Texas State Association of Architects

To the president and members of the Texas State Association of Architects

Gentlement,

The executive committee beg leave to report that we have held our annual meeting and [transacted?] all the business that came before our committee. We find the annual report of the secretary correct and very satisfactory.

The [sec'y?] [motions?] of W. J. Clayton and W. W. Dudley was received.

We also elected as members of the assocition Geo. T. King, El Paso; Burt McDonald, Austin; M. M. McQurik, Dallas; Geo. J. Kane, Fort Worth; and J. R. Gordon, San Antonio.

We find the affairs of the association in a healthy and prosperous condition and a bright prospect for the future.

J. J. Kane Chairman Executive Committee

Moved by Nat'l Tobey that the report be received and ordered filed. Carried.

On motion of J. J. Kane of Fort Worth that $70.00 or as much thereof as may necessary be appropriated to pay the amount expenses and for publish 500 copies of the annual report of the secretary. Motion prevailed.

22 Proceedings of the Fourth Annual Convention

Moved by Nat'l Tobey that the report be received and ordered filed. Carried.

On motion of J. J. Kane of Fort Worth, that $75 or so much thereof as may be neccesary be appropriated to pay the current expenses and for publishing 500 copies of the annual report of the Secretary. Motion prevailed.

On motion of Jas. Wahrenberger. That the Executive Committee in conjunction with the President of the Association be authorized to employ a suitable person to aid in properly presenting before our legislative bodies "a bill," entitled an act to regulate the practice of architecture in the state of Texas. Motion prevailed.

Mr. Jas. Wahrenberger presented the following resolution:

Resolved. That a committee of three be appointed by the President to form a code of rules to govern members of the association in taking part in architect competition and to report at the next annual meeting. Seconded by Geo. E. Dickey. Carried.

The President appointed the following members as the committee:

Jas. Wahrenberger, J. J. Kane, W. W. Larmour.

The following resolution was offered by Burt McDonald, of Austin

Resolved. That the Secretary be requested to procure one of the groupe pictures of some of the architects and that a copy be sent to Mr. R. C. McLean, of the Inland Architect. Adopted.

On motion of J. J. Kane of Fort Worth, that a committee of three members be appointed by the chair to make nominations for officers for the ensuing year.

W. W. Larmour offered the following substitute that the election be made by open ballot. The amendement prevailed.

The result of the ballots was as follows.

For President, W. C. Dodson. Vice-President, Jas Wahrenberger. Second Vice-President, Nat'l Tobey. Executive Committee - J.J. Kane, Chairman; A. O. Watson, Sam P. Herbert, Geo E. Dickey, Geo. W. Stewart. Secretary, W. W. Larmour. Treasurer, Eugene T. Heiner.

In the ballot for holding the next meeting, Dallas, Fort Worth, Galveston and San Antonio were placed in nomination. San Antonio receiving the majority of votes cast, if was selected as the place for the next annual meeting.

The following resolution was offered by Geo. E. Dickey.

Resolved. That a vote of thanks be tendered Mr. Lane Orand for the use of the New McClelland hotel parlors and courtesies extended. Motion prevailed unanimously.

J. J. Kane offered the following resolution:

Resolved. That the thanks of this Association be tendered "The Day," of Waco, for their kindness in publishing the proceedings of our meeting. Carried.

Resolved. That the President shall appoint a committee of five members whose duty it shall be to endeavor to arrange with the railroads for excursion rates for architects attending the next convention.

The President appointed the following members as the committee.

Jas. Wahrenberger, Geo. E. Dickey, Frank W. Kane, W. W. Larmour, Burt McDonald.

Resolved. That the thanks of this Association be and are hereby tendered to the President and Secretary for their able services rendered during the past year. Carried.

The following resolution was offered by Sam P. Herbert:

Resolved. That the press throughout the state be tendered the thanks of this association for courtesies shown. Carried.

