James Betelle, Where Are You?

The Search for a Lost Architect

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Entries Tagged as 'Diary'

More Newark, More Schools

May 10th, 2007 · 1 Comment · Architecture, Diary

Last week I headed down to Newark to learn more about James Betelle’s tragically short-lived partner, Ernest F. Guilbert. I scored quickly by finding Guilbert’s obituary at the library, which painted a pretty good portrait of his life and career. With that done, I was off to chase down a number of schools I hadn’t [...]

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Unfinished Stones

April 2nd, 2007 · No Comments · Biographical, Diary

After a 4-6 week wait, I finally received a copy of James Betelle’s will from the New Jersey State Archives (along with some court documents, which I will discuss at a later date). I had already seen a few pages from a 1930 version, acquired from the American Institute of Architect’s archives. Written when Betelle was [...]

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Lux Aeterna Luceat Eis

December 10th, 2006 · 2 Comments · Biographical, Diary

James Betelle died in Florence, Italy on June 3rd, 1954. This I have known since my earliest research into the man, and indeed many obituaries, biographies and articles point this out. What I have noticed is that one reference is merely copying an earlier one; often turns of phrase in one article can clearly be [...]

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All I Got is a Photograph

October 24th, 2006 · 2 Comments · Architecture, Diary, Miscellaneous

I found this wonderful photograph of the Chamber of Commerce Building in the Newark Library’s photo archive. It works on a both large and small scale, from the full breadth of the building down to fine details at street level. After visiting the building recently I was hoping to find a good period photo, and this [...]

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Discoveries at The Grolier Club

October 1st, 2006 · No Comments · Architecture, Articles, Diary

James Betelle wrote articles for countless magazines and journals, but as far as I know, only one book; a forward to a 1933 publication by The Carteret Book Club entitled Colonial Dutch Houses in New Jersey. I suspected the book was rare, as it could only be found in by-appointment collections; no open stacks or [...]

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