Construction of the Minnesota State Capitol: Difference between revisions
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The Commission comprised several prominent citizens representing different regions of Minnesota. From Winona was banker Henry Wilson Lamberton. James McHench was a farmer from Martin County. Edgar Weaver sold farming tools and equipment in Mankato. George A. DuToit was a banker and agricultural entrepreneur from [[Chaska, Minnesota|Chaska]]. Manufacturer and banker John DaLaittre was from Minneapolis. Major Charles W. Graves of Duluth was a shipper and a diplomat. From Fergus Falls came Eben E. Corliss, an attorney. Finally, President of the Commission Channing Seabury was owner of a wholesale grocery business from St. Paul. |
The Commission comprised several prominent citizens representing different regions of Minnesota. From Winona was banker Henry Wilson Lamberton. James McHench was a farmer from Martin County. Edgar Weaver sold farming tools and equipment in Mankato. George A. DuToit was a banker and agricultural entrepreneur from [[Chaska, Minnesota|Chaska]]. Manufacturer and banker John DaLaittre was from Minneapolis. Major Charles W. Graves of Duluth was a shipper and a diplomat. From Fergus Falls came Eben E. Corliss, an attorney. Finally, President of the Commission Channing Seabury was owner of a wholesale grocery business from St. Paul. |
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Vice President of the Board of Commissioners Channing Seabury was the ''de facto'' head of the Board. Seabury, a St. Paul resident and businessman, lead the Commission's efforts to lobby for funds from the legislature. The Governor served as the honorary President but generally let the Commission go about its business without intervention.<ref name=Thompson /> |
Vice President of the Board of Commissioners Channing Seabury was the ''de facto'' head of the Board. Seabury, a St. Paul resident and businessman, lead the Commission's efforts to lobby for funds from the legislature. The Governor served as the honorary President but generally let the Commission go about its business without intervention.<ref name=Thompson />{{rp|5-6}} |
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=== Selecting the site === |
=== Selecting the site === |
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==Construction== |
==Construction== |
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===Construction Commences=== |
===Construction Commences=== |
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[[File:Breaking ground Ceremony MN State Capitol 1896.jpg|thumb|Breaking ground Ceremony Minnesota State Capitol 1896]]Construction began on May 6, 1896, with George J. Grant selected for excavation and foundations. The first stone for the foundation was laid on June 23 of the same year. The foundation construction went very quickly, with it entirely completed by November 24.<ref name=Seabury2 /> When large stone blocks or iron girders needed moving, steam-powered cranes and hoists were relied on for use. Additionally, shaping the stone required the use of steam-powered drills, pneumatic chisels, channeling, and polishing machines.<ref name= |
[[File:Breaking ground Ceremony MN State Capitol 1896.jpg|thumb|Breaking ground Ceremony Minnesota State Capitol 1896]]Construction began on May 6, 1896, with George J. Grant selected for excavation and foundations. The first stone for the foundation was laid on June 23 of the same year. The foundation construction went very quickly, with it entirely completed by November 24.<ref name=Seabury2 /> When large stone blocks or iron girders needed moving, steam-powered cranes and hoists were relied on for use. Additionally, shaping the stone required the use of steam-powered drills, pneumatic chisels, channeling, and polishing machines.<ref name=Croce /> |
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Universal Construction of Chicago was selected to erect the steel structure of the ground floor in October of the same year, with construction completed by the time the Second Report was submitted, on January 1, 1897. Gilbert noted that it was done thirty percent below estimate, due to very low costs of steel at the time.<ref name=Seabury2 /> |
Universal Construction of Chicago was selected to erect the steel structure of the ground floor in October of the same year, with construction completed by the time the Second Report was submitted, on January 1, 1897. Gilbert noted that it was done thirty percent below estimate, due to very low costs of steel at the time.<ref name=Seabury2 /> |
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The final report of the Commission, issued January 1, 1907 concluded the work the Commissioners. They note that everything left unfinished at the time of the previous report had been completed. |
The final report of the Commission, issued January 1, 1907 concluded the work the Commissioners. They note that everything left unfinished at the time of the previous report had been completed. |
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Of significance is the follow up to their previous request for permanent care of the Capitol. The legislature authorized sixty thousand dollars a year, and the Commission created a staff and budget they believed sufficient to the purpose of maintenance, but added two additional requests; that an additional ten thousand dollars for contingencies should be allotted, and that a non-partisan body should be set up with full authority to make decisions regarding expenditure of these funds.<ref |
Of significance is the follow up to their previous request for permanent care of the Capitol. The legislature authorized sixty thousand dollars a year, and the Commission created a staff and budget they believed sufficient to the purpose of maintenance, but added two additional requests; that an additional ten thousand dollars for contingencies should be allotted, and that a non-partisan body should be set up with full authority to make decisions regarding expenditure of these funds.<ref name=Seabury7 />{{rp|9}} |
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Due to funding constraints the Commission had to omit things they have hoped to complete which included the following: |
Due to funding constraints the Commission had to omit things they have hoped to complete which included the following: |
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* Two more pictures, for entrance to Governor's reception room (later completed) |
* Two more pictures, for entrance to Governor's reception room (later completed) |
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* Statues of "men prominent in the history of our State", for niches inside building (later completed) |
* Statues of "men prominent in the history of our State", for niches inside building (later completed) |
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* Statuary on cornice of the building |
* Statuary on cornice of the building<ref name=Seabury7 />{{rp|7}} |
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=== Public Outreach and Input === |
=== Public Outreach and Input === |
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== Workers on the Capitol == |
== Workers on the Capitol == |
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[[File:Minnesota State Capitol Woodworkers Toolbox Historical Society.jpg|thumb|Carpenter's tools used by William Martin Knudsen in the building of the State Capitol]]Since construction began on the [[Minnesota Capitol]] in 1896, hundreds of workers worked to help complete the statehouse in 1907. While names of the Capitol Commissioners and architect [[Cass Gilbert]], as well as his associates, were cast onto a bronze plate, the building's craftsmanship work, was done by workers who largely have been forgotten. This mainly immigrant workforce used hand tools, with skills for the most part not practiced by today's construction trades workers.<ref name="whobuilt" /> |
[[File:Minnesota State Capitol Woodworkers Toolbox Historical Society.jpg|thumb|Carpenter's tools used by William Martin Knudsen in the building of the State Capitol]]Since construction began on the [[Minnesota Capitol]] in 1896, hundreds of workers worked to help complete the statehouse in 1907. While names of the Capitol Commissioners and architect [[Cass Gilbert]], as well as his associates, were cast onto a bronze plate, the building's craftsmanship work, was done by workers who largely have been forgotten. This mainly immigrant workforce used hand tools, with skills for the most part not practiced by today's construction trades workers.<ref name="whobuilt" /> |
