C. H. Detwiller Columbia 1885 collection, 1874-1940, bulk 1881-1885

C. H. Detwiller Columbia 1885 collection, 1874-1940, bulk 1881-1885

Summary Information

At a Glance

Bib ID:
5960404 View CLIO record
Creator(s):
Detwiller, C. H (Charles H.)
Repository:
Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library
Physical Description:
1 document box; 1 manuscript box; 1 print box
Language(s):
English .
Access:

This collection is available for use by appointment in the Department of Drawings & Archives, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University. For further information and to make an appointment, please email avery-drawings@library.columbia.edu.

Description

Scope and Content

This small collection contains primarily Detwiller's student drawings, notes, course materials, books, class photographs, and graduation announcements from the period of his study at Columbia University from 1881 to 1885. These materials are supplemented by a small group of Detwiller's childhood sketchbooks, drawings and office papers created by Detwiller during his practice as a professional architect, and other scrapbooks and ephemeral items relating to Detwiller's family and personal interests, spanning the years 1874 to 1940.

Arrangement

This material is arranged in three series: Student Papers; Professional Papers; and Personal Papers. Series are further described by subseries; the arrangement of materials within each subseries is described at the beginning of each subseries inventory.

Using the Collection

Restrictions on Access

This collection is available for use by appointment in the Department of Drawings & Archives, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University. For further information and to make an appointment, please email avery-drawings@library.columbia.edu.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

Permission to publish must be obtained in writing from the Director, Avery Architectural & Fine Arts Library, Columbia University, 1172 Amsterdam Ave., MC 0301, New York, NY 10027.

Preferred Citation

C.H. Detwiller Columbia 1885 Collection. Located in Dept. of Drawings & Archives, Avery Architectural & Fine Arts Library, Columbia University, New York, NY.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Source of acquisition--Gift of Frederic Detwiller. Accession number--2006.012.

About the Finding Aid / Processing Information

Columbia University Libraries, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library

Processing Information

Papers Processed Annemarie van Roessel 09/30/06.

Revision Description

2009-02-11 File created.

2009-11-17 File revised.

2019-05-20 EAD was imported spring 2019 as part of the ArchivesSpace Phase II migration.

Biographical / Historical

Born in 1863, Charles H. Detwiller was in the first class of architecture students in the School of Mines at Columbia University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in 1885. As a practicing architect, Detwiller maintained offices in New York City and New Jersey for several decades, establishing a brief partnership in the 1890s with architect George E. Melendy. Detwiller died in New Jersey in 1940.

Subject Headings

The subject headings listed below are found in this collection. Links below allow searches for other collections at Columbia University, through CLIO, the catalog for Columbia University Libraries, and through ArchiveGRID, a catalog that allows users to search the holdings of multiple research libraries and archives.

All links open new windows.

Genre/Form
Architects
Diaries
Photographs
Programs (documents)
architectural drawings (visual works)
Name
Columbia University -- Alumni and alumnae
Columbia University. School of Architecture
Columbia University. School of Mines
Detwiller & Street (New York)
Subject
Architecture -- Study and teaching
Architecture -- United States -- Designs and plans
Schools of architecture -- New York (State) -- New York
Scrapbooks

Series 1: Student Papers

Subseries A: Drawings

These materials include loose drawings and two sketchbooks created during the period of Detwiller's study at Columbia University between 1881 and 1885.

This material is arranged chronologically.

Box 2

Colorado State Capitol, competition. Design sketches, elevations and sections., circa 1883, 2 items

Ink on tracing paper.

Box 1

Barnyard problem. Plan and elevations., 1884 Mar 03, 1 item

Ink and colored ink on paper.

Box 1

Chapel, Plate VII, Perspective., 1884 Apr 16, 1 item

Graphite, ink, and watercolor on paper.

Box 3

Sketchbook., 1884 May-1885 May, 1 item

Bound sketchbook.

