Private Schools in 1892 Atlanta. A Brief Contrast in Architecture

Although Atlanta had a public school system in 1892 there were many private schools and colleges available also. Two of these were the Washington Seminary for girls and the Gordon School for boys. They present an interesting contrast in architectural styles. The Washington Seminary is a lovely building in the older [and much out of style by 1892] Italianate with its hood molds, paired brackets under the cornice and the turned porch posts. Meanwhile, the brand new Gordon School by Gardner, Pyne and Gardner is a wonderful study in urban Romanesque styling with its symphony of round arches. Romanesque design was a legacy of the great H. H. Richardson but was soon to be superseded in popularity by Beaux Arts classicism -- a sad decline in styles in my opinion. The Gordon School also features a signature little corner turret which was very popular during this time period in Atlanta after the construction of the New Kimball House in the mid-1880s. Images are from the Atlanta City Directory for 1892.