Oliver H. Perry House, 750 Harbor Road, Southport, Fairfield County, CT

Significance: The Oliver Perry residence was constructed circa 1841-45 and is the finest Greek Revival temple style design in Southport and the surrounding area. In symmetry, balance and proportion this structure's classical outlines are unsurpassed. The three-bayed facade, the two-story portico supported by Roman Doric columns and entablature, and the flanking wings with correctly proportioned classical details echoing those of the main section are characteristic of early nineteenth-century American high-style Greek temple architecture. Erected upon a flat, open site, the bold proportions of the wooden temple stand out against the relatively small-scaled buildings of the immediate environment. Oliver Perry was a resident of Southport throughout his life. In addition to his prosperous commercial and financial enterprises, he was an active and prominent member of the Connecticut General Assembly. Perry's residence possessed great personal value and remained in his immediate family for more than a century.
Survey number: HABS CT-302
Building/structure dates: after 1840 Initial Construction