Manuscript Division Paul J. Pelz Papers

Paul J. Pelz Papers

Collection

Identifier: MSS35808

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.

Dates

Creation: circa 1800-1921
Creation: Majority of material found within ( 1890-1917)

Language of Materials

Collection material in English

Access and Restrictions

The papers of Paul J. Pelz are open to research. Researchers are advised to contact the Manuscript Reading Room prior to visiting. Many collections are stored off-site and advance notice is needed to retrieve these items for research use.

Copyright Status

The status of copyright in the unpublished writings of Paul J. Pelz is governed by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, U.S.C.).

Biographical Note

1841, Nov. 18: Born, Seitendorf, Waldenburg, Silesia
1854: Educated in Breslau, Germany, colleges of St. Elizabeth and Holy Spirit
1858: Emigrated to New York
1864: Chief draftsman, New York architectural firm
1866: Became member of American Institute of Architects
1867: Civil engineer, United States Lighthouse Board
1872 - 1877: Chief draftsman, United States Lighthouse Board
1873: First prize for architectural plans for Library of Congress
1892: Submitted final plans for the Library of Congress
1895: Married Mary Eastbourne Ritter Meem
1918, Mar. 30: Died, Washington, D. C.

Extent

900 items
3 containers
1.2 linear feet

Expand All | Collapse All

Additional Description

Abstract

Architect. Correspondence, memoranda, reports, testimonials, pictorial representations of buildings, printed material, and photographs relating primarily to the planning and construction of the Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress and other buildings.