Inscribed on front leaf "Chas. H. Detwiller / May 1884."

Box 1

Problem: Loggia and Fountain. Plan, elevation, and section., 1884 Nov 26, 1 item

Graphite, ink and watercolor on paper.

Box 1

History of Design problem: Temple of Themis., 1884, 1 item

Graphite, ink and watercolor on tracing paper, mounted on board.

Box 1

Reservoir Fountain. Elevation, section, detail., 1885 Jan 20, 1 item

Ink and watercolor on paper.

Box 1

Chateau de Marly-le-Roy, Place de Vendôme, St. Françoise Venise., 1885 Mar 26, 1 item

Ink on tracing paper.

Noted "L'art pour tous, 1865-6."

Box 1

Chateau de Vitré. Perspective., 1885 Apr 16, 1 item

Ink on tracing paper, mounted on board.

Box 1

Problem: A Billiard Room and Boat House. Plans, elevation, section., 1885 May 16, 1 item

Graphite, ink and watercolor on paper.

Box 1

Problem: A Billiard Room and Boat House. Elevation., 1885 May 18, 1 item

Graphite, ink and watercolor on paper.

Box 1

Greek figure studies. [1 of 2], circa 1880-1885, 8 items

Graphite on paper.

Box 1

Greek figure studies. [2 of 2], circa 1880-1885, 7 items

Graphite on paper.

Box 1

Sketchbook., circa 1885, 1 item

Bound sketchbook.

Drawings are primarily ink on tracing paper, some in watercolor. Most tipped in, some loose. Includes images of Hagia Sophia (Istanbul); Church (Cordova, Spain); Fort (St. Augustine, Florida); Chapel of St. Bernard (Fontaine-les-Dijon, France).

Subseries 2: Books

This material is arranged chronologically.

Box 3

Viollet-le-Duc, Eugène-Emmanuel. Discourses on Architecture. 2 volumes. Boston: James R. Osgood & Co., 1875, 2 items

Bound volumes.

Inscribed "Chas. H. Detwiller Feb. 1884."

Box 3

Smith, Walter. Teacher's Manual for Freehand Drawing in the Intermediate Schools. Boston: L. Prang & Co., 1877, 1 item

Bound volume.

Box 1

Palliser's American Cottage Homes. Bridgeport, CT: Palliser & Co., 1878, 1 item

Bound volume.

Inscribed "Chas. H. Detwiller."

Box 3

Tuthill, William B. Practical Lessons in Architectural Drawing. New York: William T. Comstock., 1881, 1 item

Bound volume.

Inscribed "Charles H. Detwiller."

Box 3

Parker, John Henry. Concise Glossary of Terms Used in Greek, Roman, Italian and Gothic Architecture. London: Parker & Co., 1882, 1 item

Bound volume.

Inscribed "Chas. Detwiller August 1885."

Box 3

Von Reber. H. History of Ancient Art. New York: Harper & Bros., 1882, 1 item

Bound volume.

Inscribed "Chas. H. Detwiller Columbia College School of Mines 1885, 97 Nassau St., 1885."

Box 3

Ferguson, James. History of Architecture in All Countries. 2 volumes. Boston: S. E. Cassino., 1883, 2 items

Bound volumes.

Inscribed "Chas. H. Detwiller 1885, 97 Nassau St. New York."

Subseries 3: Class Papers and Notes

This material is arranged chronologically.

Box 2

Columbia College, School of Mines, annual examination schedule., 1882 May-1882 Jun, 1 item

Printed paper.

Box 2

School of Mines, Columbia College, Course in Architecture, Memoirs. For second, third, and fourth class students., 1883 Jun, 1 item

Printed paper.

Includes holograph class notes on verso.

Box 2

School of Mines, Columbia College, Scheme of Attendance, First Session. For first, second, and third class students., 1883 Oct, 1 item

Printed paper.

Box 2

School of Mines, Columbia College, Scheme of Attendance, Second Session. For first, second, third, and fourth class students., 1884 Feb, 1 item

Printed paper.

