Making connections through historical documents brings such a sense of joy at times. For fans of F.S. Allen, and no this will not be an Allen fan page, through a series of connections we begin to see how well-connected the man was prior to his scandal-driven downfall.
According to an article in the L.A. Times, he was brought to Pasadena to "oversee modifications and decorating.." of the home of Col. John Lambert, for whom he had designed a home in Joliet. Considering the home was a Greene & Greene design, this is interesting.
Col. Lambert served as an officer at U.S. Steel until a financial scandal which lead him to resign along with John W. "Bet-A-Million" Gates, founder of U.S. Steel and Texaco. I have long heard stories of the connections that ran through Joliet and even my own family. Marcus Krakar, an ancestor on my father's side, had Mr. Allen design his brownstone on Hickory Street.
This all puts some very interesting spin on the stories. Also consider that F. S. Allen was a silent partner in the high class Alexander and Oviatt Men's Shop in L.A. that served many of Hollywood's elite. They would commission the construction of what many consider L.A.'s first true Art Deco skyscraper with extensive work by Rene Lalique. Interestingly enough the building, completed in 1928, is noted to have Romanesque overtones. As Romanesque stylings are a hallmark of Mr. Allen's work in Joliet where his career took off with commissions that put him on the national stage and where he built the connections that lead him west.
But what about the book?
Yes, this is still about Historic Impressions, Volume II. Editing continues and my trusty accomplice Heather is toting a camera in her car wherever real estate showings lead her. Sorry, I won't be able to make the Holiday deadline, but I am hoping for a spring time release.
Have faith and we'll see you soon.
C
Friday, December 4, 2009
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