informality, sophistication and simplicity, is a perfect reflection of this new and more modern way of life.
Legacy and Current Status
The Carrie C. Sickler House stands as a beautifully preserved example of Greene & Greene’s early work, a testament to the enduring quality of their designs and the foresight of those who have cared for it over the years. The house is a private residence and is not open to the public, but its exterior can be appreciated from the street. The house’s continued existence is a testament to the enduring power and appeal of Greene & Greene’s architecture.
Location: Pasadena, California
Year Built: 1900
Architectural Style: Shingle Style with Arts and Crafts influences
Significance: The third of a trio of female-commissioned houses from 1900, pivotal transitional work
Historical Context: Greene & Greene’s seventh year of practice, “Growing Reputation” period
The Carrie C. Sickler House is more than just a beautiful and well-preserved example of early 20th-century architecture; it is a story of transition, of a new century, a new clientele, and a new and more modern way of life. It is a testament to the enduring power of Greene & Greene’s vision, and a reminder of the importance of preserving our architectural heritage for future generations.