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A labor strike in January 1902 interrupted work on the Capitol. Stonemasons went on strike for ten weeks, allegedly to protest a blacksmith on the job site that was non-union.<ref |
A labor strike in January 1902 interrupted work on the Capitol. Stonemasons went on strike for ten weeks, allegedly to protest a blacksmith on the job site that was non-union.<ref name=Seabury5 />{{rp|5}} |
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The Commission pointed out, that by soliciting and then rejecting all bids from contractors, it was in danger of creating a reputation, that would lead to fewer applicants. For this reason, the Commission let through several contracts that were somewhat higher than estimated, including metal furring and lathing, plastering, and ornamental ironwork.<ref |
The Commission pointed out, that by soliciting and then rejecting all bids from contractors, it was in danger of creating a reputation, that would lead to fewer applicants. For this reason, the Commission let through several contracts that were somewhat higher than estimated, including metal furring and lathing, plastering, and ornamental ironwork.<ref name=Seabury5 />{{rp|5-6}} |
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The rise in prices was called unprecedented. The Capitol in Iowa, which the Commissioners frequently used as a point of comparison, was completed twenty years previously, with an average wage for skilled labor of $2.50 to $3 for a ten-hour work-day. The 1901 prices for the same worker for an eight-hour day were now $3.60 to $5. The eight-hour workday wouldn't be officially enacted until 1937. This can be viewed as another indication of the power of Union labor in Minnesota at the time.<ref |
The rise in prices was called unprecedented. The Capitol in Iowa, which the Commissioners frequently used as a point of comparison, was completed twenty years previously, with an average wage for skilled labor of $2.50 to $3 for a ten-hour work-day. The 1901 prices for the same worker for an eight-hour day were now $3.60 to $5. The eight-hour workday wouldn't be officially enacted until 1937. This can be viewed as another indication of the power of Union labor in Minnesota at the time.<ref name=Seabury5 />{{rp|7-8}} |
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The following is a sampling from just a few of the known workers that built the Capitol. |
The following is a sampling from just a few of the known workers that built the Capitol. |
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[[File:Stonemason_Nils_Nelson.jpg|left|thumb|Stonemason at the Capitol, likely Nils Nelson]] |
[[File:Stonemason_Nils_Nelson.jpg|left|thumb|Stonemason at the Capitol, likely Nils Nelson]] |
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Nils Nilsson, born in [[Sweden]] in 1864, he worked for Butler-Ryan Co., contractors for the superstructure and finish of the Capitol, as a [[stone mason|mason]]. As their chief [[Stonemasonry|stone mason]], Nelson and his crew set 75% of all the stone in the building. As the statehouse neared completion, the [[Pioneer Press]] newspaper published an article on Nelson as the building neared completion. The article hailed him as the "Man Who Actually Built Capitol." In April 1902, Nelson slipped on some gravel when he was setting the marble at the top of the dome. As he was sliding down the dome he caught himself on one of the [[dormer]]s and narrowly avoided falling to his death.<ref |
Nils Nilsson, born in [[Sweden]] in 1864, he worked for Butler-Ryan Co., contractors for the superstructure and finish of the Capitol, as a [[stone mason|mason]]. As their chief [[Stonemasonry|stone mason]], Nelson and his crew set 75% of all the stone in the building. As the statehouse neared completion, the [[Pioneer Press]] newspaper published an article on Nelson as the building neared completion. The article hailed him as the "Man Who Actually Built Capitol." In April 1902, Nelson slipped on some gravel when he was setting the marble at the top of the dome. As he was sliding down the dome he caught himself on one of the [[dormer]]s and narrowly avoided falling to his death.<ref name=NilsNelson /><ref name=ManWhoBuiltCapitol /> |
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[[File:Tile layers constructing the inner layer of the Minnesota Capitol dome.jpg|thumb|[[Guastavino tile]] layers construct the inner layer of the Capitol dome]]Raphael Guastavino III designed the fireproof tiles used in the Capitol's vaulted ceilings and supervised the tile work at the State Capitol. His family's Guastavino tile arch system building technique, developed in Spain and introduced to the United States in 1885 by his father, architect and builder [[Rafael Guastavino]], was used not only on the Minnesota State Capitol but in buildings all over the country including notable buildings in New York City like the Great Hall in the Main Building at [[Ellis Island]], [[Carnegie Hall]], [[Grand Central Station]], and [[Grant's Tomb]].<ref |
[[File:Tile layers constructing the inner layer of the Minnesota Capitol dome.jpg|thumb|[[Guastavino tile]] layers construct the inner layer of the Capitol dome]]Raphael Guastavino III designed the fireproof tiles used in the Capitol's vaulted ceilings and supervised the tile work at the State Capitol. His family's Guastavino tile arch system building technique, developed in Spain and introduced to the United States in 1885 by his father, architect and builder [[Rafael Guastavino]], was used not only on the Minnesota State Capitol but in buildings all over the country including notable buildings in New York City like the Great Hall in the Main Building at [[Ellis Island]], [[Carnegie Hall]], [[Grand Central Station]], and [[Grant's Tomb]].<ref name="Raphael J. Guastavino" /> |
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[[File:Casivillebullardfamily.jpg|thumb|Casiville Bullard Family]] Casiville Bullard was a stonemason and [[bricklayer]] by trade. He was sought after for his skills since it was rare to find a laborer proficient at both brick and stonework. Born in [[Tennessee]] in 1871 and the son of formerly enslaved persons, he was the eldest in a family of seven children. As a child, he picked [[cotton]] with his parents and was instructed in bricklaying and masonry by an uncle, becoming skilled at laying brick, marble, and granite. He moved to [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|St. Paul]] in the late 19th century to work on the Minnesota State Capitol Building. Bullard was a member of the Bricklayers Local #1, which was highly unusual for an African American of his time. He likely became a member in Tennessee and received a traveling card to join the local in St. Paul when he moved to the city. Like Bullard, work on the State Capitol attracted African American stonecutters, stonemasons, bricklayers, and other skilled laborers to St. Paul. Around twenty skilled Capitol craftsmen were African American.<ref |
[[File:Casivillebullardfamily.jpg|thumb|Casiville Bullard Family]] Casiville Bullard was a stonemason and [[bricklayer]] by trade. He was sought after for his skills since it was rare to find a laborer proficient at both brick and stonework. Born in [[Tennessee]] in 1871 and the son of formerly enslaved persons, he was the eldest in a family of seven children. As a child, he picked [[cotton]] with his parents and was instructed in bricklaying and masonry by an uncle, becoming skilled at laying brick, marble, and granite. He moved to [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|St. Paul]] in the late 19th century to work on the Minnesota State Capitol Building. Bullard was a member of the Bricklayers Local #1, which was highly unusual for an African American of his time. He likely became a member in Tennessee and received a traveling card to join the local in St. Paul when he moved to the city. Like Bullard, work on the State Capitol attracted African American stonecutters, stonemasons, bricklayers, and other skilled laborers to St. Paul. Around twenty skilled Capitol craftsmen were African American.<ref name=Huber /><ref name=Randolph /><ref name=Croce /><ref name=placeography /> |
