Scope and Content Note
The papers of Paul Johannes Pelz (1841-1918) span the years circa 1800-1921. Included are several pieces of family correspondence, written after his death, as well as a number of tributes to him published posthumously. The bulk of the material, however, covers the period 1890-1917. The collection also contain general correspondence, business and financial records, drawings, reports, printed material, photographs, newspaper clippings, and memorabilia.
General correspondence and subject files constitute the main part of the collection and relate to Pelz’s career as an architect rather than to his private life. Pelz is best known as architect of the main building of the Library of Congress, and included are papers and drawings pertaining to the construction of that building. Also included are papers regrading his claims for compensation against the United States for services rendered in preparing plans for the Library of Congress. Papers concerning his investments in various Latin American agricultural and mining ventures and in a United States hotel company are prominent in the collection. Many testimonials are included referring to contracts completed satisfactorily.
Prominent correspondents include Stephen B. Elkins, Elliot Woods, Eugene Davis, William A. Robertson, Owen Bert French, Allen O. Clephane, and Julian Hurdle.