Paul Revere Williams
Through Time
The Timeline illustrates how material history, society and the work of one person, Paul R. Williams, integrate and interact. Small changes in society, architecture or life may seem inconsequential, but when connected a powerful picture emerges. The Timeline illustrates how many forces shape our modern life. Williams’ life did not form in isolation but was a product of complex energies in society, his profession and within himself.
Timeline
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1829
White House, Washington, District of Columbia
In 1790, George Washington and Pierre L’Enfant, the city planner for the District of Columbia, select the site for the President’s official residence on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. A competition is held and nine proposals are submitted. James Hoban’s design is selected for its “practical and handsome design.” The corner stone is laid in 1792 and construction continues for eight years.
Throughout its history the White House undergoes many renovations and survives fires in 1814 and 1929, but maintains its original Federal/Greek revival-style architecture. Exterior renovations include the addition of porticos on the north and south façade in 1829. Interior renovations include a complete “gutting” during Harry Truman’s presidency. The balustrade along the roof line, Ionic porticos on the north and south façade, fanlights and sculpted swags are some of the building’s most memorable architectural features. The Oval Office, named for its distinctive oval shape, is not original to the building but is added by President Taft in 1909. Damaged in the 1929 fire, the President’s primary office is rebuilt in 1929 by Herbert Hoover.
1834
Invention of the Cooling Compression System
American inventor, Jacob Perkins creates the first cooling compression system that makes in-home refrigeration possible. By 1930, more than 2 million American homes had a refrigerator. With a refrigerator in the home, women did not need to buy groceries everyday.
In 1945 Paul R. Williams wrote in Small Homes of Tomorrow that refrigerators of future will have many new innovations including an “automatic ice cube ejector.”
1840
1848
The Decade of Manifest Destiny
In the 1840s, Americans believed they were destined to dominate the North American continent—Manifest Destiny. The United States experiences extraordinary growth in the 1840s, acquiring the land that will include today’s western states of New Mexico, Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado and Texas.
Technological advances including steamboats and railroads make it possible for Americans to travel from the East to the undeveloped, but promising West. In 1844, the telegraph ushers in modern communication making the distance from east to west coasts even shorter.
Horace Greely, a newspaper editor, popularizes the idea of Manifest Destiny. His use of the phrase “Go west, young man” and Manifest Destiny contribute to the American belief of California as the “Golden State” of opportunity and reinvention.
Steel Wire Manufacturing
John A. Roebling opens his wire rope business in New Jersey. Wire rope and cable are important for future developments in engineering and architecture. These products are needed for elevators in multiple story buildings, suspension bridges, construction (including the Panama Canal), electrical power transmissions and cable cars. By World War I, the factory was the largest wire rope plant in the world.
1853
History of the Elevator
Primitive elevators were in use as early as the 3rd century B.C.E. These elevators were powered by humans, animals or water wheels. In the middle of the 19th century, elevators powered by steam were developed and used in factories, mines and warehouses.
In 1853 American inventor Elisha Otis demonstrates a new and important safety device that prevents an elevator from falling if a cable breaks. His invention increases public confidence in the elevator. A safe elevator (along with other structural engineering advances) allows architects to design higher buildings.