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William Knudsen was born in Norway in 1859 and immigrated to America in 1882. Knudsen worked as a carpenter and was a member of Carpenters Local 87. His toolbox and tools are in the collection of the Minnesota Historical Society. He is listed in the St. Paul City Directories as working for St. Paul Building Co. While working on the Capitol it is likely he was a subcontractor for Butler-Ryan Co., the contractors for the Capitol.<ref |
William Knudsen was born in Norway in 1859 and immigrated to America in 1882. Knudsen worked as a carpenter and was a member of Carpenters Local 87. His toolbox and tools are in the collection of the Minnesota Historical Society. He is listed in the St. Paul City Directories as working for St. Paul Building Co. While working on the Capitol it is likely he was a subcontractor for Butler-Ryan Co., the contractors for the Capitol.<ref name="William Martin Knudsen" /> |
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[[File:Statue_Bounty_being_lowered_in_place_on_the_Minnesota_State_Capitol.jpg|thumb|The Virtue statue "Bounty" is being lowered in place on the Capitol. The man with the pipe is likely Nils Nelson]] Frederick Purdy, a Journeymen Stonecutters Union member, was one of two partners of the [[Chicago]]-based firm, Purdy and Hutcheson, which sub-contracted carving the ornamental stone at the statehouse. Born in [[England]] in 1855, Purdy immigrated to the U.S. in 1886. His firm was contracted to carve six sculptures based on the models of the "Virtues" created by [[Daniel Chester French]] that were placed above the main entrance to the Capitol. Stonecutters William Hutcheson and Albert Corwin were among the stonecutters that rendered the "Virtues" in marble. The statues in place today are replicas locally carved in 1975–79 to replace the originals which had suffered significant deterioration from weathering and pollution.<ref |
[[File:Statue_Bounty_being_lowered_in_place_on_the_Minnesota_State_Capitol.jpg|thumb|The Virtue statue "Bounty" is being lowered in place on the Capitol. The man with the pipe is likely Nils Nelson]] Frederick Purdy, a Journeymen Stonecutters Union member, was one of two partners of the [[Chicago]]-based firm, Purdy and Hutcheson, which sub-contracted carving the ornamental stone at the statehouse. Born in [[England]] in 1855, Purdy immigrated to the U.S. in 1886. His firm was contracted to carve six sculptures based on the models of the "Virtues" created by [[Daniel Chester French]] that were placed above the main entrance to the Capitol. Stonecutters William Hutcheson and Albert Corwin were among the stonecutters that rendered the "Virtues" in marble. The statues in place today are replicas locally carved in 1975–79 to replace the originals which had suffered significant deterioration from weathering and pollution.<ref name=VanishedVirtues /> |
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[[File:Decorators of the Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|left|thumb|Decorative artists of the Minnesota State Capitol. Person 2nd from left, front row likely Elmer Garnsey.]]Elmer Garnsey came to Minnesota from his New York base in the summer of 1903 to work as the chief decorator for the Capitol interior, the same position he had at the Library of Congress, which had 19 artists working on 112 murals. As the director of decoration for the Minnesota State Capitol Garnsey's role was to determine different color schemes, designs and motifs for the various spaces decorated with artwork. Garnsey coordinated the work of painters/decorators in all parts of Minnesota's statehouse, and also designed paintings for the stairway halls and legislative chambers. Garnsey belonged to the Mural Painters Society which was founded on March 26, 1895 for those artists who specialized in paint, stained glass, mosaic and tapestry as applied to architecture. |
[[File:Decorators of the Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|left|thumb|Decorative artists of the Minnesota State Capitol. Person 2nd from left, front row likely Elmer Garnsey.]]Elmer Garnsey came to Minnesota from his New York base in the summer of 1903 to work as the chief decorator for the Capitol interior, the same position he had at the Library of Congress, which had 19 artists working on 112 murals. As the director of decoration for the Minnesota State Capitol Garnsey's role was to determine different color schemes, designs and motifs for the various spaces decorated with artwork. Garnsey coordinated the work of painters/decorators in all parts of Minnesota's statehouse, and also designed paintings for the stairway halls and legislative chambers. Garnsey belonged to the Mural Painters Society which was founded on March 26, 1895 for those artists who specialized in paint, stained glass, mosaic and tapestry as applied to architecture. |
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The Painters/decorators who worked on the Capitol typically would have belonged to professional organizations such as the Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of America, founded on March 15, 1887. Together with the Mural Painters Society, were an attempt to educate craftsman and bring them together as a group.<ref |
The Painters/decorators who worked on the Capitol typically would have belonged to professional organizations such as the Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of America, founded on March 15, 1887. Together with the Mural Painters Society, were an attempt to educate craftsman and bring them together as a group.<ref name=Marconi /><ref name="O'Sullivan" /><ref name=Thompson />{{88–89}} |
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Less is known about women who contributed to the construction of the State Capitol. Very few were employed relative to the many men working at the Capitol. US census records and entries in payroll offer some of the few details that can be found. Some of the jobs women occupied while working at the Capitol were in the contractors’ office, and as drapery [[seamstress]]es. A [[New York (state)|New York]] woman was a co-owner of a company that manufactured furniture for the statehouse. |
Less is known about women who contributed to the construction of the State Capitol. Very few were employed relative to the many men working at the Capitol. US census records and entries in payroll offer some of the few details that can be found. Some of the jobs women occupied while working at the Capitol were in the contractors’ office, and as drapery [[seamstress]]es. A [[New York (state)|New York]] woman was a co-owner of a company that manufactured furniture for the statehouse. |
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Sarah Constant came from Saint Louis, Missouri with her spouse Paul but was widowed leaving her with a son Paul and her daughter Sadie. Payroll records list Sarah as a cleaner. While it was hard work it paid better than most occupations for the women earned $1.50 a day for a 9- or 10-hour day – .25 cents a day less than men doing janitorial/cleaning work. |
Sarah Constant came from Saint Louis, Missouri with her spouse Paul but was widowed leaving her with a son Paul and her daughter Sadie. Payroll records list Sarah as a cleaner. While it was hard work it paid better than most occupations for the women earned $1.50 a day for a 9- or 10-hour day – .25 cents a day less than men doing janitorial/cleaning work. |
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Josephine Sheeran, and her daughter Jennie lived near by at the House of the Good Shepard - a Catholic home for "indigent women and orphaned girls."<ref>{{Cite web|last=University of Minnesota|first=Labor Education Service|date=|title=Women|url=https://www.whobuiltourcapitol.org/node/1383|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305092857/https://www.whobuiltourcapitol.org/node/1383|archive-date=March 5, 2021|access-date=2021-02-05|website=Who Built Our Capitol?}}</ref><ref |