Moved by A. O. Watson that the T. S. A. A. now adjourn to meet at San Antonio the third Tuesday in January, 1890. Motion prevailed.

Officers 1890-91

President .................. James Wharenberger ..... San Antonio Vice-President .......... Nathaniel Tobey ............. Dallas Second Vice-Pres't .... Geo. E. Dickey ................ Houston Treasurer* ............... Albert Ullrich ................ Dallas Secretary ................. Geo. W. Stewart .............. Dallas

Executive Committee

J. J. Kane, Fort Worth, Chairman.

M. McQuirk, Dallas W. W. Larmour, Waco S. B. Haggart, Fort Worth J. Larmour, Austin

* Albert Ullrich was appointed Treasurer in lieu of G. M. Tozer, who withdraws from the practice of architecture.

Proceedings

of the

Fifth Annual Convention

of the

Texas State Association of Architects

Held in the

Board of Trade Hall, Dallas, May 13 and 14, 1890

Tuesday, May 13, 1890.

The meeting was called to order at 5 o'clock p. m., by President James Wahrenberger, of San Antonio.

In the absence of the Secretary, W. W. Larmour, of Waco, Geo. W. Stewart, of Dallas, was appointed Secretary pro tem.

The roll call showed ten members present. The reading of the minutes of the last annual meeting were on motion dispensed with, as the same were in the hands of each member of the association.

The President explained that the regular convention was to be held in San Antonio on the third Thuesday in January, but owing to the small number of members in attendance, the Executive Committee deemed it best after some preliminary work to adjourn to meet in Dallas on the 13th of May.

He also suggested that owing to the lateness of the hour of assembling, caused by the non-arrival of members of the association, only a short session would be held that evening.

J. J. Kane, Chairman of the Executive Committee, remaked that he had no report to offer, and did not think that a night session would be necessary as the Committee had not been able to meet he could not make any report, and moved that the Executive Committee meet on Wednesday morning at 8 o'clock and the regular meeting convene at 10 o'clock. Carried.

Moved by Geo. E. Dickey, seconded by A. Ullrich, that the Convention adjourn until 10 o'clock Wednesday morning. Carried.

Wednesday Morning Session.

The convention was called to order at 10:45 a. m., the Preisdent in the chair.

The roll-call showed the following members present: A. B. Bristol, G. E. Dickey, S. B. Haggart, Frank W. Kane, J. J. Kane, M. McQuirk, G. W. Stewart, G. M. Tozer, Nat'l Tobey, Albert Ullrich, James Wahrenberger.

The President, James Wahrenberger, then delivered his annual address as follows:

The Address.

Gentlemen of the Texas State Association of Architects:

Before proceeding with the regular order of business, permit me to address a few remarks to you gentlemen here assembled as representatives of an important and noble profession. I feel confident that our actions and deliberation will be of such a dignified and harmonious character, as becomes the nature of our occupation, and that the best motives, kind feelings, and a spirit of true fellowship will govern us in all our discussions for the benefit of our association and of the profession in the state. And after completing our labors may we all return to our homes with many pleasant recollections of this, our annual convention.

Important questions may be brought before us for consideration and discussion, upon which depends to a great degree the future standing and welfare of our profession, and let no member of this Association hesitate to express his views fully and without reserve upon all points in this connection; as the interchange of ideas and personal experiences can only be of great benefit in devising measures to be taken for the future welfare of the profession.

I desire furthermore to impress upon your minds the fact that it is of the utmost importance that more attention be paid to the affairs of the association by its members, and that its meeting be better attended than heretofore. In a comparatively new field, where the nature of our

occupation is not fully understood, and the labors of a professional man are to be peddled like a lot of merchandise, concerted action on the part of educated professionals become imperatively necessary.

The practices of ignorant and unscrupulous pretenders must be met with united, intelligent and persistent efforts of a thoroughly organized association, to place the profession before the general public in the dignified standing to which it is justly entitled.

