[Missouri]. [Architecture]

[Group of Plans and Descriptions for a Library and Recreational Building at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis]

[St. Louis: 1890]. Four items, including two blueprint designs, measuring approximately 27 x 18 and 23 x 12.5 inches respectively. Folded, bradded at upper left corner. One-inch closed tear along fold from lower edge of larger blueprint. Otherwise, minor wear, toning, and dust soiling. About very good. Item #5897

An interesting group of documents that together comprise a plan and contract for the construction in 1890 of a library addition to the canteen building at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. Jefferson Barracks, south of St. Louis near the town of Lemay, is the oldest operating military installation west of the Mississippi River, established by William Clark in 1826. The station holds a distinguished history as a camp and training ground in several American conflicts, and in the present day, it is a station for the Army and Air National Guard.

Present here are a contract form, completed in manuscript; printed specifications regarding materials and labor; and two blueprint plans for the proposed library project. The contract, agreed between the station Quartermaster, Captain H.B. Osgood, and the architect, William Gaffney on July 30, 1890, states that, "The said party of the second part shall enter upon said work immediately, carry it on as expeditiously as possible, and complete the same within sixty (60) working days," in exchange for the sum of $1548. A printed leaflet, distributed prior to potential bidders on the project, provides "Specifications of Labor and Material," such as the requirements for materials and expectation of time frame, as well as the expectation that everything be supplied by the contractor. Of greatest interest are the two blueprints, the smaller of which shows a front elevation of the canteen building with the proposed addition on the left. The larger provides a detailed floor plan of the building.

Price: $750.00