Monastery at Large

From the Notebook

  • Postcards from the South: Candler Hall – University of Georgia, Athens

    Postcard view of Candler Hall (1902), Athens, Georgia

    This postcard depicts Candler Hall at the University of Georgia in Athens, designed by G.L. Norrman and completed in 1902.

    The front of the card is dated October 7, 1907, and includes the note: “I room with Mary Lucy STANSELL of Conyers, a fine girl I tell you.”

    Published by The McGregor Company of Athens, the card was postmarked as “Normal School” on November 11, 1907, and addressed to Miss Lennie Ware of Winder, Georgia.

    Lucy wrote on the back:

    ‘I saw “Cousin Dick” this A.M. Also “Cousin Will.”

    My dear Lennie: –

    I received your card yesterday

    I was more than glad to hear from you once again.

    I met “Icie” this A.M. I like her so much. I am sorry I haven’t known her sooner.

    Lennie, you write to me please. I wrote you aways in the summer but you have never answered it. Dear do come to see me real soon. I am crazy to see you. Write soon. With love, Lucy.’

    Lucy dear, get the hint: Lennie finds you annoying. You sound needy as hell. And what exactly are you doing with that “Cousin Dick”?

  • Clarence B. Moore Residence (1890) – Philadelphia

    Wilson Eyre, Jr. Clarence B. Moore Residence (1890, left) and Joseph Leidy Residence (1893, right). Center City, Philadelphia.
    Wilson Eyre, Jr. Clarence B. Moore Residence (1890, left) and Joseph Leidy Residence (1893, right). Center City, Philadelphia.1 2 3
    West elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    West elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    West elevation of the Clarence Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    West elevation of the Clarence Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Front porch and entrance of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Front porch and entrance of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Entrance and second-floor double window on the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Entrance and second-floor double window on the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Second-floor double window on the facade of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Second-floor double window on the facade of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Second-floor window on the front circular tower of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Second-floor window on the front circular tower of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Front porch and entrance of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Front porch and entrance of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Ornamentation on the front porch of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Ornamentation on the front porch of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Rusticated limestone on the front porch of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Rusticated limestone on the front porch of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Terracotta ornamentation on the entrance of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Terracotta ornamentation on the entrance of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Terracotta ornamentation on the entrance of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Terracotta ornamentation on the entrance of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Lion at the front steps of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Lion at the front steps of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Second-floor window on the front circular tower of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Second-floor window on the front circular tower of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Chimney on the facade of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Chimney on the facade of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    First-floor window on the front circular tower of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    First-floor window on the front circular tower of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Front circular tower and front porch of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Front circular tower and front porch of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    First-floor bay window on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    First-floor bay window on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    First-floor windows and rusticated limestone on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    First-floor windows and rusticated limestone on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Second-floor bay window and third-floor balcony on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Second-floor bay window and third-floor balcony on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Second-floor triple window on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Second-floor triple window on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    First-floor bay window on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    First-floor bay window on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Back circular tower and oval window on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Back circular tower and oval window on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Second-floor window on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Second-floor window on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    First-floor double window on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    First-floor double window on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Chimney on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Chimney on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Basement window on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Basement window on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Gargoyle on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Gargoyle on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Terracotta ornamentation on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Terracotta ornamentation on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Oval window and rusticated limestone on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Oval window and rusticated limestone on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Second-floor double window on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Second-floor double window on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Terracotta ornamentation on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Terracotta ornamentation on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Third-floor balcony and circular window on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Third-floor balcony and circular window on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Terracotta corbel on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Terracotta corbel on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Second-floor window on the back circular tower of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Second-floor window on the back circular tower of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Dormer on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Dormer on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Headless statue on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Headless statue on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Roof finial on the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Roof finial on the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Terracotta corbel over the entrance of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Terracotta corbel over the entrance of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Statue on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Statue on the west elevation of the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Roof finial on the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia
    Roof finial on the Clarence B. Moore Residence, Philadelphia

    References

    1. “The Church of the Messiah Sold.” The Philadelphia Inquirer, June 6, 1890, p. 2. ↩︎
    2. “Will Build In Virginia.” The Philadelphia Inquirer, July 12, 1890, p. 7. ↩︎
    3. National Register of Historic Places Inventory – Nomination Form: Clarence B. Moore House ↩︎

  • Postcards from the South: Fleming duBignon Residence – Atlanta

    Postcard view of Fleming duBignon Residence (1902), Atlanta

    This postcard depicts the Fleming duBignon Residence in Atlanta, designed by W.F. Denny and completed in 1902.

    As noted on the front, the home was located at 925 Peachtree Street, and the photograph was “Taken on Xmas day 1907”.

    The card was postmarked in Atlanta on March 2, 1909, and addressed to Miss Cynthia Farie at 202 East 31st Street in Savannah, Georgia, with the following message written on the back:

    “I thought you would like a picture of Grandfather’s house. I want to thank you for the pretty valentine. Lots of love from Tissie.”

    You think the grandfather knew his house had an exact duplicate in Louisville, Georgia?

  • BMA Tower (1963) – Kansas City, Missouri

    Skidmore, Owings & Merrill with Tanner-Linscott & Associates. BMA Tower (1963). Kansas City, Missouri.
    Skidmore, Owings & Merrill with Tanner-Linscott & Associates. BMA Tower (1963). Kansas City, Missouri.1 2
    Entrance at the south facade of BMA Tower, Kansas City
    Entrance at the south facade of BMA Tower, Kansas City
    Looking northwest across the entrance plaza at BMA Tower, Kansas City
    Looking northwest across the entrance plaza at BMA Tower, Kansas City

    References

    1. “B.M.A. Moves This Weekend To Its Gleaming New Tower”. The Kansas City Times (Kansas City, Missouri), October 4, 1963, p. 10. ↩︎
    2. Fitzsimmons, Fred. “A Simple Spire, The B.M.A. Tower Offers Electrifying View Of The City”. The Kansas City Star (Kansas City, Missouri), October 20, 1963, p. 5F. ↩︎

  • Postcards from the North: Kingston Passenger Station – Kingston, New York

    Postcard illustration of the Kingston Passenger Station (1883), Kingston, New York

    This postcard depicts the Kingston Passenger Station in Kingston, New York, completed in 1883.

