Frederic Joseph DeLongchamps

Frederic Joseph DeLongchamps (June 2, 1882 – February 11, 1969) was an American architect. He was one of Nevada's most prolific architects, yet is notable for entering the architectural profession with no extensive formal training. He has also been known as Frederick J. DeLongchamps, and was described by the latter name in an extensive review of the historic importance of his works which led to many of them being listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in the 1980s.


Frederic Joseph DeLongchamps
Born(1882-06-02)June 2, 1882
Reno, Nevada
DiedFebruary 11, 1969(1969-02-11) (aged 86)
Reno, Nevada
NationalityAmerican
OccupationArchitect
PracticeDeLongchamps, O'Brien and Wells
BuildingsWashoe County Courthouse
Reno Main Post Office
Riverside Hotel

Life

Early life and education

Born Frederic Joseph DeLonchamps in Reno, Nevada on January 2, 1882, he was raised in Washoe County, graduating from Reno High School in 1900, then the University of Nevada in 1904 with a degree in mining engineering.

Career

DeLongchamps was employed as a mining engineer and draftsman in Inyo County, California before he embarked on a career in architecture. He spent a short time in San Francisco where he may have apprenticed, but he returned to Nevada in 1907 and formed a partnership with Ira W. Tesch.

From 1909 to 1938, DeLongchamps maintained his own firm and became one of Nevada's most prolific architects. He designed both private and public buildings including nine county courthouses in Nevada and California. He was awarded the contract to design the Nevada Buildings for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition (1915), winning a silver medal for his work. DeLongchamps was appointed Nevada State Architect in 1919 and was the only person to hold the position, which was abolished in 1926. During this time, he designed many state buildings.

In 1939, George L. F. O'Brien joined DeLongchamps in partnership in Reno, and Hewitt Wells added his name to the association in 1962. The architectural firm of DeLongchamps, O'Brien and Wells continued to design buildings, mainly in the Reno area, into the 1960s.

Legacy

DeLongchamps died in Reno, Nevada on February 11, 1969. He was survived by his son, Galen (08 Aug 1916-22 Jul 2001). He was the father-in-law of the noted poet and artist Joanne de Longchamps (that is how she spelled the name), who married DeLongchamps's adopted son Galen.

Russell Mills is one who worked as a draftsman for DeLongchamps and went on to have a career as an independent architect.

Works

Many of DeLongchamps' works have been listed on the National Register.[1][2]

His works include:

Awards
  • Silver medal, Panama Pacific International Exposition, 1915, Nevada Buildings
  • Distinguished Service Award, University of Nevada, Reno, 1966
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References
Notes
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. "Architecture of Frederick J. DeLongchamps TR".
  3. University of Nevada, Reno. Facilities Services. Campus Architectural Drawings Collection; AC 0645. University Archives, University Libraries; University of Nevada, Reno.
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