Monastery at Large

Category: Southeastern United States

  • Postcards from the South: Howard Library – New Orleans

    Postcard view of the Howard Library, New Orleans

    Several years ago I drove around New Orleans for about two hours—long enough to learn that the place is a charmless shithole.

    On my way out of town, I was chased for several miles by some cracked-out asshole screaming and throwing objects at my rental car, for reasons that could only make sense to an addled mind.

    Before that inglorious send-off, I drove through the French Quarter and the Garden District and was quite underwhelmed by New Orleans’ so-called architecture, which is little more than cheap cast iron slapped onto a lot of gaudy, poorly designed buildings.

    I made a point of driving by the former Howard Memorial Library, completed in 18891 and ostensibly designed by H.H. Richardson,2 who grew up in New Orleans but wisely moved North to practice architecture.

    Location of Howard Memorial Library

    The building’s style is, of course, Romanesque—Richardson is credited with inventing the style. It’s not one of his better works, though, and was based on a rejected design for a Michigan library.3

    Richardson never saw the building either: construction began a year after his death, and his successor firm, Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge, dusted off the plans and reworked them.4

    Thus, it could reasonably be argued that Richardson didn’t design the building at all, although it’s often touted as his only work in the South. It certainly lacks the sophistication of his better Northern designs, but Richardson’s output was always hit-or-miss.

    I also suspect that Shepley, Rutan, and Coolidge, who were originally Richardson’s assistants, were largely responsible for his later designs anyway, but that’s a discussion for another time.

    I’d originally planned to take pictures of the library, but I’ll never set foot in New Orleans again, so this postcard will suffice.

    On the front, S.S. writes:

    “Good morning Edith. How did you enjoy the 4th.”

    The card was addressed to Miss Edith Smith of Box 85, Clinton, Miss., and postmarked on July 5, 1907.

    References

    1. “Opening the Howard Library.” The Daily Picayune (New Orleans), March 4, 1889, p. 4. ↩︎
    2. “Howard Memorial Library.” The Daily Picayune (New Orleans), January 30, 1887, p. 10. ↩︎
    3. The Howard Memorial Library – myneworleans.com ↩︎
    4. Howard Memorial Library | SAH ARCHIPEDIA ↩︎

  • Fulton County Almshouse (1910-2024) – Atlanta

    Morgan & Dillon. Fulton County Almshouse. (1910-August 8, 2024). Buckhead, Atlanta.
    Morgan & Dillon. Fulton County Almshouse. (1910-August 8, 2024). Buckhead, Atlanta.1 2 3 4

    References

    1. “New County Almshouse, Costing $75,000, Will Be Most Modern In The South.” The Atlanta Journal, March 23, 1909, p. 9. ↩︎
    2. “Work Has Started On New Almshouse”. The Atlanta Journal, October 28, 1909, p. 9. ↩︎
    3. “New Almshouse Is Now Ready For County”. The Atlanta Journal, September 24, 1910, p. 3. ↩︎
    4. Buckhead’s Galloway School demolishes historic Gresham Building – Rough Draft Atlanta ↩︎

  • Tampa Museum of Art (2010) – Tampa

    Stanley Saitowitz. Tampa Museum of Art (2010). Tampa.
    Stanley Saitowitz. Tampa Museum of Art (2010). Tampa.1 2 3
    Cantilever, porch, and "slice" on the Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa
    Cantilever, porch, and “slice” on the Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa
    Facade of the Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa
    Facade of the Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa
    Aluminum screen on the facade of the Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa
    Aluminum screen on the facade of the Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa
    Porch of the Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa
    Porch of the Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa
    Looking up in the courtyard of the Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa
    Looking up in the courtyard of the Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa

    References

    1. Gedalius, Ellen. “He Has Designs On Museum’s Dashed Hopes”. The Tampa Tribune (Tampa, Florida), December 6, 2006, p. 1. ↩︎
    2. “The beauty within.” The Tampa Tribune (Tampa, Florida), February 6, 1910, p. 1. ↩︎
    3. Tampa Museum of Art | Stanley Saitowitz | Natoma Architects Inc. ↩︎

  • Postcards from the South: Dinkler Motor Hotel – Atlanta

    Postcard illustration of the Dinkler Motor Hotel (1965), Atlanta

    This postcard depicts the Dinkler Motor Hotel in Atlanta, designed by Herbert C. Milkey Associates and completed in 1965.1 The building is still in use as a sleazy motel and is the only part of the Dinkler Plaza complex that survives.

    The card was published by Dinkler Hotel Corporation, “A wholly owned subsidiary of Transcontinental Investing Corporation”, and contained the following description on the back:

    THE DINKLER MOTOR HOTEL, Atlanta, Georgia
    The Crossroads of the South and center of social, business and political life. Air conditioned, television, free parking, swimming pool, four famous restaurants, outstanding convention service. International welcome center to greet foreign guests.