It becomes the architect to stand before the public as a man, educated to follow a profession which makes demands for talent and attainments second to none in existence, for while it is necessary that we acquire a thorough knowledge of the principles of construction, and keep abreast of the times with reference to all new improvements made in the mechanical branches connected with the profession, there are also those aesthetical studies connected with the builder's art, that require much time and application in order to become proficient, and to keep up with the spirit of the times.

If the practice of architecture were simply to supply the ordinary wants and comforts of man, without cultivating the mind for an artistic taste, the same would cease to rank with the fine arts, and would descend to the level of an ordinary trade. Besides providing for the physical wants and comforts of our fellow-beings, it is for us also to satisfy those desires of a refined intellect, that move beyond the materialistic wants of every day life. Not to forget however, that the effects of beauty can therefore in no manner be that of shallow sensualism, but that of a true, moral spirit. We can never obtain the desired efect upon the beholder, unless the entire of our work, together with all its details, be so treated as to express a certain deep and earnest signification in the outward appearance of the design, as well as in its interior decorations and arrangements. By imprinting upon our work the prevailing ideas of intellectual taste, we create and further develop the peculiar styles that characterize the spirit of the age.

Monuments left by past generations teach use the history of people gone before us, and mark their progress in culture and refinement; they give us an insight to their religious views, and to the peculiar habits and customs existing in their time. The history of architecture as a fine art begins with the temple, the house of God, which in its various orms and details has furnished ideas that have led to further developments for the adornment of public buildings, and the decorative features of our homes.

In order to acquire a proper knowledge of the various architectural styles, and a correct understanding of the many different forms therein employed, at various times, the reason of their origin and their purpose, we must trace back the history of architecture and become acquianted with the prevailing ideas and views of the people in this connection, that have led the old masters to the development of these peculiar forms and compositions. As we do this, we find that in many cases one style has served as a basis for the gradual development of another, and as the peculiar ideas of taste, and of the grand and beautiful become more developed in certain directions, we are able to follow up the progress of the architectural styles from their origin to their highest state of perfection. Those of the profession who are so fortunate as to enjoy travels in older countries abroad, to view the monuments left by the old masters, at different periods of history, and also the grand works of modern times, derive the greatest benefit and the most valuable assistance in their studies of this kind.

That the same are of great importance, no educated architect will deny; they are essential to the designer in order to fulfill the first requirement of a design properly executed, which is that a building as a mass, shall at a glance impress the mind of the beholder with is importance, and disclose to him the purposes for which it was erected.

It has always appeared to me absurd, that public buildings like courthouses, post-offices, etc., at this age of steam cars and electricity, should be of such antique architectural styles as to remind us of the dark days of the inquisition, and of the carrier pigeon. Of that hideous nightmare, the so-called modern Queen Anne residence, perhaps the least said the better; and perhaps also of the peculiar misapplication of the misunderstood Byzantine and Moresque forms, in which some of the younger brethern of the profession seem to take a special delight to show their ignorance in architectural style and aesthetics, and which to a great degree may account for the deparved taste displayed in much of our modern architecture.

The arts of painting and sculpture are closely allied with that of architecture, and have at all times lent a helping hand in embelishing and decorating important works.

It is therefore required of the educated architect, to show good judgment and taste in employing the assistance of these kindred arts. They have been developed hand in hand with that of architecture. Mark the difference in the manner of employing them at different periods of history in connection with the architectural styles then in vogue, and compare

the severe stiff cold lines and coloring of the earlier days, with the graceful forms and beauties in the works of the Renaissance.

By reason of the amount of study to become well skilled in these beautiful and important branches of our profession, the practice of architecture should be entitled to stand as one of the most prominent practiced among the cultured and refined classes. That the educated architect does not yet fully receive the encouragement through a proper appreciation on the part of the general public which his profession entitles him to, and which he enjoys in older countries where the profession and its requirements are better understood, is a fact of which we have almost a daily demonstration in our practice.

