28 May photographic study of recycled elmslie ornament: claude and starck’s prairie style 1915 lincoln school
recent exterior photographic survey of claude and starck’s yellow brick and white glazed terra cotta lincoln school (1915) located at 728 e. gorham st. in madison, wi.
the school operated until 1963, followed by the madison arts center. the building was converted into apartments in 1985.
the terra cotta ornament is strikingly similar to purcell and elmslie’s merchants national bank (1912) located in winona, mn. claude and starck were likely given permission by purcell and elmslie to use the winona bank’s terra cotta molds (albeit slightly altered – both in design and finish) for use on their school.
the ornament was likely executed by kristian schneider for the american terra cotta company, chicago, il.
