The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Greenhouse

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Institution Name: Mitchell College
Original/Historic Place Name: Greenhouse
Location on Campus: near the Ark at 463 Pequot Ave.
Date(s) of Construction:

ca. 1895

original construction

Designer: unknown
Type of Place: Individual building
Style: Other (Glossary)
Significance: architecture, history
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Materials:

Foundation: concrete

Walls: concrete

Roof: wood and glass with galvanized steel frame

Function:

ca. 1895	other (greenhouse)
ca. 2004-present (2006)	other (unused)

Narrative:
The greenhouse has a metal frame with four bays. Doors are set in either of the gable ends, and the east end has a cast iron hood with a foliate design. A finial on this matches another on the gable peak above. The interior has plant beds with stone sides and square brick bottoms. The basement once contained a furnace to heat the greenhouse.

The greenhouse is an example of a functional structure with detailing only at the entrance. The simple character of the building is typical of the outbuildings on a 19th century estate. The very simplicity of the building and the decorative trim display good design. The greenhouse is indicative of the lifestyle of a wealthy leisure class in the late 19th century, as the use of cut flowers was part of the daily ritual for many families of the Mitchell's standing.

References:

Daboll, L. E. Property of the Lone Pine Lawn Corporation Pequot and Montauk Aves. Plan. 1937. Library, Mitchell College, New London, CT.

Mitchell, Donald G. The Lodge with Farm Woods & Gardens. Hand-drawn plan of the Mitchell Estate. ca. 1890. Library, Mitchell College, New London, CT.