Collection consists of records by Cassius Emlen Urban, a Lancaster architect. He supervised the construction of the Lancaster Post Office at 120 N. Duke St., Lancaster. Many letters from James H. Windrim, supervising architect of the Treasury Department, Washington, D. C. Book of correspondence contains details of the construction. Also includes letters he wrote to his son, Rathfon, dated February 14-29, 1939, while on the Italian liner, Roma.
Admin/Biographical History
C. Emlen Urban
Throughout Downtown Lancaster numerous iconic buildings make up the city's landscape giving it its unique and ornate character. Landmark buildings such as the Greist Building, the Watt and Shand Department Store, Hager Building, Southern Market, along with many more churches, residential units including the facade of the Fulton Opera House were the design of Cassius Emlen Urban. Urban was Lancaster's first architect and one of the most significant influences on the city. 1 Urban modernized the city's landscape as he designed buildings in a new era where technologies never before available to architects made it possible for himself to leave such a grand impression.
Urban was born on February 20, 1863 in Conestoga Township to a Civil War veteran Amos Urban, a distinguished citizen known for his modesty and community service. Urban finished high school in 1880 and would get his architectural training through an apprenticeship with Scanton, PA architect E.L. Walter. Later in 1884 Urban would move to Philadelphia where he served as a draftsman to Willis G. Hale. Upon returning to Lancaster roughly a year later Urban would open his own practice in Lancaster.2
Only a few years after Urban opened his practice through a family connection he would receive a commission to design Lancaster's Southern Market. Urban's career would take off leading him to design many more iconic buildings in Lancaster and Hershey as well. Urban, through his membership at the Hamilton Club made acquaintance with Milton Hershey who hired him to design such buildings as Hershey Chocolates original company offices and even his own mansion.3
Urban spent the majority of his life in Lancaster with the exception of his time studying as a young man. Urban is remembered for his buildings designed in Queen Anne and Beaux style architecture.4 Shenk in his A History of Lancaster County wrote of Urban, "Few men of Lancaster county can point to a finer array of useful and beautiful work than can Cassius Emlen Urban."
Nicole O. Sturla, "Cassius Emlen Urban: Lancaster's First Native Architect," Susquehanna Monthly Magazine, September 1980.
2 History of Lancaster County, ed. E.M.J. Klein (New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Company Inc., 1924), 443.
3 "Urban, C. Emlen; 1863-1939," Hershey Community Archives, accessed September 30, 2014. http://www.hersheyarchives.org/essay/details.aspx?EssayId=34&Rurl=%2Fresources%2Fsearch-results.aspx%3FType%3DBrowseEssay.
4 "Introduction," To Build Strong and Substantial: The Career of Architect C. Emlen Urban, (2009): 2-3.
Plan for alterations to storefront for Jackson's Quality Clothes Shop
Description
Alterations to Store Front for Jackson's Quality Clothes Shop. 130 N. Queen St. Lancaster, PA. Henry Y. Shaub. Registered Architect. 20 1/2 North Queen Street Lancaster, PA. File Number 513.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please make an appointment by contacting the Research Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
Collection may be photographed. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this collection must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by BW, Fall 2010. Add to database 14 October 2023.
Blueprints for alterations and additions for the Guaranty Construction Co.
Description
Alterations and Additions to Building at 138 N. Prince St. Lancaster, PA for the Guaranty Construction Co. of Lancaster, PA. Henry Y. Shaub. Registered Architect. 20 1/2 North Queen Street Lancaster, PA. File No. 629.
First Floor Plan. Scale: 1/4''=One Foot. Front Elevation, Plan, Section "A-A", Section "B-B." Scale: 3/4''=One Foot. Sheet No. 1. 1 June 1936.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please make an appointment by contacting the Research Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
Collection may be photographed. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this collection must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by BW, Fall 2010. Add to database 14 October 2023.
Store Front for Kranich Bros. Inc. Lancaster, PA. Henry Y. Shaub. Registered Architect. File No. 569. 18 October 1933.
Plan & Elevation of Store Front, "Kranich Bros Inc". Scale: 1/4''=One Foot. Scale for Store Front Sections 3''=One Foot. Window Head, Window Jamb, Window Sill, Entrance Head, "Watches, Diamonds, Jewels", Wood Panel Below Show Window. "Cash & Credit." Full Size.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please make an appointment by contacting the Research Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
Collection may be photographed. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this collection must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by BW, Fall 2010. Add to database 14 October 2023.