    The card was addressed to Mrs. Margaret Cohen of 47 Phipps Lane in Plainview, N.Y, and included the following heartfelt note:

    “3/1/66

    Honey —

    Thinking of you

    Love
    Irving“

    There was a Playboy Club in the motel.2 Just saying.

    References

    1. “Dinkler To Open 11-Story Addition”. The Atlanta Journal, February 17, 1965, p. 44. ↩︎
    2. O’Dark, Aft. “Playboy Club To Open Up With Fanfare”. The Atlanta Journal, February 27, 1965, p. 20. ↩︎

  • First Christian Church (1950) – Decatur, Georgia

    Poundstone, Ayers & Godwin. First Christian Church (1950). Decatur, Georgia.
    Poundstone, Ayers & Godwin. First Christian Church (1950). Decatur, Georgia.1 2 3 4
    Facade of First Christian Church sanctuary, Decatur, Georgia
    Facade of First Christian Church sanctuary, Decatur, Georgia
    Steeple of First Christian Church. Decatur, Georgia
    Steeple of First Christian Church. Decatur, Georgia
    Cornice and steeple on First Christian Church, Decatur, Georgia
    Cornice and steeple on First Christian Church, Decatur, Georgia
    Swan-neck pediment over the entrance of First Christian Church, Decatur, Georgia
    Swan-neck pediment over the entrance of First Christian Church, Decatur, Georgia
    Office of First Christian Church, Decatur, Georgia
    Office of First Christian Church, Decatur, Georgia
    Entrance beneath the steeple of First Christian Church, Decatur, Georgia
    Entrance beneath the steeple of First Christian Church, Decatur, Georgia
    Entablature and Ionic capital on the facade of First Christian Church, Decatur, Georgia
    Entablature and Ionic capital on the facade of First Christian Church, Decatur, Georgia
    Sanctuary windows on First Christian Church, Decatur, Georgia
    Sanctuary windows on First Christian Church, Decatur, Georgia

    References

    1. “Service Sunday To Mark Start On New Church”. The Atlanta Journal, September 22, 1949, p. 17. ↩︎
    2. “New Church”. The Atlanta Constitution, September 24, 1949, p. 14. ↩︎
    3. “$300,000 Building To Be Dedicated”. The Atlanta Constitution, November 25, 1950, p. 3. ↩︎
    4. “$300,000 Church to Be Dedicated in Decatur”. The Atlanta Journal, November 25, 1950, p. 4. ↩︎

  • Postcards from the South: Top of the Mart – Atlanta

    Postcard view of Top of the Mart (1961), Atlanta

    This postcard depicts the Top of the Mart restaurant at the Atlanta Merchandise Mart, designed by John C. Portman, Jr. of Edwards & Portman and completed in 1961.

    Published by Colourpicture of Boston, the card includes the following description of the restaurant:

    TOP OF THE MART
    240 Peachtree St., N.W. Atlanta Ga 30303


    This enchanting, live Mediterranean Garden Court is a delightful introduction to the exciting “Top of the Mart” restaurant-lounge on the 22nd floor of Atlanta’s new Merchandise Mart. Luncheon, dinner and late dining . . . famous Stouffer food and your favorite beverages are served. Party and banquet facilities are available. Call 688-8650.

    The postcard was addressed to Mr. + Mrs. C.M. Whyte of Platt Hill Road in Winsted, Connecticut. Oh, they were whyte, alright.

    A note dated “Mon.-8-2-76,” states:

    “Hi! Congratulation! to Angies Deal. You must be happy with the performance. I missed the boat this time. Did you go up? Had dinner at This Restorant twice. last yr – in Atlanta, very good. Am looking forward to my 4 days at Wentworth by the Sea. Love to all

    Aunt Agnes.”

    I thought only TV characters were named Aunt Agnes.

  • Postcards of the South: Lenox Square – Atlanta

    Postcard view of Lenox Square (1959), Atlanta

    This postcard depicts the original Lenox Square in Atlanta, designed by Joseph Amisano of Toombs, Amisano & Wells, and completed in 1959.

    The shopping center still remains, but has been so completely altered that nothing in this photograph exists. It also has a roof now—I don’t know how anyone ever thought an open-air concept in Atlanta was a good idea.

    A description on the back of the card says:

    G-127–BEAUTIFUL LENOX SQUARE
    ATLANTA, GEORGIA

    One of the places that Atlantans point to with pride is fabulous Lenox Square Shopping Center. Outstanding architecture, 67 stores and services, flowering trees, plants and shrubs; a year-round program of events make this center more than a market place.

    Published by Gaston Photo Service of Atlanta, the card was postmarked in Atlanta on June 18, 1962, and addressed to Mrs. Wm. Grist c/o Mr. L.N. Jackson of Star Route #1 in Grayling, Michigan.

    Included is a short note:

    “6/16/62

    We are visiting friends here who used to be good friends of ours in St. John Woods. We window shopped in this area yesterday.