However, of late years we may note a marked imporvement in this respect, with the wonderful growth of our country. The temporary log cabin of the hardy pioneer will soon exist only in the recollection of a few, and the time of the weatherboarded corner grocery and dry-good establishment, with a stock of patent medicines and the U.S. postoffice combined, is quickly passing by. The character of our public buildings is undergoing a marked change, and the importance of the profession is steadily increasing until it will eventually arrive at that high plane of excellence to which it rightfully belongs.

In the meantime, let us strive to establish those proper and correct relations which should exist between the honorable educated architect and his clients; we will thereby gain the confidence of the public, that is necessary for the attainment of our objects.

We have repeatedly and in vain petitioned for legislation to regulate the practice of our profession, and to protect us, as well as the general public, against the abuses and pernicious practices of uneducated and unscrupulous pretenders. While we should renew our efforts with increased energy and vigor, what the prospects for success will be in the near future remain yet to be seen. The average legislator is not given to much thought in matters of this kind, and as long as only questions of a political nature remain uppermost in his mind an encouragement in the promotion of science and the arts can not be looked for by any legislation in this direction in the near future. And positions held under the government by professional men, chiefly obtained through party infleucnes, instead of ability and personal merit, will for some time, still lack that moral influence and high honro due the profession.

However, it is for us not to become discouraged in our labors, but to renew the same with a determined resolution, hand in hand with those of kindred associations and with the fond hope that with the wonderful growth and increasing prosperity of this country, our unremitting efforts will be eventually crowned with success. In the meantime, let us meet in ocuncil, and advise with each other, as to the proper steps to be taken towards the public, to overcome the evils borne of unprofessional and unscrupulos methods, and present such professional facts, methods and ideas in a manner that the public mind must become educated to the importance of our occupation. We must form rules to guide us in our practice that will command the respect of our clients, with whom we have our daily business transactions, and the public at large will soon begin to appreciate our position. Let us also, not hesitate to exclude from our ranks, and ignore the pretensions of those who are not fitted by education or otherwise, to practice the profession; such, who look upon the occupation simply as a milch-cow, and especially those whose past career in the profession has been of a dishonorable character.

During the few years since the organization of our association much good has been accomplished; the interchange of ideas and personal experiences has been of great benefit to all of us; we have become united in one common fellowship, and have learned to struggle hand in hand, for one common cause. Our aims and objects are already beginning to be understood and appreciated by educated and well thinking men. Let us remoain united in our persistent efforts to ultimately attain the objects of our association, and aid in raising the profession to that high standing which it so fully deserves.

In conclusion, I take the liberty of stating to you, gentlemen, that my views in regard to architects' competitions as now generally conducted, have not changed in the least since expressing them at our last meeting at Waco. I still believe that the more architects respond to the shallow inducements offered in advertisements for these sham competitions, the more difficult the task will become to raise the profession to the standard so much desired. Good professionals should discourage such competition by paying no attention to them, and all competitions where are not made by juries of competent professional men, should be entirely ignored. The temptation, I admit, is sometimes great to convince an ignorant committee of the superiority of one's ideas expressed in his plans and specifications, but we may only succeed in our aims by sacrifices commensurate with the results to be accomplished. The methods of proceeding in these unregulated competitions, controlled by persons totally disqualified, have led to much dissention and ill-will among our professional brethren, and it is necessary that we have the

proper respect and friendship for each other in order to secure the confidence and respect of the public, and to succeed in the task that our association has laid out before it.

Moved by J. J. Kane, seconded by Geo. E. Dickey, that the thanks of the association are due to the President for his very able and interesting address. Unanimously adopted.

Mr. Dickey also moved that copies of the address be forwarded to the American Architect, Inaldn Architect, Northern Architect, North Western Architect, and other interested papers, and the full address be inserted in the Dallas daily papers. Adopted.

J. J. Kane moved that a committee of two, consisting of S. B. Haggart and G. M. Tozer, be appointed to draft a form of "Order of Business," so that the committee might report in proper order, and thus facilitate the carrying out of business during the sessions. Unanimously adopted.

