Beman, Solon S.
Solon S. Beman Soundex Code B550
Wikipedia page about Solon S. Beman
Born: Brooklyn, New York, Saturday, October 1, 1853
Died: Chicago, Thursday, April 23, 1914
Journal of the American Institute of Architects, Vol. II, Number 7, Obituary, July 1914, Page 348
At the age of 17, (1870) he entered the office of Richard M. Upjohn, of New York City where he remained seven years (24-1877), drinking inspiration at the architectural fountainhead of that time.
In 1879 (26) he was called to Chicago to undertake the design of the buildings that comprise the works and town of Pullman, Chicago. In this work, he evidenced that good judgement in taste and that structural insight with which he was so enlargely endowed, and which remained his until the end.
It is needless to catalog his professional accomplishments. That which appeals to us most deeply at this time is his standing as a man. Generous, considerate, and kindly was he to all who came into personal contact with him. Those who worked under him, as well as those who sought his advice, will remember with gratitude the consideration and courtesy which they always received. He stood for the highest ideals in practice as he did in life.
He was taken from his work in his prime, and the community, as well as the profession of architecture, has reason to regret that his personal influence has been removed. To many his spirit still remains a guide and a benediction.
Chicago Tribune, Line O'Type or Two Column, December 15, 1954, page 18
S.S. Beman, Architect
You cannot lament the disappearance of Chicago's aging architectural relics, as we did recently, and escape without hearing of the many which are still standing--proud, erect, and feeling fine, thank you.
One of the best known Chicago architects of the 1880s and 1890s was Solon S. Beman (whose first name was a Greek one meaning "wisdom"). Mr. Beman was imported in 1879 by George Pullman to design the railroad car manufacturing village near Lake Calumet.
Mr. Pullman was delighted with the result, we are told by Architect Andrew Rebori, and told Mr. Beman: "This town should be so names as to honor both of you who designed it, and me who financed it."
Mr. Beman, in turn, was pleased.
"We shall take the first part of my name," said Mr. Pullman, "and the last part of yours."
So the town was named Pulllman.
Mr. Beman subsequently designed Chicago's Grand Central Station, the Studebaker Building, Fine Arts Building, and many others. His private homes were among the city's most famous. One was the late Edith Rockefeller McCormick's late palace at 1000 Lake Shore Drive. Three others, however, are still thriving.
The W.W. Kimball home, 1801 Prairie Avenue, is occupied by the offices of Domestic Engineering publications, and since the war, has been restored as much as possible to its original state. Even the old kitchen (with modern equipment) is used by employees to make their own lunches.
The Robert T. Lincoln home, 1234 Lake Shore Drive is now operated by Mrs. Margery Smith as the Lincoln Guest house and is remodeled into 12 apartments.
The Charles W. Brega home, 2816 S. Michigan Avenue, is owned by the E.A. Welters tooth powder company, which has a plant next door. Dr. Welters lives on the ground floor of the Brega house and rents out nine apartments upstairs. The building is still in the process of remodeling, preserving as much as possible, of its origninal appearance.
The mortality of Beman buildings seems very low.
The AIA Historical Directory of American Architects
File: ahd1002968
Solan Spencer Beman (1853-1914)
Name: Beman, Solan Spencer
Variant Names: Beman, Solon Spencer
Personal Information:
Birth/Death:
Occupation: American architect
Location (state): IL
This record has not been verified for accuracy.
AIA Affiliation: Member of The American Institute of Architects (AIA) 1882-decease
Fellow of The American Institute of Architects (FAIA) 1885
Biographical Sources
Biographical directories
Entry in Henry F. Withey, A.I.A., and Elsie Rathburn Withey, Biographical Dictionary of American Architects (Deceased) (Los Angeles: New Age Publishing Company, 1956. Facsimile edition, Hennessey & Ingalls, Inc., 1970)
Entry in Macmillan Encyclopedia of Architects (New York: Macmillan, 1982)
Entry in Biographical Dictionary of Cincinnati Architects, 1788-1940
Obituaries:
Journal of the American Institute of Architects, obituary, July 1914
Related Records
Archival Holdings
The American Institute of Architects Archives
Membership file may contain membership-related correspondence, although there are few written records concerning 19th-century members. Contact the AIA Archives at archives@aia.org for further information.
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