Josephine Sheeran, and her daughter Jennie lived near by at the House of the Good Shepard - a Catholic home for "indigent women and orphaned girls."<ref>{{Cite web|last=University of Minnesota|first=Labor Education Service|date=|title=Women|url=https://www.whobuiltourcapitol.org/node/1383|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305092857/https://www.whobuiltourcapitol.org/node/1383|archive-date=March 5, 2021|access-date=2021-02-05|website=Who Built Our Capitol?}}</ref><ref name=tradeswomen /> |
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===Workers killed and injured during State Capitol construction=== |
===Workers killed and injured during State Capitol construction=== |
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<ref name=Christen>{{Cite book |last=Christen |first=Barbara S. |title=Cass Gilbert, Life and Work: Architect of the Public Domain|publisher=W. W. Norton & Company |year=2001|isbn=0393730654|pages=90}}</ref> |
<ref name=Christen>{{Cite book |last=Christen |first=Barbara S. |title=Cass Gilbert, Life and Work: Architect of the Public Domain|publisher=W. W. Norton & Company |year=2001|isbn=0393730654|pages=90}}</ref> |
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<ref name=Croce>{{Cite web|last=Croce|first=Randy|date=2013–2017|title=Who Built Our Capitol? Documentary Script |url=https://www.whobuiltourcapitol.org/node/1526|url-status=live|access-date=2021-02-23|website=Who Built our Capitol?|archive-date=August 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821191041/https://www.whobuiltourcapitol.org/node/1526}}</ref> |
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<ref name=Dunn>Dunn, Robert C., Report of the Investigation of the Capitol Commission by the Committee on Public Accounts and Expenditures. January 1903. McGill-Warner. Pg 31</ref> |
<ref name=Dunn>Dunn, Robert C., Report of the Investigation of the Capitol Commission by the Committee on Public Accounts and Expenditures. January 1903. McGill-Warner. Pg 31</ref> |
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<ref name=Gauthier>{{Cite book |last=Gauthier |first=Julie C.|url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Minnesota_Capitol/X2sTAAAAYAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0|title=The Minnesota Capitol Official Guide and History|publisher=The Pioneer Company Printers|year=1912|edition=3rd|location=St. Paul, Minnesota |pages=72 |access-date=January 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105222314/https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Minnesota_Capitol/X2sTAAAAYAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0|archive-date=January 5, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> |
<ref name=Gauthier>{{Cite book |last=Gauthier |first=Julie C.|url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Minnesota_Capitol/X2sTAAAAYAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0|title=The Minnesota Capitol Official Guide and History|publisher=The Pioneer Company Printers|year=1912|edition=3rd|location=St. Paul, Minnesota |pages=72 |access-date=January 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105222314/https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Minnesota_Capitol/X2sTAAAAYAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0|archive-date=January 5, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name=Huber>{{Cite web|last=Huber|first=Molly|date=2018-01-08|title=Casiville Bullard House, St. Paul |url=https://www.mnopedia.org/structure/casiville-bullard-house-st-paul|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215020351/https://www.mnopedia.org/structure/casiville-bullard-house-st-paul|archive-date=February 15, 2021|access-date=2021-02-09|website=MNOpedia}} [[File:CC-BY icon.svg|50px]] Material was copied from this source, which is available under a [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported. License] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110222170930/http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ |date=February 22, 2011 }}</ref> |
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<ref name=ManWhoBuiltCapitol>{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=1904-12-31|title=Man Who Actually Built Capitol|page=7|work=Pioneer Press|url=|url-status=live|access-date=}}</ref> |
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<ref name=Marconi>Marconi, Emma. (2012). American Decorative Stenciling: 1840 to 1940. [Doctoral dissertation, Columbia University, New York City, New York].</ref> |
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<ref name=NilsNelson>{{Cite web|last=University of Minnesota|first=Labor Education Service|date=|title=Nils Nelson|url=https://www.whobuiltourcapitol.org/persons/nils-nelson|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203225929/https://www.whobuiltourcapitol.org/persons/nils-nelson|archive-date=February 3, 2021|access-date=2021-02-05|website=Who Built Our Capitol?}}</ref> |
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<ref name=Pease>{{Cite web|last=Pease|first=Brian|date=December 8, 2021|title=Minnesota's Third State Capitol |url=https://www.mnopedia.org/structure/minnesota-s-third-state-capitol|url-status=live|access-date=2022-01-16|website=MNOpedia|archive-date=March 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307171604/https://www.mnopedia.org/structure/minnesota-s-third-state-capitol}}</ref> |
<ref name=Pease>{{Cite web|last=Pease|first=Brian|date=December 8, 2021|title=Minnesota's Third State Capitol |url=https://www.mnopedia.org/structure/minnesota-s-third-state-capitol|url-status=live|access-date=2022-01-16|website=MNOpedia|archive-date=March 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307171604/https://www.mnopedia.org/structure/minnesota-s-third-state-capitol}}</ref> |
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<ref name=placeography>{{Cite web|title=Casiville Bullard Home, 1282 Folsom Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota - Placeography|url=http://www.placeography.org/index.php/Casiville_Bullard_Home,_1282_Folsom_Street,_Saint_Paul,_Minnesota|access-date=2021-07-12 |website=www.placeography.org |archive-date=February 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215020757/http://www.placeography.org/index.php/Casiville_Bullard_Home,_1282_Folsom_Street,_Saint_Paul,_Minnesota|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name=Randolph>{{Cite web|last=Randolph|first=Toni|date=2005-02-15|title=Black tradesmen helped build Minnesota's State Capitol |url=http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/02/21_randolpht_blackcapitol/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-02-23|website=Minnesota Public Radio |archive-date=February 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224092352/http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/02/21_randolpht_blackcapitol/}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Raphael J. Guastavino">{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2017|title=Raphael J. Guastavino |url=https://whobuiltourcapitol.advantagelabs.com/persons/raphael-j-guastavino |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213113919/https://whobuiltourcapitol.advantagelabs.com/persons/raphael-j-guastavino|archive-date=February 13, 2021 |access-date=2021-02-09 |website=Who Built Our Capitol - Labor Education Service, University of Minnesota}}</ref> |
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<ref name=Rodgers>{{Cite journal|last=Rodgers|first=Charles|date=2012|title=Time Pieces |url=https://www.mnhs.org/market/mhspress/minnesotahistory/xml/v63i03.xml|journal=Minnesota History|publisher=Minnesota Historical Society |volume=63 |pages=inside-front |access-date=January 16, 2022 |archive-date=January 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220116071146/https://www.mnhs.org/market/mhspress/minnesotahistory/xml/v63i03.xml|url-status=live}}</ref> |
<ref name=Rodgers>{{Cite journal|last=Rodgers|first=Charles|date=2012|title=Time Pieces |url=https://www.mnhs.org/market/mhspress/minnesotahistory/xml/v63i03.xml|journal=Minnesota History|publisher=Minnesota Historical Society |volume=63 |pages=inside-front |access-date=January 16, 2022 |archive-date=January 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220116071146/https://www.mnhs.org/market/mhspress/minnesotahistory/xml/v63i03.xml|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name=Seabury4>Seabury, Channing, Fourth Biennial Report of the Minnesota Board of State Capitol Commissioners. January 1, 1901. Pioneer Press company, state printers.</ref> |
