(Written in 1979)

Single Family 

Wychmere Farms Cobblestone, Ontario

The most frequently seen type of Wayne County farmhouse combines high and low elements, One is a story-and-a-half temple-form structure with its end to the road. Joined to it at right angles on the east or south is a one-story kitchen wing, usually with a deep recessed porch. Built in the second quarter of the nineteenth century, when the federal style was considered old-fashioned, these houses generally have massive Greek revival trim. Most are of wood, a number of brick, and a few are constructed of cobblestone masonry.

The handsomely restored house at Wychmere Farms on Lake Road in Ontario provides strong contrasts of textures. Wood pilasters eighteen inches wide sheath the corners of the building and support heavy entablatures. The frieze under the eaves of the higher section is interrupted by metopelike Window openings. They are /protected by cast iron grilles whose symmetrical foliate ornament was derived from the decorations painted on ancient Greek vases. An unusual feature of this house is the bringing forward of the cobblestone walls to enclose what would normally be a low portico set in front of the wing. 

The lake-washed red sandstones were carefully selected and laid up for the front of the house.  The stone courses there are 1 3/ 4 inches high consistency of thickness being achieved by larger oval stones horizontallyones diagonally. 

Horizontal mortar joints take the form of protruding vees whose centers are 2 ½ inches apart. Triangular pyramids of mortar joints and support the stones, The cables are displayed like eggs racked up on shelves. Larger stones were used for the other wails, with cobbles large enough for courses 3" on center forming the side walls. The biggest stones were employed at the rear, where courses run from 4" to 4 1/2" on center. Cut stone appears only in the window lintels.