Blueprint for alterations and additions to a building for Robert Garvey
Description
Mr. Robert Garvey. Reynolds Ave. and Franklin St. Henry Y. Shaub. Registered Architect. 16 April 1935.
Alterations & Additions to Bldg. Scale: ¼" = 1 Foot. Basement Plan, First Floor Plan, Second Floor Plan, Half Rear Elevation, Half Front Elevation, Left Side Elevation, Right Side Elevation, Left Side Elevation, Front Elevation, Detail of Entrance Door & Hood, Detail of Apt. Entrance, Plan Detail of Show Windows, Rear Elevation, Detail of Prescription Counter, Detail of Shelves & Sink. File No. 590. 16 April 1935.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please make an appointment by contacting the Research Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
Collection may be photographed. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this collection must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by JP, Summer 2013. Add to database 14 October 2023.
DeWalt Products Corp. Fountain Ave Manheim Township, Lancaster, PA. Henry Y. Shaub. Registered Architect. 5 June 1929-10 February 1930.
Interior Details for the Offices of Mr. Gardner and Mr. Rutt. Scale: 3/8" = 1 Foot. Fireplace Mr. Rutt's Office, Sidewall Mr. Gardner's Office, Fire Place Mr. Gardner's Office Wall Opposite Fire Place Mr. Gardner's Office, Floor Plan, F.S. Office Place Shelf, F.S. of Mldg. About Stone Facing, Sidewall Mr. Gardner's office, Fire Place Mr. Rutt's Office, Sidewall Mr. Gardner's Office, Fire Place Mr. Gardner's Office, Wall Opposite Mr. Gardner's Office, F.S. of Moulded Top on Granite Fire Place, Floor Plan, F.S. of Panel RIb., F.S. of Fire Place Shelf, F.S. of Trim Around Stone, F.S. of Cornice Mldg, Sidewall of Mr. Gardner's Office. File No. 505. Sheet No. 2. 10 February 1930.
Alterations to Factory. Scale Varies. New Sash & Frame, Detail of Entrance Door & Frame, Right Side Elevation, First Floor Plan, Detail of Brick Cornice on Main Entrance Doorway. File No. 505. Sheet No. 1. 10 February 1930.
Heating Plans. Scale: 1/8" = 1 Foot. Basement Plan, First Floor Plan, Second Floor Plan. File No. 4367. 5 June 1929.
Blueprint for DeWalt Products Corporation (BLUE_F068_DeWalt)
Notes
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please make an appointment by contacting the Research Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
Collection may be photographed. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this collection must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by JP, Summer 2013. Add to database 14 October 2023.
Jay Advertising Company. Columbia Pike, Lancaster, PA. Henry Y. Shaub. Registered Architect. 14 December 1939.
Office and Plant. Scale: 1/8" = 1 Foot. Basement & Foundation Plan, Fist Floor Plan, Rear Elevation, Front Elevation, Right Side Elevation, Cross Section Looking Towards Office, Windows, Sill at Car Storage, Entrance Hood. File No. 720. 14 December 1939.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please make an appointment by contacting the Research Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
Collection may be photographed. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this collection must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by JP, Summer 2013. Add to database 14 October 2023.
Blueprint for office and warehouse for R. W. Cummings
Description
Mr. R. W. Cummings. Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA. Henry Y. Shaub. Registered Architect. 17 November 1930.
Office and Warehouse. Scale Varies. Detail of Wood Letters, Basement Plan, First Floor Plan, Right Side Elevation, Left Side Elevation, Rear Elevation, Front Elevation, Section AA, Section BB, Plan of Metal Hood, Plan of Doorway, Plan of Show Window, Windows, Storage Shed. File No. 524. Sheet No. 1. 17 November 1930.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please make an appointment by contacting the Research Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
Collection may be photographed. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this collection must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by JP, Summer 2013. Add to database 15 October 2023.
Guaranty Construction Co. Grand View Heights, Lancaster, PA. Henry Y. Shaub. Registered Architect. 20 August 1935.