<ref name=Seabury4>Seabury, Channing, Fourth Biennial Report of the Minnesota Board of State Capitol Commissioners. January 1, 1901. Pioneer Press company, state printers.</ref> |
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<ref name=Seabury5>Seabury, Channing, Fifth Biennial Report of the Minnesota Board of State Capitol Commissioners. January 1, 1903. Pioneer Press company, state printers. Pg 5.</ref> |
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<ref name=Seabury6>Seabury, Channing, Sixth Biennial Report of the Minnesota Board of State Capitol Commissioners. January 1st 1905. Pioneer Press company, state printers. Pg 4</ref> |
<ref name=Seabury6>Seabury, Channing, Sixth Biennial Report of the Minnesota Board of State Capitol Commissioners. January 1st 1905. Pioneer Press company, state printers. Pg 4</ref> |
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<ref name=Seabury7>Seabury, Channing, Seventh Biennial Report of the Minnesota Board of State Capitol Commissioners. January 1, 1901.</ref> |
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<ref name=Thompson>{{Cite book|last=Thompson|first=Neil B.|title=Minnesota State Capitol: The Art and Politics of a Public Building |publisher=Minnesota Historical Society Press|year=2005|isbn=0-87351-085-2}}</ref> |
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<ref name=tradeswomen>{{Cite web|last=Labor Education Service|first=University of Minnesota|date=|title=Show on tradeswomen and original builders at Capitol |url=https://www.whobuiltourcapitol.org/articles/show-tradeswomen-and-original-builders-capitol|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305103135/https://www.whobuiltourcapitol.org/articles/show-tradeswomen-and-original-builders-capitol|archive-date=March 5, 2021|access-date=2021-02-05|website=Who Built Our Capitol?}}</ref> |
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<ref name=VanishedVirtues>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Vanished Virtues|url=https://furnishings.cassgilbertsociety.org/story/virtues-fragments|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423021347/https://furnishings.cassgilbertsociety.org/story/virtues-fragments|archive-date=April 23, 2021 |access-date=2021-02-05 |website=Minnesota Capitol Furnishings}}</ref> |
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<ref name=WesternArchitect>{{Cite journal|date=October 1905|title=The New Minnesota State Capitol at St. Paul. |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Western_Architect/y0sMAQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=%22The+Western+Architect%22+%22The+New+Minnesota+State+Capitol+at+St.+Paul%22&pg=PA5&printsec=frontcover|journal=The Western Architect |volume=5 |pages=5–46 |access-date=January 16, 2022|archive-date=August 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821191037/https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Western_Architect/y0sMAQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=%22The+Western+Architect%22+%22The+New+Minnesota+State+Capitol+at+St.+Paul%22&pg=PA5&printsec=frontcover|url-status=live}}</ref> |
<ref name=WesternArchitect>{{Cite journal|date=October 1905|title=The New Minnesota State Capitol at St. Paul. |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Western_Architect/y0sMAQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=%22The+Western+Architect%22+%22The+New+Minnesota+State+Capitol+at+St.+Paul%22&pg=PA5&printsec=frontcover|journal=The Western Architect |volume=5 |pages=5–46 |access-date=January 16, 2022|archive-date=August 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821191037/https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Western_Architect/y0sMAQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=%22The+Western+Architect%22+%22The+New+Minnesota+State+Capitol+at+St.+Paul%22&pg=PA5&printsec=frontcover|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name=whobuiltourcapitol>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=The Men Who Died While Working on the Capitol Construction Site |url=https://www.whobuiltourcapitol.org/men-who-died-while-working-capitol-construction-site|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226033728/https://www.whobuiltourcapitol.org/men-who-died-while-working-capitol-construction-site|archive-date=February 26, 2021 |access-date=2021-01-29|website=Who Built the Capitol?}}</ref> |
<ref name=whobuiltourcapitol>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=The Men Who Died While Working on the Capitol Construction Site |url=https://www.whobuiltourcapitol.org/men-who-died-while-working-capitol-construction-site|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226033728/https://www.whobuiltourcapitol.org/men-who-died-while-working-capitol-construction-site|archive-date=February 26, 2021 |access-date=2021-01-29|website=Who Built the Capitol?}}</ref> |
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<ref name="William Martin Knudsen">{{Cite web|authors=University of Minnesota Labor Education Service|date=2017|title=William Martin Knudsen |url=https://www.whobuiltourcapitol.org/persons/william-martin-knudsen|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821191117/https://www.whobuiltourcapitol.org/persons/william-martin-knudsen|archive-date=August 21, 2022|access-date=2021-02-10|website=Who Built Our Capitol?}}</ref> |
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}} |
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Revision as of 20:09, 21 August 2022
From 1896 to 1907, dozens of companies and hundreds of workers participated in the construction of the Minnesota State Capitol in Saint Paul.
After the second Minnesota State Capitol proved to be unsuitable shortly after it opened, due to overcrowding, a lack of adequate fireproofing, and poor ventilation, the state officials began planning a grander, more efficient Capitol. In 1893 Governor Knute Nelson appointed the seven-member Board of State Capitol Commissioners to oversee the construction of a new Capitol following the recommendation of the state legislature. Local architect Cass Gilbert's design was selected by the Commission. The site selected by the commission, "Wabasha Hill", was bounded by Park Avenue, University Avenue, Cedar and Wabasha Streets, and Central Avenue. While this was the most expensive of the four sites considered for the Capitol, it was the largest, and the Commission concluded that it was the best location for the building.
Most of the work on Minnesota State Capitol, the state's third and current seat of government, was done by hand. Horses and sometimes men supplied the power to hoist loads. When large stone blocks or iron girders needed moving, steam-powered cranes and hoists were used. Additionally, shaping the stone required the use of steam-powered drills, pneumatic chisels, channeling, and polishing machines. Dozens of companies and hundreds of workers, compiled from a mainly immigrant workforce, worked to complete the statehouse. Six workers were killed in accidents between 1898 and 1903 as a result of unsafe working conditions.
Upon completion, the building drew praise from the architecture community,[1] leading to requests for Gilbert to design Capitol buildings for other states, such as West Virginia and Arkansas, and other notable structures.[2]
Planning
In 1893, Governor Knute Nelson appointed the Board of State Capitol Commissioners to oversee the construction of a new Capitol following a recommendation of the state legislature, which had established a committee for investigating the need for a building and passed legislation procuring at least $2 million for the task.[3] Given the economic depression going on in 1893, it was a modest sum at the time.[4]
The Commission comprised several prominent citizens representing different regions of Minnesota. From Winona was banker Henry Wilson Lamberton. James McHench was a farmer from Martin County. Edgar Weaver sold farming tools and equipment in Mankato. George A. DuToit was a banker and agricultural entrepreneur from Chaska. Manufacturer and banker John DaLaittre was from Minneapolis. Major Charles W. Graves of Duluth was a shipper and a diplomat. From Fergus Falls came Eben E. Corliss, an attorney. Finally, President of the Commission Channing Seabury was owner of a wholesale grocery business from St. Paul.
