One of the best parts about dealing with maps is the incredible community of scholars, collectors, curators, and connoisseurs. I never know who will be at the other end of the line when I pick up the phone and conversations can branch into a limitless number of topics. A discussion about wall map restoration eventually led to me visiting Rick Bernstein at the Dane County Historical Society, located on a beautiful property just outside Madison, Wisconsin.
In addition to an impressive collection of maps, books, and genealogical information, the DCHS is home to a large archive of over 1,500 architectural drawings from the early 20th century. The majority were created between 1910 and 1940 by two local architects, Ferdinand Kronenberg and Martin Schneider. Collectively, the plans comprise an important overview of functional residential and commercial architecture across Wisconsin. The breadth of work is vast – homes, schools, stores, auto garages, libraries, churches, and more. Scores of buildings are depicted, many of which are still standing today.
Ferdinand L. Kronenberg (1877 – 1944) was born in Germany and moved to the Madison area with his family when he was around eight. Little can be found about his early years, but he was first identified as an architect in an 1899 Madison city directory, probably after apprenticing locally. His successful career spanned over 4 decades, during which he designed dozens of structures including churches, residences, storefronts, hotels, hospitals, and apartments. Many of his well-designed and simple buildings still exist today (six are registered landmarks); reflecting a tangible, vernacular influence on the 20th-century architecture of Madison. Kronenberg was also a devout Christian, WWII veteran, and family man; with a wife, Julia, and three children – Gertrude, Helen, and Leo.
Martin P. Schneider (1890 – 1970) was another prolific local draftsman. He graduated from UW-Madison in 1912 with a degree in Civil Engineering before starting a fruitful career as an architect and structural engineer. Generous support for numerous local organizations, service in both World Wars, and several terms as an alderman are also among Schneider’s many accomplishments. His plans, like Kronenberg’s, reflect relatively uncomplicated designs that emphasize utility and function.
It’s been my privilege to help with scanning these one-of-a-kind documents and we are finally nearing completion! Most of the collection is available for viewing online. Many thanks to the individuals and organizations involved with the two-year project; including but not limited to Rick, Chloe, Recollection Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Public Library, the Wisconsin Historical Society, and the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation.
Sources/Further Reading