Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 09/15/1981
NRHP Listing Date 07/08/1982
NRHP Reference Number 82004594
The George Earman house, located within the boundaries of the city of Harrisonburg, is a vivid example of the creativity and sense of ornament found in the carving, joinery, and decorative painting of various early-19th-century Shenandoah Valley farmhouses. Hidden within an exceptionally plain, ca. 1822 brick I-house, this remarkable decoration reveals the persistence of the German influence after the Continental house forms had been abandoned for the more popular English-influenced models. Here local craftsmen freely interpreted Federal pattern-book motifs, carving them in the more robust German manner and integrating them with traditional local designs to create very individualized compositions. The parlor woodwork retains its original boldly colored painting scheme including marbleizing, woodgraining, and sponge-painted panels, forming an important work of Valley folk art.
Many properties listed in the registers are private dwellings and are not open to the public, however many are visible from the public right-of-way. Please be respectful of owner privacy.
Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark
Updated: July 8, 2021