Vice President of the Board of Commissioners Channing Seabury was the de facto head of the Board. Seabury, a St. Paul resident and businessman, lead the Commission's efforts to lobby for funds from the legislature. The Governor served as the honorary President but generally let the Commission go about its business without intervention.[5]: 5–6
Selecting the site
In its First Biennial Report issued January 1, 1895, the Commission selected four possible sites for a Capitol building. One of those options was to use land at Exchange and Wabasha Streets, the site of the existing Capitol building, and combine it with the acre of land bordering it to the north. The other three sites were located on various hills around St. Paul. One was one block north of Central Park on what is now the Minnesota Judicial Center. Another site was located at Bass Hill at the head of Jackson Street site of the Mount Airy neighborhood today. The Commission considered and rejected these sites, as they were all much smaller than the selected site and more built up.
The site selected by the Commission was "Wabasha Hill", bounded by Park Avenue, University Avenue, Cedar and Wabasha Streets, and Central Avenue. While the costliest of the four sites, it was the largest, leading the Commission to conclude that it was the best location for the building. Seventeen owners of the parcels of land making up the future Capitol site asked $480,000 for its purchase. However, private negotiations with property owners convinced most to accept less. Condemnation proceedings were used on one owner of two parcels to complete the transaction. The land for the Capitol was acquired for just over $285,000.[6]: 3
The site's other advantages included frontage on University Avenue — at the time the most important road between Minneapolis and St. Paul — and a lack of existing development in comparison to the other sites looked at.
- Images of Minnesota Capitol site
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Minnesota Capitol site:
Looking North ca.1893 -
Minnesota Capitol site:
Looking East ca.1893 -
Minnesota Capitol site:
Looking South ca.1893 -
Minnesota Capitol site:
Looking West ca.1893
Design process
Selecting an architect
The Commission advertised for designs in June 1894 and had received fifty-six proposals by the fall. Two prominent architects, M. Wheelwright of Boston and Henry Ives Cobb of Chicago advised the Commission on selection.[7]: 31 In their report to the Commissioners on November 1, 1894 Wheelwright and Cobb narrowed it to what they believed were the five best, even though none of the submissions had impressed the advising architects and insisted that none were deserving of quality construction materials, such as granite or other fine stone and that limestone should be used instead. The five in order of their ranking:
- First - Wendell & Humphreys of Denver, Colorado;
- Second - J.A. Schweinfurth, of Boston, Massachusetts;
- Third - George R. Mann, of St. Louis, Missouri;
- Fourth - C. DeGersdorff, of Stockbridge, Massachusetts;
- Fifth - Warren B. Dunnell, of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
In the end, all fifty-six submissions were rejected.[7]: 36
Influenced by the criticisms of the submitting architects, the Commission requested that the legislature change some of the conditions laid down on the contracts. The burdensome design restrictions, insufficient funding amounts, and the architect's limited control of the project would undermine the final product. The legislature passed the recommended changes. On April 15, 1895, the Commission announced another competition and received forty-one submitted designs. Wheelwright helped the commission judge the entries and recommended five submissions for premiums, George R. Mann of St. Louis, Missouri, Wendell & Humphreys of Denver, Colorado; Bassford, Traphagen & Fitzpatrick of St. Paul and Duluth, Minnesota; Cass Gilbert of St. Paul, Minnesota; and Clarence H. Johnston of St. Paul, Minnesota.[7]: 45–54
The Commission began deliberations and on October 30, 1895. and made the following awards:
- First - Cass Gilbert of St. Paul, Minnesota;
- Second - George Mann, St. Louis, Missouri;
- Third - Bassford, Traphagen & Fitzpatrick, Duluth, Minnesota;
- Fourth - Clarence H. Johnston, of St. Paul, Minnesota; and
- Fifth - Harry W. Jones of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
With this, Cass Gilbert was awarded the Commission.[7]: 55–57, 179 Gilbert had not entered the first round, believing that the compensation for the winner was too paltry.[8]
The Denver architectural firm of Wendell & Humphreys complained that "politics" had influenced the awards. At its December 17 meeting, the Commission decided that "the letter of Mess. Wendell & Humphries [sic] be returned to them by the Vice President, with the statement that the Board considers their insinuation that local politics influenced the award of premiums, were uncalled for and that the Board does not care to file such communications." In its second report, the Commission felt the need to notice these accusations, for it asserted that the selection was following the opinion of Wheelwright.[8][7]: 45–50
- Images of Minnesota Capitol submitted designs
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2nd place design for the Minnesota State Capitol by George R. Mann -
3rd place design for the Minnesota State Capitol by Bassford, Traphagen and Fitzpatrick -
4th place design for the Minnesota State Capitol by Clarence H. Johnston -
5th place design for the Minnesota State Capitol by Harry Wilde Jones -
Minnesota State Capitol design by Wendell and Humphreys -
Winning design. Cass Gilbert's competition drawing for the Capitol
Construction
Construction Commences
Construction began on May 6, 1896, with George J. Grant selected for excavation and foundations. The first stone for the foundation was laid on June 23 of the same year. The foundation construction went very quickly, with it entirely completed by November 24.[9] When large stone blocks or iron girders needed moving, steam-powered cranes and hoists were relied on for use. Additionally, shaping the stone required the use of steam-powered drills, pneumatic chisels, channeling, and polishing machines.[10]
Universal Construction of Chicago was selected to erect the steel structure of the ground floor in October of the same year, with construction completed by the time the Second Report was submitted, on January 1, 1897. Gilbert noted that it was done thirty percent below estimate, due to very low costs of steel at the time.[9]
The cornerstone was laid by former Governor Alexander Ramsey on July 27, 1898.[11] The Basement level and first-floor exterior walls and major interior walls were all completed that year. However, the Third Commissioners report ends with another request for funds, noting that in the present arrangement there will be a shortfall, and in any case, there won't be any money for the interior finishes, priority having been given to the exterior enclosure of sufficient size to house the government, with finishes to be added later.[9]: 5
Considering fire destroyed the first Capitol, mechanical systems were to take advantage of current day technologies to reduce the risk of fire, including electric lighting, fireproof construction, and a steam power plant located safely in different buildings.[12]
Budget Crisis and Impact on Interior Finishes
In the commission's Fourth Report issued January 1, 1901, was the matter of the interior finishes, a subject in the previous report that had been hinted at. With the depression of 1893 now over, the report records a 'strong advance' in costs since 1896, with supporting citation of the United States Treasury Secretary’s report to Congress that several public buildings then underway that "cannot be completed within the authorized cost because of the rise in prices of building materials and other costs." The report then cites several building projects where the increased construction costs varied from 10% in a 'very nearly completed' building to some buildings whose costs exceeded double the original estimate.[6]: 11
Using these and other detailed examples the Commission justified their strategy of completing the enclosure of the building and deferring all costs non-essential to that purpose. The Commission also estimated they could achieve with the present level of funding:
"hardwood floors throughout [including public spaces]...tin or other cheap final roofing...plain plaster finish in vestibules...fire proof vault doors in executive and administrative offices only...cheapest possible floor construction and partitions and furrings [non fireproof]...rotunda left empty, without gallery, columns or stone facings, and with a [plain] plaster finish...[grand] staircase hall left empty, with plain plaster walls...the senate, house of representatives, and supreme court room must be left with plain plastered walls...boilers and ventilating plant to be located in the basement, and an iron smokestack run through flues which are designed for ventilation, and the use of tubular boilers, with a ventilating system which is inferior to the latest improvements...a much cheaper material [than granite for the exterior stairs] which will inevitably have to be replaced in a few years."[6]: 14–15
The commission then requested an additional million dollars to adequately fit out the building's interior. With the additional money, the Capitol could be completed and ready to occupy by 1903.