J.J. Kane it was moved that the president appoint a committee of three members to offer names for officers for the ensuing year. Carried.

The president appointed the following committee: G. M. Tozer, Frank W. Kane and Geo. E. Dickey.

Frank W. Kane proposed that a committee consisting of M. McQuirk and S. B. Haggart be appointed to formulate rules under which architects will take part in competitive work and present same at next annual meeting. Seconded by N. Tobey and unanimously adopted.

This was a motion similar to one adopted at the the last annual meeting, but the committee failing to come together nothing was done, therefore action is deferred for several motnhs.

A motion to adjourn until 2 o'clock p. m. prevailed.

Wednesday Afternoon Sessions

The convention was called to order at 2:10 p. m., by the president.

The Committee on Order of Business presented their report which after being amended reads as follows:

To the Hon. President and members of the Texas Association of Architects:

Gentlemen - We, your committee, hereby respectfully submit the following

ORDER OF BUSINESS:

First. - Reading the minutes of previous annual meeting.

Second. - Reading President's address.

Third. - Report of Executive Committee.

Fourth. - Report of Standing Committee.

Fifth. - Report of Special Committees.

Sixth. - Unfinished Business.

Seventh. - New Business.

Eighth. - Payment of Annual Dues.

Ninth. - Election of Officers.

Tenth. - Appointment of Standing and Special Committees.

Respectfully submitted,

S. B. Haggart, G. M. Tozer.

On motion of Frank Kane, seconded by M. McQuirk, the "Order of Business" as read was unanimously adopted.

Letters were read from Secretary Eugene T. Heiner and Geo. E. King, and ordered to be filed.

The minutes of the San Antonio meeting were read and approved. See page

The financial statesments of Secretary W. W. Larmour and Treasurer Eugene T. Heiner, were read and after discussion adopted.

The Executive Committee presented their report:

To the President and members of the Texas State Association of Architects:

Gentlemen - The Executive Committee beg leave to report that they have examined the statements of Secretary Larmour and Treasurer Heiner for the year 1889, but as they are unaccompanied by the books or vouchers, and neither of the above officers being present, prevents our making a full statement. See page 120 [extra?]

Mr. J. J. Kane Chairman Executive Committe promised a report pof?] the Executive Comm. in the afternoon

Dallas, Tex. May 11/90

To the Hon Pres

and member of the Tex State Architects Assoc.

Gentlemen,

[?] [year's?] commitee on order of business hereby respectfully submits the following. To wit

1st Reading minutes last annual meeting 2nd Reading President report 3rd Report of Standing Committees 4th Report of Special Committees 5th Report of Unfinished Committes 6th Report of New Committees 7th Payment of annual dues 8th Election of officers 9th Appointment Standing and Special Committees

Respectfully submitted

S. B. Haggart & G. M. Tozer

The receipts show for annual dues and balances from last year, $95.00 Disbursement, ........................... 74.15

Leaving a balance in hand of ................... $20.85

Owing to a great many members being behind in their dues, we beg to submit the following motion which the secretary has been instructed to send to each delinquent member:

That any member who is in arrers for dues for the year 1889, or previous year, be notified that unless the same are paid within thirty days from date of notice he will stand suspended on resolution of the Executive Committee.

The resignation of W. C. Dodson, of Waco, was received and accepted at San Antonio.

Four members have been suspended for non-payment of dues.

[viz?] A. F. Beckman J. R. Gordon W. H. Tyndall Aflred Giles

The following were elected as members of the Association: Alfred Muller, Galveston; P. S. Rabitt, Glaveston; S. B. Haggart, Fort Worth; M. R. Sanguinet, Fort Worth.

More marked activity and interest on the part of the members will result in much good. J. J. Kane, Chairman.

Moved by Nat'l Tobey, seconded by M. McQuirk, that the report of the Executive Committee be adopted. Carried.

