October, 1906 



AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 



235 



"Wiseacre/ the Residence of Charles L. Wise, Esq. 



East Orange, New Jersey 



AST ORANGE is representative of good 

 homes, and among the finest examples of 

 domestic architecture recently built within 

 its limits is 'AViseacre," the residence of 

 Charles L. Wise, Esq. 



This splendid house has been designed in 

 the Georgian style and the designs of this particular period 

 have been very carefully carried out throughout the interior 

 and exterior, with finely executed detail and from carefully 

 studied plans prepared by the well-known architect, Mr. 

 Percy Griffin. The site upon which the house stands is a 



white enamel. Beyond this vestibule is the main hall, which 

 forms the center of the house. It is treated in the pure 

 Georgian style, and has a white enameled trim, and a classic 

 effect produced with fluted pilasters and Ionic capitals placed 

 at various intervals along the walls of the room, and the 

 whole surmounted with a massive cornice. This treatment 

 harmonizes well with the wall-covering, which is of linen 

 crash, in the tone of corn yellow. On either side of the vesti- 

 bule are nooks, and opposite the entrance is an arched re- 

 cess containing an ornamental staircase of fine design. The 

 balusters and risers are of white enameled hardwood, and 



the treads and handrail are of mahogany. 

 ^^^^^ Upon the landing of the staircase is one large 



window with two smaller ones on either side, 

 which shed a pleasant light over both the up- 

 per and lower hall and the staircase. 



To the left of the hall is placed the draw- 

 ing-room, which extends the full depth of the 

 house. This room, as well as the entire house, 

 is treated with white enamel, while the doors 

 are of mahogany. The walls are covered with 

 crimson velvet, from the floor to the ceiling, 

 and finished with a wooden cornice. The 

 furniture and rugs are in harmony with this 

 color-scheme. The broad open fireplace has 

 facings and hearth of Pavanozza marble, and 

 carved mantel of classic design. 



The Comfortably Furnished Porch Affords a Fine 

 Outlook Over the Lawn 



prominent one, and comprises something over an acre of 

 land, every bit of which is laid out in such a manner that 

 no part of it is wasted. 



The house is placed some distance from the road, and 

 is approached by a broad walk, on either side of which is 

 a hedge of box. A short flight of granite steps lands one 

 upon the terrace which is in front of the house, and ex- 

 tending across the entire front. From the top of the 

 granite steps, the broad walk continues on to the entrance- 

 porch. An approach from the driveway at the side of the 

 terrace also lands one at the front porch. The terrace at 

 either side of the walk is grassed, and is held in place by 

 a brick wall surmounted with a white marble coping. 

 Dwarf box-trees decorate the inside of the terrace-wall. 

 The porch has massive wooden columns, a Welsh tile 

 floor, red in color, and a massive vaulted ceiling. 



The house is built from grade to peak with Harvard 

 brick, laid in Flemish bond with white mortar well raked to 

 show the joints. The trimmings are of white marble, except 

 the cornice, which is of wood; this cornice and all woodwork 

 on the exterior are painted white. The roof is covered with 

 shingles and left to weather finish. 



Passing through the front door, which is provided with 

 leaded-glass windows on either side, one enters the vestibule, 

 which has a hardwood floor and paneled walls, treated with 



The House is Entered Through a Stately Porch Which is the Chief 

 Feature of the Exterior 



The den is conveniently placed at the left of the staircase 

 and nearly opposite the entrance. It is trimmed with oak, 

 treated with acid, stain and wax, and harmonizes well with 

 the Japanese grass cloth with which the walls are covered. 

 The alcove with paneled seat, the beamed ceiling and the 

 fireplace with its marble facings and mantel complete the 

 features of this room, while the massive furniture with 

 brown leather upholstery is in keeping with its treatment and 

 also enhances its color-scheme. 