However, the Commission once again needed to request an additional funding of $1,500,000 to finish the interior of the building. They were confident that this would be all that was needed as they already had many of the bids in hand. The legislature approved the funding, passing an act on April 3, 1903. The commission then proceeded to hasten the work, noting that: "As the building has approached completion our labors have been more complicated and trying."[13]
A number of smaller contracts that come about late in the construction process were approved at this time:
- Diebold safe and lock company, for safe doors Van Dorn Iron works for shelves etc.
- Otis Elevator company for elevators
- Herter Brothers for furniture
- A Schuneman "and others" for carpets and draperies.
- Mitchell Vance Co for electric light fixtures.
- Sterling Bronze company for electric light fixtures.
- Winslow Bros for mechanical grilles
- Otis elevator for "Electric sidewalk lifts"
The major artwork for the building was contracted at this time with the artists, John La Farge, D.C. French, Edward Simmons, E. H. Blashfield, E.E. Garnsey, F.D. Millett, Douglas Volk, H.O. Walker and Kenyon Cox, "being among the most distinguished artists in the United States, to the total cost of $231,500.00."[13]
The Completion of the Capitol
With the issuance of its sixth report, the Board of State Capitol Commissioners declared that as of January 1, 1905, the Capitol was ready to be occupied, though some work remained to be done, namely on the interior art, east and west entrance stairs and the Quadriga was yet to be gilded.[13]
The final report of the Commission, issued January 1, 1907 concluded the work the Commissioners. They note that everything left unfinished at the time of the previous report had been completed.
Of significance is the follow up to their previous request for permanent care of the Capitol. The legislature authorized sixty thousand dollars a year, and the Commission created a staff and budget they believed sufficient to the purpose of maintenance, but added two additional requests; that an additional ten thousand dollars for contingencies should be allotted, and that a non-partisan body should be set up with full authority to make decisions regarding expenditure of these funds.[14]: 9
Due to funding constraints the Commission had to omit things they have hoped to complete which included the following:
- "Candelabra", to light entrance steps (later completed)
- Bronze lions, (couchant) on four main pedestals
- One or more fountains, in the grounds
- Two more pictures, for entrance to Governor's reception room (later completed)
- Statues of "men prominent in the history of our State", for niches inside building (later completed)
- Statuary on cornice of the building[14]: 7
Public Outreach and Input
Public display of the full-sized plaster models of sculptor Daniel Chester French's six "Virtues" to be completed for the exterior in marble as well as a scaled model of the Capitol dome were done as part of a public outreach effort. Different veteran's groups approached the Commission requesting the creation of monuments commemorating their sacrifices. The commission informed the legislature event if they wanted to, they had no funds for the creation of war memorials, and suggested instead the main approach to the Capitol be made into a 'memorial approach' which would meet their requirements for commemoration, "and at the same time, be a pleasing departure from the stereotyped monument" which often took the form of statues on top of pillars acting as a focal point.[6]: 8
Workers on the Capitol
Since construction began on the Minnesota Capitol in 1896, hundreds of workers worked to help complete the statehouse in 1907. While names of the Capitol Commissioners and architect Cass Gilbert, as well as his associates, were cast onto a bronze plate, the building's craftsmanship work, was done by workers who largely have been forgotten. This mainly immigrant workforce used hand tools, with skills for the most part not practiced by today's construction trades workers.[15]
A labor strike in January 1902 interrupted work on the Capitol. Stonemasons went on strike for ten weeks, allegedly to protest a blacksmith on the job site that was non-union.[16]: 5
The Commission pointed out, that by soliciting and then rejecting all bids from contractors, it was in danger of creating a reputation, that would lead to fewer applicants. For this reason, the Commission let through several contracts that were somewhat higher than estimated, including metal furring and lathing, plastering, and ornamental ironwork.[16]: 5–6
The rise in prices was called unprecedented. The Capitol in Iowa, which the Commissioners frequently used as a point of comparison, was completed twenty years previously, with an average wage for skilled labor of $2.50 to $3 for a ten-hour work-day. The 1901 prices for the same worker for an eight-hour day were now $3.60 to $5. The eight-hour workday wouldn't be officially enacted until 1937. This can be viewed as another indication of the power of Union labor in Minnesota at the time.[16]: 7–8
The following is a sampling from just a few of the known workers that built the Capitol.
