Today, Patch will debut a series entitled “Mystery Tour,” where each week readers will be presented with a photo of some obscure, but highly visible and oftentimes ignored, piece of the local landscape—be it a road sign; architecturally significant building, or piece thereof; decorative artwork on a landmark; or some other item that is clearly in view within the confines of the Lansdale and Montgomeryville area.
Clues and informative material pertaining to the photo will be presented to help readers to identify the contents of the photo or lead them to the location.
The answer will be revealed in the next week’s column. We invite you to send in your guesses and compare notes with others on the “Mystery Tour.”
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Our aim is to make area residents more aware of their communities and to really see and observe all the significant features that our towns have to offer. This will be an opportunity to get out of your car and walk along the streets, visit the shops, chat with the store owners, look for clues, and have fun doing it.
The first photo will ease you into the tour with a relatively easy solution to the mystery.
Find out what's happening in Montgomeryville-Lansdalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Regular walkers in Lansdale, especially those of a taller stature, may come into view of this mystery easier than the general population. This piece of ornate plaster work adorns a building with a higher calling than most. In fact, some refer to it as “Standing Tall in the Community”.
The building that this piece of masonry is attached to, was constructed in three phases—beginning in the 1920s, continuing again in the ‘30s, and once again in 1952. The structure was built in the Roman-Gothic style of architecture.
The Romanesque style began in the sixth century and later developed into the Gothic style. This architecture is stylized by arches, thick walls needed to support the roof and small rounded windows, and it lacks the height of its successor, the Gothic style.
The Gothic period was popular in the later medieval period originating in 12th century France, and was characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. These features can be seen in great cathedrals and abbeys throughout Europe and sometimes in castles and private homes. This style permitted higher structures, since the added weight could be transferred to the flying buttresses. Walls became thinner, and in addition, larger, more ornate pointed windows were added.
If these hints haven’t been enough, think about the color red. In ancient Chinese culture, red means “welcome," while some faiths use the color to represent the blood of Christ. Residents of Scotland recognize this color on a front door to mean that their mortgage is paid, while to others, walking through a red doorway symbolizes passing through to holy ground.
Hopefully, the clues have been helpful, but haven’t entirely given away the entire address of the photo. Post your guesses below, and the answer will appear in next week’s column.
