Adolph Scherrer Papers, 1853–1928
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Collection # M0245 BV1722, 1723 ADOLPH SCHERRER PAPERS, 1853–1928 Collection Information Biographical Sketch Scope and Content Note Series Contents Cataloging Information Processed by Greg Hertenstein and Dorothy A. Nicholson May 2011 Manuscript and Visual Collections Department William Henry Smith Memorial Library Indiana Historical Society 450 West Ohio Street Indianapolis, IN 46202-3269 www.indianahistory.org COLLECTION INFORMATION VOLUME OF Manuscript Materials: 1 document case, 2 bound volumes COLLECTION: Visual Materials: 2 OVB size photograph folders COLLECTION 1869–1928 DATES: PROVENANCE: Anton Scherrer Estate 1972; Mrs. Wilbur Peat 1974 RESTRICTIONS: COPYRIGHT: REPRODUCTION Permission to reproduce or publish material in this collection RIGHTS: must be obtained from the Indiana Historical Society. ALTERNATE FORMATS: RELATED HOLDINGS: ACCESSION 1972.0409, 1974.1005 NUMBER: NOTES: Visual materials previously processed as P124 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH The architect Adolph Scherrer (1847–1925) designed many important public structures and residences in the city of Indianapolis during the late 19th century. He was born in Switzerland and studied in Vienna and Budapest before coming to the United States about 1870. Practicing first in New York City and Chicago he moved to Indianapolis about 1873. His first position here was as a draftsman for Indianapolis’ leading architect Edwin May. In 1878 May was commissioned to design the new state capitol but died in 1880 soon after the project began. The building was completed by Scherrer in 1888. By 1891 he was appointed to the first Indianapolis Board of Public Works. Scherrer’s sons, Anton and Herman, were also architects and worked in collaboration with their father and continued after his death as Adolph Scherrer and Sons. Some notable buildings designed by Scherrer besides the State House includes: Maennerchor Hall, Indianapolis City Hospital, the 34th Street entrance to Crown Hill Cemetery, the Old Pathology Building at Central State Hospital, the Independant Turnverein, and the Elks Club. Sources: Burns, Lee, Early Architects & Builders of Indiana, Indianapolis : Indiana Historical Society, 1935. Vol. 11, p. 199. The encyclopedia of Indianapolis, Bloomington: Indiana University Press, c1994. Men of Progress, Indianapolis, Ind. Indianapolis Sentinel Co., 1899, p. 351-352. SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE The collection is organized into four series. Series 1: Papers and Correspondence, 1869–1923, n.d. begins with a letter in German regarding Scherrer’s experience. The rest of the papers pertain to Edwin May and the State House project and other projects that Scherrer was later involved in. Series 2: Architectural Projects and project cards, 1905–1928, n.d.: organized by Commission number. Series 3: Bound Volumes 1853–1914, BV1722 is a contracts book written in German from 1853 to 1868 that may be records from Scherrer’s father in Switzerland. The BV1723 is dated 1904 to 1914 contains Scherrer’s projects listed by commission number. Series 4: Visual Materials, 1878–ca. 1888 contains photographs of proposed State House elevation drawings and the newly completed State House. SERIES CONTENTS Series 1: Papers and Correspondence, 1869–1923, n.d. CONTENTS CONTAINER 1869, Oct 05 Box 1, Folder 1 B. Simon, St. Gallen, Switzerland. In German. Regarding Adolph Scherrer’s experience. 1p. 1872, July 12 Box 1, Folder 1 John K. Winchell. Articles of Agreement 1878, Oct. 01 Box 1, Folder 1 Samuel R. Downey, secretary, Governor’s Office of the State of Indiana to Edwin May, architect, city. Architect ordered to order immediately the slate for the stairs of the Indiana Hospital for the Insane. 1p, ALS. 1879, Apr 10 Box 1, Folder 1 John M. Godown, secretary of the Board of State House Commissioners, Indianapolis, to F.W. Vogdes, New Albany. Copy of letter informing Vogdes of election of the State House building superintendent. Will be paid $150 per month. 1p. 1870, May 08 Box 1, Folder 1 Edwin May architect, Indianapolis, to F.W. Vogdes. Please return Instructions to architect and superintendent issued by Board of State House Commissioners, 1p, ALS. Also: “Rules and regulations adopted by the Board of State House Commissioners defining certain duties of the Supervising Architect and Superintendent of the Building.” 1879, May 12 Box 1, Folder 1 Edwin May, Indianapolis, to F.W. Vogdes, superintendent, New State House. Regarding brand of cement used. 1p. JS. 1879, May Box 1, Folder 1 Edwin May [?] Construction specifications. 2p. 1879, May 19 Box 1, Folder 1 Edwin May, architect New State House to F.W. Vogdes, definition of responsibilities as questioned by Vogdes: establishing point, levels, measurement. 