Box 2

School of Mines, Columbia College Course in Architecture, Memoirs. For second, third and fourth class students., 1884 Jun, 1 item

Printed paper.

Includes manuscript note from William R. Ware to CHD on recto.

Box 2

"The Beginnings of Greek Art," class notes., circa 1884-1885, 6 pages

Ink on paper.

Box 2

"Hist. of Orn.," class notes., circa 1884-1885, 4 pages

Ink on paper.

Box 2

"Origin of the Gk Corinthian Order," class notes., circa 1884-1885, 2 pages

Ink on paper.

Box 2

"Theory of Arch.," class notes., circa 1884-1885, 3 pages

Ink on paper.

Box 2

Notes on Architecture., 1885 Jan, 1 item

Bound notebook.

Box 2

Primary Colors, Secondary Colors, Tertiary Colors., undated, 1 item

Printed paper.

Subseries 4: Memorabilia, 11 items

This subseries includes class pictures, commencement materials, 50th anniversary photos and portraits of two professors.

Box 2

Columbia College, School of Mines, Architecture Department, Classes of 1885, 1886, 1887, portrait., circa 1885, 1 item

Sepia photographic print.

Includes identification of figures on verso.

Box 2

Columbia College, School of Mines, Class of 1885, portrait., circa 1885, 1 item

Sepia photographic print.

Box 2

Graduating Classes, School of Arts and Mines, Columbia College, Commencement Invitation., 1885 Jun10, 1 item

Printed paper.

Box 2

Columbia College, Schools of Arts, Mines, and Political Science, 131st Commencement Program., 1885 Jun 10, 1 item

Pamphlet.

Commencement took place at the Academy of Music, New York City..

Box 2

School of Mines, Graduation Dinner, program (recto) and menu (verso)., 1885 Jun 10, 1 item

Printed paper.

Box 2

Columbia University, School of Mines, Class of 1885. 50th Anniversary portrait., 1935 Jun, 1 item

Gelatin silver photographic print.

Shown at formal dinner.

Box 2

Columbia University, School of Mines, Class of 1885. 50th Anniversary portrait., 1935, 1 item

Gelatin silver photographic print.

Shown in front of School of Engineering.

Box 2

Rood, Ogden N. Portrait., undated, 1 item

Printed paper.

Professor of Physics, Columbia College, 1864-1902.

Box 2

Ware, William R. Portrait., undated, 1 item

Printed paper.

Professor, Columbia College, School of Architecture.

Box 2

"A Fellow, A Fellah, and A Feller," cartoon., undated, 1 item

Printed paper.

Box 2

Central Railroad of New Jersey, Local Timetable for Passenger Trains., 1881 May 30, 1 item

Printed paper.

With holograph notes.

Series 2: Professional Papers

Subserie A: Drawings

Materials include renderings for various New Jersey projects, including Detwiller's own residence.

These are materials are arranged alphabetically

Box 1

Detwiller, Charles H., residence, "Bay Manor." Jersey City, NJ. Plans., circa 1900, 3 items

Graphite and ink on linen.

Box 1

Detwiller, Charles H., residence, "Bay Manor." 76 Danforth Ave., Jersey City, NJ. Plans., circa 1900, 2 items

Blueprint on paper.

Copies of linens listed in previous record.

Drawer 179a

Jersey City Library, competition entry. Front elevation., 1898, 1 item

Ink on paper, mounted on foamcore.

Detwiller & Melendy, architect.

Box 1

Hassell, James R., Conservatory. 731 W. Seventh Ave., Plainfield, NJ. Elevation., circa 1902, 1 item

Blueprint and colored pencil on paper, mounted on linen.

CHD, architect.

Drawer 179a

Jersey City Library, competition entry. Front elevation., 1897, 1 item

Ink on paper.

Drawer 179a

Jersey City Library, competition entry. Floor plans., 1897, 2 items

Ink on paper.

