Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-03-08


subscribers to the same" And on September
IL of the same year that Capt Hoban is per-
mitted to remove the public sheds from the
Presidents square to the market square, pro-
vided the expense be sustained by the sub
Scribers to the market The result of these
two orders was the clearing of the ground
opposite the White House for the development
of one of Washington's famous beauty spots
today, Lafayette Park.
The stone for the White House was brought
from the public quarries at Aqua Greek, Va.
In this connection the commissioners made
every possible effort to speed up the produc-
ton, even passing an order directing that
considerable quantity of whisky be provided at
the quarries and half-pint day delivered to
each man employed there, and later order
authorizing the supervisor of the quarries to
increase the daily ration in extraordinary cases
at his discretion. But even these methods
failed to bring results in an adequate supply of
stone to carry out the original intention of
having the main structure of the building
entirely Of stone. The commissioners finally
were forced to reduce the demand on the
quarries by ordering in August, 1898, that the
walls Of the Presidents House be made Of good
sound brick, the facing to be of freestone. Even
with this relief, record indicates that Hoban
never was entirely free from anxiety concerning
the supply Of stone.
It required five years Of unceasing toll,
anxiety and financial struggle to get the White
House walls up and the contract let finally for
the roof stating in 1877 So James Hoban found
1t necessary to put aside all thought of de-
veloping his private architectural career.
Doubtless he soon foresaw that his entire life,
or the better part Of 1t, would be dedicated TO
the task Of completing the various public build
ings. There Is evidence that he never resumed
the role Of private architect. although at one
period in his busy life. about 1923, he found time
to build charming home for that discrimi-
mating statesman, James Monroe, the first
drawings for which, evidence tends to prove
were sketched by Thomas Jefferson. This
home, on the estate known as Oak HILL near
Middleburg, IS the only known architectural
work Of James Hoban In the United States
extant today outside Of the District of Columbia
The estate itself, comprising some 1000 acres
of land, was inherited by Monroe during the
later years Of his life. Charles Littleton, the
present owner, has had the place restored
within the past 10 years.
or Hoban's life before he came to America
little is known. except that he was born
in Dublin, Ireland. educated ct Maynooth Col.
legs, Dublin, and had become fairly well known
in his. own country as rising young architect
before his departure for the new country soon
after the Revolutionary War. He was presented
with two medals in recognition of his work on
certain public buildings in Ireland during the
period 177o-S0 by the Royal Dublin Society.
One Of these together with other bits of his
personal property, is being carefully preserved
by his Observation-Disclosures Mrs Edward
r. Alexander, who now resides in Washington.
Hoban landed in Charleston, S. c., upon his
arrival In America and there he made his home
for number Of years, gaining quite repu-
tation for his works both of public and private
nature. Outstanding among his achievements
during this period was the design and con.
struction of the South Carolina State House,
which was said to have been a fine example of
his unusual talent. It was burned later, how
ever. The manner in which he came to be
commissioned to design the White House is
interesting. An announcement was broadcast,
presumably through the press, to the effect that
the President and the commissioners Of WASH
ington were considering designs for the Presi-
dents Palace and would welcome suggestions
from any architects in the country. That,
furthermore, they would give consideration TO
all designs submitted and would present the
architect Offering the most likely sketch with
. contract to build the Palace, and, in addition,
with gold medal. Hoban sent in his concep-
ton Of an adequate design. 1t proved to be
the winning sketch. He was notified in due
time and accepting the commission for the
important task, he indicated that he could use