Nils Nilsson, born in Sweden in 1864, he worked for Butler-Ryan Co., contractors for the superstructure and finish of the Capitol, as a mason. As their chief stone mason, Nelson and his crew set 75% of all the stone in the building. As the statehouse neared completion, the Pioneer Press newspaper published an article on Nelson as the building neared completion. The article hailed him as the "Man Who Actually Built Capitol." In April 1902, Nelson slipped on some gravel when he was setting the marble at the top of the dome. As he was sliding down the dome he caught himself on one of the dormers and narrowly avoided falling to his death.[17][18]
Raphael Guastavino III designed the fireproof tiles used in the Capitol's vaulted ceilings and supervised the tile work at the State Capitol. His family's Guastavino tile arch system building technique, developed in Spain and introduced to the United States in 1885 by his father, architect and builder Rafael Guastavino, was used not only on the Minnesota State Capitol but in buildings all over the country including notable buildings in New York City like the Great Hall in the Main Building at Ellis Island, Carnegie Hall, Grand Central Station, and Grant's Tomb.[19]
Casiville Bullard was a stonemason and bricklayer by trade. He was sought after for his skills since it was rare to find a laborer proficient at both brick and stonework. Born in Tennessee in 1871 and the son of formerly enslaved persons, he was the eldest in a family of seven children. As a child, he picked cotton with his parents and was instructed in bricklaying and masonry by an uncle, becoming skilled at laying brick, marble, and granite. He moved to St. Paul in the late 19th century to work on the Minnesota State Capitol Building. Bullard was a member of the Bricklayers Local #1, which was highly unusual for an African American of his time. He likely became a member in Tennessee and received a traveling card to join the local in St. Paul when he moved to the city. Like Bullard, work on the State Capitol attracted African American stonecutters, stonemasons, bricklayers, and other skilled laborers to St. Paul. Around twenty skilled Capitol craftsmen were African American.[20][21][10][22]
William Knudsen was born in Norway in 1859 and immigrated to America in 1882. Knudsen worked as a carpenter and was a member of Carpenters Local 87. His toolbox and tools are in the collection of the Minnesota Historical Society. He is listed in the St. Paul City Directories as working for St. Paul Building Co. While working on the Capitol it is likely he was a subcontractor for Butler-Ryan Co., the contractors for the Capitol.[23]
Frederick Purdy, a Journeymen Stonecutters Union member, was one of two partners of the Chicago-based firm, Purdy and Hutcheson, which sub-contracted carving the ornamental stone at the statehouse. Born in England in 1855, Purdy immigrated to the U.S. in 1886. His firm was contracted to carve six sculptures based on the models of the "Virtues" created by Daniel Chester French that were placed above the main entrance to the Capitol. Stonecutters William Hutcheson and Albert Corwin were among the stonecutters that rendered the "Virtues" in marble. The statues in place today are replicas locally carved in 1975–79 to replace the originals which had suffered significant deterioration from weathering and pollution.[24]
Elmer Garnsey came to Minnesota from his New York base in the summer of 1903 to work as the chief decorator for the Capitol interior, the same position he had at the Library of Congress, which had 19 artists working on 112 murals. As the director of decoration for the Minnesota State Capitol Garnsey's role was to determine different color schemes, designs and motifs for the various spaces decorated with artwork. Garnsey coordinated the work of painters/decorators in all parts of Minnesota's statehouse, and also designed paintings for the stairway halls and legislative chambers. Garnsey belonged to the Mural Painters Society which was founded on March 26, 1895 for those artists who specialized in paint, stained glass, mosaic and tapestry as applied to architecture.
The Painters/decorators who worked on the Capitol typically would have belonged to professional organizations such as the Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of America, founded on March 15, 1887. Together with the Mural Painters Society, were an attempt to educate craftsman and bring them together as a group.[25][26][5]Template:88–89
Less is known about women who contributed to the construction of the State Capitol. Very few were employed relative to the many men working at the Capitol. US census records and entries in payroll offer some of the few details that can be found. Some of the jobs women occupied while working at the Capitol were in the contractors’ office, and as drapery seamstresses. A New York woman was a co-owner of a company that manufactured furniture for the statehouse.
Two mother and daughter families - Josephine, and Jennie Sheeran, and Sarah and Sadie Constant worked on the Capitol near the end of construction in 1905 as cleaners.
Sarah Constant came from Saint Louis, Missouri with her spouse Paul but was widowed leaving her with a son Paul and her daughter Sadie. Payroll records list Sarah as a cleaner. While it was hard work it paid better than most occupations for the women earned $1.50 a day for a 9- or 10-hour day – .25 cents a day less than men doing janitorial/cleaning work.
Josephine Sheeran, and her daughter Jennie lived near by at the House of the Good Shepard - a Catholic home for "indigent women and orphaned girls."[27][28]
Workers killed and injured during State Capitol construction
Six workers were killed in accidents during the building of the Minnesota State Capitol between 1898 and 1903 as a result of unsafe working conditions.[29] The six workers killed during the construction of the Capitol finally received recognition during Workers' Memorial Day ceremonies in 2011 and 2012. Later a plaque was installed in the Capitol in 2017, due to the efforts of a group of Owatonna, Minnesota middle school students when they successfully lobbied for a bill to authorize the memorial after learning and studying about the deaths of the workers.[15][29]
On May 5, 1898, Felix Arthur, aged 25 years old, was ensnared in the flywheel of the stone polishing machine he was working on and was nearly cut in half. He died the next morning at Saint Joseph's Hospital in St. Paul, becoming the first worker to lose his life working on the Capitol.[30][29]
All other statehouse deaths were caused by falls.
In October 1898, John Biersack, a 36-year-old from Wisconsin, fell off a hoist and died as a result.[29]
A freak accident killed twenty-year-old Swedish immigrant Albert Swanson when a passing wagon drove over rope used to hoist materials and scaffolding, on which the men stood causing Swanson and another, worker Frank Thiery, to fall forty feet; Swanson collided with scaffolding killing him before he hitting the ground. Thiery landed on a pile of sand and broke his leg but was able to go home from the hospital that night.[29]
Another Swedish immigrant, twenty-year-old stonemason Alfred Magnuson, was the nephew of Capitol master stonemason Nils Nelson. On June 25, 1900, Magnuson fell thirty feet and died in St. Joseph's Hospital four days later.[29]
German immigrant Florian Zauner was a laborer on the Capitol when he fell seventy feet and died immediately on August 3, 1900.[29]
The last to die while working on the Capitol was eighteen-year-old John Corrigan on June 25, 1903, when he fell thirty-two feet to his death in the unfinished House Chamber. After less than two weeks on the job, Corrigan had lost his balance while carrying a heavily loaded wheelbarrow across a narrow and unguarded gangway.[29]
On June 27, 1903, the outrage in the Minneapolis Journal headline was clear: "Deaths Due To Neglect." As the last worker to die during construction of the Capitol, the outcry over Corrigan's death may finally have changed worksite conditions.[29]
In 1917, stonemason Erik Isaacson fell from the scaffolding, breaking his back. His 15-year-old daughter, left school to work because Isaacson could no longer work, as no insurance for accidents were present at this time.[30]
Individual workers and families were expected to cover the costs of workplace injuries and deaths at the time. The employer and the government had little responsibility for the results of the accidents.[30]
Gallery
-
Man working on eagle for the dome. -
Stone carvers Minnesota State Capitol -
Arch support inside the rotunda, 1904. -
Setting a column in Capitol rotunda, 1904. -
Workers building the State Capitol dome. -
Workers setting rough stone in place, 1899. -
Iron workers constructing Senate Chamber dome, 1900. -
Laying the Minnesota State Capitol cornerstone, 1898
See also
References
- ^ "The New Minnesota State Capitol at St. Paul". The Western Architect. 5: 5–46. October 1905. Archived from the original on August 21, 2022. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
- ^ "The Minnesota State Capitol Building". Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board. Archived from the original on February 14, 2019. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
- ^ Pease, Brian (December 8, 2021). "Minnesota's Third State Capitol". MNOpedia. Archived from the original on March 7, 2022. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
- ^ Schooley Caldwell Associates Inc. and Luken Architecture, "Historic Structures Report for Repairs and Restoration to the Minnesota State Capitol, Introduction" Section 1.2.2, Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office, St. Paul, MN. January 31, 2014.
- ^ a b Thompson, Neil B. (2005). Minnesota State Capitol: The Art and Politics of a Public Building. Minnesota Historical Society Press. ISBN 0-87351-085-2.
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