Box 2

Library, unidentified location. Presentation drawing, perspective., circa 1890s, 1 item

Printed paper.

With business card for Frederick B. Whyte, architect.

Subseries B: Specifications

Materials for the Henry T. Lilliendahl residence in Jersey City.

Box 2

Lilliendahl, Henry T., residence. Jersey City, NJ. Specifications for carpenter's labor and materials., undated, 21 pages

Typescript carbon, with ink annotations.

Box 2

Lilliendahl, Henry T., residence. Jersey City, NJ. Specifications for mason's labor and materials., undated, 10 pages

Typescript carbon, with ink annotations.

Subseries C: Office Papers

Materials include Detwiller's architectural license and registration as well as the article of agreement for the Detwiller & Melendy firm.

These materials are arranged alphabetically.

Box 1

Architectural license, State of New Jersey., 1902 Jul 05, 1 item

Printed paper.

Box 2

Article of Agreement between Charles H. Detwiller and George E. Melendy., 1892 Oct 01, 3 pages

Typescript carbon, signed.

Establishes a co-partnership between Detwiller and Melendy for period of one year and seven months.

Box 3

Butler, W. F. Ventilation of Buildings. New York: D. Van Nostrand., 1885, 1 item

Bound volume.

Inscribed by CHD March 1886. Van Nostrand was a Jersey City neighbor and friend of CHD.

Box 2

New Jersey State Board of Architects, architectural registration card., 1931 Jun 04, 1 item

Printed paper.

Series 3: Personal Papers

Subseries A: Childhood Drawings

Materials include two sketchbooks and loose drawings done between 1874-1879.

These materials are arranged chronologically.

Box 1

[Sailing Ship.], 1874 Nov 16, 1 item

Graphite on paper.

Inscription and date on verso.

Box 3

Drawing Book #1., 1874 Dec-circa 1875, 1 item

Bound sketchbook, with brown marbled cover.

Includes drawing exercises of such subjects as New York Harbor and Newark Bay scenes, sailing ships, animals, and the Detwiller residence in Jersey City, NJ.

Box 3

Drawing Book #2., 1876 Dec-circa 1879, 1 item

Bound sketchbook, with green marbled cover.

Includes Declaration of Independence, sailing ships, plans of Detwiller residence, Jersey City, NJ.

Drawer 179a

Central Railroad of New Jersey, Engine no. 96., 1879, 1 item

Graphite on paper.

Subseries B: Diaries

Box 3

Brief diary., 1876-1887, 1 item

Bound diary.

Includes entries about Columbia classes, pleasure activities, newsworthy events, and opening of Brooklyn (East River) Bridge in 1883.

Subseries C: Memorabilia

Box 2

Charles H. Detwiller on horse, "Dexter.", circa 1880, 1 item

Gelatin silver photographic print.

Box 1

Travel sketch, Sugar Mill Ruin, New Smyrna, Florida., circa 1890-1910, 1 item

Watercolor on paper.

Box 1

Scrapbook., circa 1875-1940, 1 item

Bound scrapbook.

Includes letterhead for Detwiller & Melendy; article about Jersey City Woman's Club, designed by Detwiller; wedding and social invitations and notices, obituaries, Columbia University ephemera.

Box 1

Detwiller & Street. Price List of the Brilliant Excelsion Fireworks., circa 1883-1885, 1 item

Cyanotype on paper.

Includes view of Brooklyn Bridge opening celebration fireworks display on last page.

Box 1

Detwiller, Jacob J., Residence. Danforth Avenue, Greenville [Jersey City], New Jersey., circa 1890-1910, 1 item

Sepia albumen print on paper.

With manuscript note, "Old Detwiler Homested, Danforth Ave., Green Ville, NJ. (now part of Jersey City). Picture taken about 1880-1900. J. J. Detwiller on porch. Tower was lookout to "The Bay." Later contained mineral collection.