1p. LS 1879, June 11 Box 1, Folder 1 [Edwin May] architect New State House to F.W. Vogdes, Supt. New State House. J.A. Scherrer employed as engineer of construction; definition of his duties. 1p. letter unsigned. 1879, July 01 Box 1, Folder 2 John M. Godown, secretary [Board of State House Commissioners] to F.W. Vogdes. Regarding rules necessary to a careful inspection of brick to be used in the building. 1p. [see 07/10/1879]. 1879, July 01 Box 1, Folder 2 Kanmacher & Denig, contractors, to F.W. Vogdes, supt. We have received no official communication requesting the non-delivery of brick. Also, you are to give your reasons for condemning the load of brick delivered. 1p. LS. 1879, July 10 Box 1, Folder 2 Edwin May, architect, to F.W. Vogdes. Here are rules for the inspection of the brick which may be received for the new court house. 1p. LS., 2 pages of rules. 1879, July 17 Box 1, Folder 2 F.W. Vogdes to E. May. Copy of letter from Howes Cave Lime Cement Co., N.Y. inquiring about satisfaction with product. 2p. 1879, July 26 Box 1, Folder 2 John M. Godown to F.W. Vogdes. You must notify contractor that Mr. John Marion must be discharged from working on the building if he again violates specifications. 1p. 1879, Aug. 01 Box 1, Folder 2 Iron beams received on State House grounds on Aug. 01, 1879. 1p. 1879, Aug. 19 Box 1, Folder 2 Notebook page with columns headed: quantities; kind of labor and materials, price, rate, and amount. First two columns filled in. 1p. 1879, Aug. 21 Box 1, Folder 2 Philip Speed, general agent, Western Cement Assoc., Louisville, Ky. To F.W. Vogdes. Today’s shipment included sample for you to test. 1p. ALS. 1879, Sept. 05 Box 1, Folder 2 Stone received memorandum, signed Adolph Scherrer. 1p. 1879, Sept. 24 Box 1, Folder 2 Dexter Belknap of the Utica Lime Co., Utica, Ind. To F.W. Vogdes. Inquiry if clipping stating that contract made with Hudson River Rosendale Cement Co. to furnish cement is correct. 1p. ALS. 1879, Sept. 27 Box 1, Folder 2 Dexter Belknap of Utica Lime Co. to F.W. Vogdes. We have a written contract with the contractors to furnish them with all the cement needed on the building. 1p. ALS. 1879, Sept. 29 Box 1, Folder 2 Stone received at New State House on Sept. 29, 1879. Memorandum signed by Adolph Scherrer. 1p. 1879, Nov. 08 Box 1, Folder 2 John M. Godown to F.W. Vogdes. Orders from State House Board to speed up building: building of bridge at Spencer pushed; sheds for cutting of stone upon arrival at State House; preparing yards for the manufacture of bricks. 2p. 1879, Dec. 19 Box 1, Folder 2 John M. Godown to F.W. Vogdes. Order for more stone cutters. 1p. 1880, Apr. 28 Box 1, Folder 2 Adolph Scherrer to the building committee of the Indianapolis Orphan Asylum. I found the foundation of the Indianapolis. Orphan Asylum, now in the process of erection, sufficient to sustain the load of the superstructure. 1p. ALS. [1887] Box 1, Folder 2 About proposal “Art” as memorial monument for the Circle. 2p Also 2p typed copy of same proposal labeled plan no. 64. Estimate for the proposed Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument design “Art””. 2p. Design “ ” for the State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument at Indianapolis. 4p. typed, including estimate [design no. 65]. Also 2p. mss. Copy of estimate. 1894, Dec. 29 Box 1, Folder 2 County Clerk, Belleville, St. Clair Co., Ills. Proof of birth for Carl and Emma Aneshaeusel, children of Chas. and Emma Aneshaeusel. 1p. 1897, Jan 02 Box 1, Folder 2 Adolph Scherrer to John Freuzel, Indpls. Regarding contract to Jerry Redding for steam heating apparatus for premises at Georgia and Meridian St. 1p. 1897, Oct. 20 Box 1, Folder 2 Adolph Scherrer, Indpls. To the Board of Public Works, Indpls. Recommend acceptance of proposal submitted by Sanborn Electric Co., for electric wiring for new police station. Also: typed note approving Scherrer’s recommendation, from Board of Public Works. 1p. 1897, Dec. 17 Box 1, Folder 2 Thomas Taggart, mayor of Indpls. to Mr. A. Scherrer, Indpls. Please give bearer, E.D. Ryan, information as to character of boilers and machinery to be placed in new station house. 1p. TLS. 1898, Sept. 09 Box 1, Folder 2 A. Scherrer to Chas. Lewis. Allow sum to Wm. Jungclaus Co., contractors as per contract. 1p LS. 1899, Oct. 01 Box 1, Folder 2 A. Scherrer, Indpls. to the Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science, Columbia University, N.Y. Statement that Jos. Ant. Scherrer employed in this office during this past summer. 1p. 1899, Aug. 14 Box 1, Folder 2 On Adolph Scherrer letterhead, to dear friend. Letter in German. 1p. 1899, Sept. 12 Box 1, Folder 2 Adolph Scherrer to T.I. Walker [?], contractor, Indpls. Doors must be refitted at once. 1p. 1900, Aug. 22 Box 1, Folder 3 Treasury Dept., Office of the Secretary, Washington, D.C. to Mr. Adolph Scherrer, Trust Building, Indianapolis. Invitation to submit design for the United States Building which it is proposed to erect in Indpls.