Orson Squire Fowler had an unmatched passion for the octagon, surpassing the love of any man in history. Born in Cohocton, N.Y., in 1809, Fowler published a book in 1848 advocating for the use of eight-sided houses. His influence even led to the creation of a utopian community in Kansas called Octagon City. Fowler delivered over 350 public speeches on the superiority of octagon homes and built his own 60-room octagonal palace in upstate New York. His enthusiasm for the octagon was contagious and resulted in a surge of octagonal homes across New York State and the Midwest, all thanks to his influence.
Aside from his dedication to the octagon, Fowler’s list of achievements is extensive and diverse. He was a sexologist, a proponent of hydrotherapy, an amateur architect, and a publisher, even including the works of Walt Whitman. He also dabbled in phrenology and mesmerism, and was a vocal supporter of vegetarianism, women’s suffrage, prison reform, and dancing. Fowler had an unconventional diet consisting mostly of wheat bread and fruit juice, and he believed that glass was the ideal material for roofs.
Despite his eccentricities, Fowler left a lasting impact on Victorian America. The remaining octagonal houses scattered across the United States serve as a reminder of his influence. In his book, “The Octagon House: A Home for All,” Fowler passionately argues for the advantages of octagonal construction, claiming it to be superior in every way and significantly cheaper. He even criticizes other house shapes, particularly square cottages, which he considers deformed.
The discovery of “The Octagon House” came to me ironically when I visited an actual octagon house. One day in July, I expressed my boredom to a proactive friend who immediately booked tickets for a tour of the Armour-Stiner Octagon House in Irvington, N.Y. The house was built in 1860 by a banker named Paul Armour and later renovated by tea merchant Joseph Stiner in 1872. Stiner’s lavish decor includes intricate ironwork, a colorful veranda, a cupcake-like dome, and hidden depictions of his beloved show dog, Prince. Today, the privately-owned Armor-Stiner Octagon House is open to the public for a fee, allowing visitors to explore its interior, gardens, and even a miniature birdhouse replica.
Joseph Pell Lombardi, an architect, purchased the Armor-Stiner property in 1978 and has dedicated over 40 years to meticulously restoring the house to its former glory. From sourcing missing roof pieces to matching paint colors based on historical analysis, Lombardi has successfully revived this architectural gem. His previous restoration work on iconic buildings such as the Chrysler Building and Liberty Tower equipped him with the knowledge and expertise to take on such a task.
During my visit to the house, our tour guide introduced us to a walking stick with a phrenology knob, which was a reference to Fowler’s beliefs. Phrenology, the study of connecting skull bumps to personality traits, is now known to be pseudoscience. The tour continued, revealing various themed rooms and the intricate details of the house’s design. With its unique layout and abundance of windows, the octagonal floor plan promotes ventilation and a sense of openness.
While Fowler’s architectural theories may be questionable, his book exudes an encouraging and celebratory spirit. “The Octagon House” serves as a proto-“Whole Earth Catalog” with DIY tips, budget recommendations, and layout ideas for building octagonal homes. Fowler dismisses the need for formal credentials, emphasizing the importance of progress and ingenuity.
If Fowler were able to travel to the present day, he would be both exhilarated and troubled by the developments in society. The rise of plant-based diets and sex positivity would undoubtedly excite him. However, his fervor for phrenology would likely lead to his cancellation in today’s society. He would also lament the dwindling presence of the octagon in modern architecture, as it is mostly associated with mundane STOP signs.
In conclusion, Orson Squire Fowler’s love for the octagon left a lasting legacy in American architecture. His advocacy for octagonal homes influenced countless individuals and communities, resulting in the proliferation of these unique structures. While his theories may not withstand scrutiny, his passion for progress and individual creativity continues to inspire to this day.
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