    Between 1875 and 1880, Kingston was the home of W.W. Goodrich, a terrible architect and bullshitter extraordinaire who later practiced in Atlanta.

    Goodrich had nothing to do with the design of this Queen Anne-style depot, but you’ll be seeing more about Northern train stations here at some point in the future—and Goodrich (blech).

    BIF wrote on the front of the postcard: “Here is where I got off train.”

    It’d be more fun if he’d omitted the last word.

    The card was postmarked in Poughkeepsie, New York, date unreadable, and addressed to Miss E. Crosby of RFD #2, Chester, Vt.

  • Mint Museum Uptown (2010) – Charlotte, North Carolina

    Rodolfo Machado of Machado and Silvetti Associates, with George Sexton and Clark Patterson Associates. Mint Museum Uptown (2010). Charlotte, North Carolina.  
    Rodolfo Machado of Machado and Silvetti Associates, with George Sexton and Clark Patterson Associates. Mint Museum Uptown (2010). Charlotte, North Carolina.1 2 3
    Northeast elevation of the Mint Museum Uptown, Charlotte, North Carolina
    Northeast elevation of the Mint Museum Uptown, Charlotte, North Carolina
    Southeast facade of the Mint Museum Uptown, Charlotte, North Carolina
    Southeast facade of the Mint Museum Uptown, Charlotte, North Carolina
    Atrium in the Mint Museum Uptown, Charlotte, North Carolina
    Atrium in the Mint Museum Uptown, Charlotte, North Carolina
    Gallery in the Mint Museum Uptown, Charlotte, North Carolina
    Gallery in the Mint Museum Uptown, Charlotte, North Carolina
    Atrium in the Mint Museum Uptown, Charlotte, North Carolina
    Atrium in the Mint Museum Uptown, Charlotte, North Carolina
    Gallery in the Mint Museum Uptown, Charlotte, North Carolina
    Gallery in the Mint Museum Uptown, Charlotte, North Carolina
    Entrance lobby in the Mint Museum Uptown, Charlotte, North Carolina
    Entrance lobby in the Mint Museum Uptown, Charlotte, North Carolina
    Gallery in the Mint Museum Uptown, Charlotte, North Carolina
    Gallery in the Mint Museum Uptown, Charlotte, North Carolina
    Gallery in the Mint Museum Uptown, Charlotte, North Carolina
    Gallery in the Mint Museum Uptown, Charlotte, North Carolina

    References

    1. Maschal, Richard. “New Mint will get flavor from Beantown”. The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, North Carolina), January 19, 2006, p. 3B. ↩︎
    2. “Sneak Peeks”. The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, North Carolina), April 25, 2010, p. 4E. ↩︎
    3. “Minted in 2010”. The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, North Carolina), October 3, 2010, p. 1E. ↩︎

  • Postcards from the South: Prudential Building – Atlanta

    Postcard view of Prudential Building (1899), Atlanta

    This postcard depicts the Prudential Building in Atlanta, designed by T.H. Morgan of Bruce & Morgan and completed in 1899.

    [Neal?] wrote on the front: “Around all Atl. Having a big time. Leave for S.S. Thursday. Best wishes to all.”

    I, for one, welcome the death of cursive writing.

    Published by the Orr Stationery Co. of Atlanta, the card was postmarked in College Park, Georgia, on July 16, 1907, and addressed to Miss Pearl Woodcliff in Flowery Branch, Georgia.

  • A.S. Beck (1936) – New York

    A.S. Beck (1936). 128 W. 34th Street, New York.
    A.S. Beck (1936). 128 W. 34th Street, New York.1

    Is it a relic sign or a fine example of Art Deco architecture? The answer is both.

    I admired this swanky old Manhattan storefront for years on my walks to and from Moynihan Train Hall, but for some reason, I only recently thought to take a picture of it.

    It was easy to find the opening-day newspaper advertisements for the A.S. Beck shoe store, but I’ve yet to determine the designer. Whoever it was, they did a swell job.

    References

    1. Advertisement. Daily News (New York), September 18, 1936, p. 16. ↩︎

  • Postcards from the South: Christian Science Church – Atlanta

    Postcard view of Christian Science Church (1899), Atlanta

    This postcard depicts the Christian Science Church in Atlanta, designed by G.L. Norrman and completed in 1899.

    Written on the front is the following note:

    “May 14, ’07

    Am addressing this Sacramento for fear you have not received your Yosemite mail. Beautiful weather here. I am fine + dandy. Business is on the move.”

    Published by the Witt Brothers of Atlanta and printed in Germany, the card was postmarked in Atlanta on May 14, 1907, and addressed to Miss Grace B. Smith at Box 165 Davis Ave, Sacramento California R.F.D. #2 International Hotel, Yosemite Cal., and received in Yosemite, California, on May 25, 1907.

    Got all that?

  • Piedmont Natives: Elderberry

    Common elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
    Common elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
    Common elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
    Common elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
    Convergent lady beetle (Hippodamia convergens) on common elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
    Convergent lady beetle (Hippodamia convergens) on common elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)