14 Feb additional john edelmann-designed hand carved mahogany wood plinth block from strauss house joins bldg. 51 museum collection
February 14, 2023
in Bldg. 51, Events & Announcements, Featured Posts, Miscellaneous, New Acquisitions, New Products
the bldg. 51 chicago building artifact museum acquired yet another (and more complete) john edelmann-designed hand carved walnut wood interior residential door surround block and plinth salvaged in 1959-60 from the levi strauss house (1860s, 1880 remodel).
the house’s interior ornament – all designed by john edelmann during the 1880 remodel – was documented and salvaged by richard nickel, david norris, and john vinci. other examples can be found in private collections in and around chicago. the carved mahogany wood block, molding and plinth assemblage was stripped and refinished long ago.
the levi strauss house as documented by richard nickel shortly before demolition in 1959-60:
