Some History

The American four square was a large single-family home with architectural roots in the Prairie style. This “All-American Home” was designed as a reaction to the ornate Victorian and Revival styles of the late 1800’s. The design emphasized symmetry and restrained ornamentation. The four square proliferated largely due to mail-order home designs and catalogs from companies like Sears and Roebucks. Built between 1890 and the mid 1930’s, the four square generally had a symmetrical facade, a square floor plan, and a conspicuous entrance. The two-and-a-half story home had an attic dormer centered in the front of the home, a full basement, and a low hipped roof. Built using nearly every kind of construction material, the four square allowed for other architectural details to be incorporated. By changing the exterior cladding, the four square could take on the appearance of a Queen Anne or Craftsman style home.