Triple House. Scale: 1/4" = 1 Foot. Basement Plan, First Floor Plan, Second Floor Plan, Front Elevation, Right Side Elevation, Left Side Elevation. File No. 611. Sheet No. 1-5. 20 August 1935.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please make an appointment by contacting the Research Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
Collection may be photographed. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this collection must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by JP, Summer 2013. Add to database 15 October 2023.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please make an appointment by contacting the Research Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
Collection may be photographed. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this collection must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by JP, Summer 2013. Add to database 15 October 2023.
A. B. Rote. Orange & Lime Sts., Lancaster, PA. Henry Y. Shaub. Registered Architect.
Alterations to House. Scale: 1/4" = 1 Foot. Plan of Basement Floor, Plan of First Floor, Plan of Second Floor, Plan of Third Floor. File No. 662. Sheet No. 1-3. 11 December 1937.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please make an appointment by contacting the Research Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
Collection may be photographed. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this collection must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by JP, Summer 2013. Add to database 18 October 2023.
Blueprint for alterations and additions to building for Dr. Snyder and Dr. Byerly
Description
Dr. C. V. Snyder and Dr. Paul R. Byerly. 219 E. Orange Street, Lancaster, PA. Henry Y. Shaub. Registered Architect.
Alterations and Additions to Building. Scale: 1/4" = 1 Foot. Basement Plan, First Floor Plan, Second Floor Plan, Third Floor Plan. File No. 618. Sheet No. 1-2. 30 January 1936.
Admin/Biographical History
Dr. Snyder (1887-1968) and Dr. Byerly (1877-1976) were dentists in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please make an appointment by contacting the Research Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
Collection may be photographed. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this collection must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by JP, Summer 2013. Add to database 18 October 2023.
Blueprint for alterations and additions to building for The Hamilton Mews
Description
The Hamilton Mews. East Orange St., Lancaster, PA. Henry Y. Shaub. Registered Architect.
Alterations and Additions to Building. Scale Varies. Floor Plan, Plan of Fire Place, Details of Fire Place, Elevation of Fire Place, Basement Plan, Section Elevation, Roof & Yard Plan, Cross Section West Elevation, East Elevation, South Elevation, Longitudinal Section, Cross Section of Alleys, Section of Pit, Detail BB, Detail Section A, Details. File No. 664. Sheet No. 1. 25 January 1938.
Admin/Biographical History
The Hamilton Mews was a tea room that opened in March 1938. It was operated by Miss Laura Watt and Mrs. Julia Garwood McVey.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please make an appointment by contacting the Research Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
Collection may be photographed. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this collection must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by JP, Summer 2013. Add to database 23 October 2023.
Blueprint for alterations to the carriage house at Wheatland
Description
Junior League. Lancaster, PA. Henry Y. Shaub. Registered Architect.
Alterations and Additions to Stables at Wheatland. Scale: 1/4" = 1 Foot. Plan of First Floor, Plan of Second Floor, Plan of Basement Floor, South Elevation, East Elevation, Elevation of South Wall of Auditorium, Exterior Elevation, Details, West Elevation, Section Through Fire Place. File No. 631. Sheet No. 1. 20 June 1936.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please make an appointment by contacting the Research Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
Collection may be photographed. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this collection must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by JP, Summer 2013. Add to database 23 October 2023.
Blueprint for alterations to Phi Kappa Tau fraternity house
Description
Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity. 605 College Ave., Lancaster, PA. Henry Y. Shaub. Registered Architect.
Alterations to House. Scale Varies. Typical Column Detail in Chapter Rm., Basement Plan, Third Floor Plan, Elevation of Fire Place in Chapter Room, First Floor Plan, Second Floor Plan, North Elevation, South Elevation, East Elevation, West Elevation of Porch. File No. 526. Sheet No. 1-3. 15 December 1930.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please make an appointment by contacting the Research Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
Collection may be photographed. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this collection must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by JP, Summer 2013. Add to database 23 October 2023.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please make an appointment by contacting the Research Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
Collection may be photographed. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this collection must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by JP, Summer 2013. Add to database 23 October 2023.
Blueprints for alterations and additions (BLUE_F013_DrMcNinch)
Notes
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please make an appointment by contacting the Research Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
Collection may be photographed. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this collection must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by JP, Summer 2013. Add to database 23 October 2023.