Moved by S. B. Haggart, seconded by Geo. E. Dickey, that the Association adopt an appropriate bronze or silver badge. Each member to procure and wear same, and that the president appoint a committee to design and have struck off about twenty badges; the members to purchase their badges and not to make it a charge against the Association.

The president signified his approval of the abdge and appointed S. B. Haggart and F. W. Kane on this committee.

Moved by Geo. E. Dickey that 250 copies of the report of proceedings be procured and be distributed by the secretary to the members; and that $20.00 or so much as is required be appropriated for cost of publication. Carried.

The Committee on Nomination presented their report:

Gentlemen -- We, your Committee on Nomination of Officers for the ensuing year, beg leave to submit for your consideration the following named officers:

President, .......................... James Wahrenberger. Vice-President, ................... Nathaniel Tobey. Second Vice-President, ....... Geo. E. Dickey. Treasurer, .......................... G. M. Tozer. Secretary, .......................... Geo. W. Stewart.

Executive Committee.

J. J. Kane, Chairman.

M. McQuirk. S. B. Haggart. W. W. Larmour. J. Larmour.

The report of the committee was adopted and the secretary authorized to cast a ballot in compliance with the report as the unanimous choice of the convention.

Number of votes cast, ten.

The secretary then read the ROLL OF MEMBERSHIP.

A. B. Bristol, ............... Dallas. Alfred F. Beckman ...... San Antonio. Geo. E. Dickey ............ Houston. J. Riley Gordon ........... San Antonio. Alfred Giles ................. San Antonio. S. B. Haggart, .............. Fort Worth. Eugene T. Heiner, ....... Houston. Sam P. Herbet, ............ Waco. Frank W. Kane, ........... Fort Worth. Geo. S. Kane, .............. Fort Worth. J. J. Kane, ................... Fort Worth. Geo. E. King, .............. El Paso. J. Larmour, ................. Austin. W. W. Larmour, .......... Waco. Burt McDonald, .......... Austin. M. McQuirk, ............... Dallas. Alfred Muller, ............. Galveston. P. S. Rabitt, ................. Galveston. Oscar Ruffini, .............. San Angelo. M. R. Sanguinet, .......... Fort Worth. Geo. W. Stewart, .......... Dallas. Nathaniel Tobey, .......... Dallas. Guy M. Tozer, ............... Dallas. W. H. Tyndall, .............. Galveston. Albert Ullrich, .............. Dallas. James Wahrenberger, .... San Antonio A. O. Watson, ................ Austin

Major Haggart moved that a vote of thanks be extended to the Board of Trade and Mr Tobey for their courtesies and to the [press?] of the city for their publishing the report. Sec'd by Frank Kane, but a reconsideration was made as follows

Resolution by S. B. Haggart, seconded by Frank W. Kane, that a vote of thanks be extended to the Board of Trade of the T. S. A. A. resident in Dallas, for the courtesies extended to the architects during convention. Adopted.

Mr Tobey presented a rebut invitation from [?] Harry [Bros?] that they had some conveyances placed at the [disposal?] of T. S. A. A. for a [tour?] through the city and moved that it be accepted, seconded by Tozer but [Messers?] Kane (J J) + Wahrenberger approved the motion as they did not wish to curry any particular favor with contractor, and also thaqt the honor was [its take?].

The motion was reconsidered and thanks were extended to [?] Harry Bros: for their kind offer but the Assoc regretted that time would not permit of accepting [same?].

An invitiation from prominent citizens was extended to the architects to take a drive around the city, but regrets were expressed that time would not permit of accepting same.

Geo. E. Dickey proposed Houston, and G. M. Tozer proposed Fort Worth as the places for holding the next convention. Considerable rivalry existed between the two cities, and on the third ballot Fort Worth was selected as the place of the next meeting of the association.

On motion the convention adjourned to meet in Fort Worth on the third Tuesday in January, 1891.