    As ever,

    Adele“

  • Postcards from the South: Dinkler Plaza Hotel – Atlanta

    Postcard view of the Dinkler Plaza Hotel, Atlanta

    This postcard depicts the Dinkler Plaza Hotel in Atlanta, originally the Hotel Ansley, designed by Brinton B. Davis with W.L. Stoddart and completed in 1913.

    Later purchased by the Dinkler Hotel Corporation, the hotel became a sprawling downtown behemoth, altered beyond recognition by multiple mid-20th-century renovations and additions, and was ultimately demolished in 1973.1 2

    This postcard includes the following description on the back:

    THE DINKLER PLAZA, Atlanta, Georgia – This outstanding hotel is FULLY AIR-CONDITIONED. An entirely new wing has been added to provide Atlanta’s newest, most outstanding convention service. Four famous restaurants offer fine dining in varied settings. TELEVISION.

    Published by Curtiecholor, the card was postmarked in Atlanta on July 10, 1958, and addressed to Clock Show Case of “308 PO Box New York 46, NY”.

    H.G. Stamey of P.O. Box 23, Cleveland, Ga., included the following cryptic note:

    “The price is Right – $22,97.90”

    Alright, Bob Barker.

    References

    1. “Dinkler Comes Down”. The Atlanta Constitution, February 6, 1973, p. 7-D. ↩︎
    2. Tharpe, Gene. “Wreckers in the Money”. The Atlanta Journal and The Atlanta Constitution, February 18, 1973, p. 1-E. ↩︎

  • Julia Thompson Smith Chapel (2008) – Decatur, Georgia

    Maurice Jennings + David McKee Architects. Julia Thompson Smith Chapel (2008), Agnes Scott College. Decatur, Georgia.
    Maurice Jennings + David McKee Architects. Julia Thompson Smith Chapel (2008), Agnes Scott College. Decatur, Georgia.1 2
    South elevation of Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    South elevation of Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Looking up at the south elevation of Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Looking up at the south elevation of Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Looking through a window at Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Looking through a window at Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Eaves on Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Eaves on Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Main entrance of Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Main entrance of Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Looking across the south elevation of Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Looking across the south elevation of Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Eaves on Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Eaves on Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Rails and siding on the south elevation of Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Rails and siding on the south elevation of Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Door at the main entrance of Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Door at the main entrance of Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Roof finials on the Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Roof finials on the Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Rear of the Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Rear of the Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia

    References

    1. Hunt, April. “College chapel opens doors to all”. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, April 24, 2008, p. JE4. ↩︎
    2. Julia Thompson Smith Chapel at Agnes Scott College ↩︎

  • Engine House No. 6 (1894) – Atlanta

    Bruce & Morgan. Engine House No. 6 (1894). Sweet Auburn, Atlanta.
    Bruce & Morgan. Engine House No. 6 (1894). Sweet Auburn, Atlanta.1 2 3
    Corbelled brick on the facade of Engine House No. 6, Atlanta
    Corbelled brick on the facade of Engine House No. 6, Atlanta
    Terracotta date panel on the facade of Engine House No. 6, Atlanta
    Terracotta date panel on the facade of Engine House No. 6, Atlanta
    Second-floor windows on the facade of Engine House No. 6, Atlanta
    Second-floor windows on the facade of Engine House No. 6, Atlanta
    Terracotta ornamentation between second-floor windows on Engine House No. 6, Atlanta
    Terracotta ornamentation between second-floor windows on Engine House No. 6, Atlanta
    Terracotta ornamentation on the facade of Engine House No. 6, Atlanta
    Terracotta ornamentation on the facade of Engine House No. 6, Atlanta
    Second-floor window on the facade of Engine House No. 6, Atlanta
    Second-floor window on the facade of Engine House No. 6, Atlanta
    Terracotta Atlanta Fire Department insignia on the facade of Engine House No, 6, Atlanta
    Terracotta Atlanta Fire Department insignia on the facade of Engine House No. 6, Atlanta
    Fire engine doors and granite quoins on the facade of Engine House No. 6, Atlanta
    Fire engine doors and granite quoins on the facade of Engine House No. 6, Atlanta
    Terracotta panel on the facade of Engine House No. 6, Atlanta
    Terracotta panel on the facade of Engine House No. 6, Atlanta
    Looking at the fire engine doors on the facade of Engine House No. 6, Atlanta
    Looking at the fire engine doors on the facade of Engine House No. 6, Atlanta
    Door on the facade of Engine House No. 6, Atlanta
    Door on the facade of Engine House No. 6, Atlanta
    First-floor window on the facade of Engine House No. 6, Atlanta
    First-floor window on the facade of Engine House No. 6, Atlanta
    Cornerstone on the facade of Engine House No. 6, Atlanta
    Cornerstone on the facade of Engine House No. 6, Atlanta
    North elevation of Engine House No. 6, Atlanta
    North elevation of Engine House No. 6, Atlanta

    References

    1. Building cornerstone. ↩︎
    2. “They Are Twins.” The Atlanta Constitution, February 11, 1894, p. 7. ↩︎
    3. “Engine House No. 6.” The Atlanta Constitution, May 29, 1894, p. 9. ↩︎