Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-03-08
An old of the White House the Potomac River
By Corinne Reid Fragier.

ferson, as more than one authority win hint
today, was a greater statesman and inventive
genius than architect
In the office of Col. U. s. Grant, Sd. director
of public buildings and public parks in
Washington, are the authentic records proving
beyond any shadow of doubt that James
Hoban was not only the designer but the actual
builder Of the White House from the laying Of
the first stone to the replacing of the last after
the burning by the British in 1914. He devoted
himself exclusively to his task, and from all
that can be learned, abandoned all thought of
private architectural enterprises which might
have brought him more remuneration, though
doubtless less satisfaction from an artistic
standpoint during the period of this famous
mansions construction. Above all else, James
Hoban was an artist and an idealist. This is
revealed in his few communications that have
survived centurys buneting in Government
hling rooms. An idealist, but with head fun
Of good common sense and sound judgment,
rare IN one Of his temperament He possessed
the quick temper Of his race, also a keen Irish
wit, balancing the count. It was his common
sense, together with rare knack Of handling
people, which led George washington more than
once to call upon him TO settle disputes between
certain well meaning gentlemen engaged In the
business Of building the city, each according to
his own very decided ideas.
IRON little blue jacketed booklet now IN
the possession Of James Hoban's heirs
Centitled Bylaws & History Of Federal Lodge
No. /, r. A. A. NJ, of the District Of Columbia"),
long since out of print, we have the following
interesting insight into the character Of the
man: Capt. Hoban, as he was usually called
was a quick-tempered though generous man.
He took large view Of his own authority and
had high regard for his own opinion. and
-
enoluments fitted to his standing as archie
tect and the dignity Of the works entrusted to
his supervision. His impulsive demeanor never
hid the real manliness and gentleness OF his
nature, and he lived and died in general
esteem" And this following extract, which
gives some idea Of the complete honesty Of his
nature and the Incorporating determination
to put only the best into our national buildings
in materials, workmanship and personal effort,
a determination which guided him throughout
his career, causing his professional life at the
Capital to be stormy despite its success: His
first work at the Capitol" quoting again from
the bylaws" was to tear out the rotten
foundations that private greed and Official
supineness had placed there, and influence,
entreaty and clamor alike were powerleSs to
stay his hand or tongue
There is evidence in practically every COM
munication between Hoban and his co-workers
that the difficulties he encountered are not
exaggerated IN the paragraph quoted from the
Masonic book Those were very trying times
for the men who had the ultimate good Of the
Capital City at heart, the difficulties increased
by lack Of money, scarcity Of skilled labor and
open hostility often from Congressional quarters,
where L'Enfant's "extrayagant PLAN as a whole
was looked upon as little short of maniacal.
Had it not been for men of such vision as
James Hoban we might not today be enjoying
the pure classic beauty of either the White
House or the Capitol. While Hoban did not
make the original design for the Capitol
Thornton IS the author Of the plans-the Irish
architect supervised the construction Of this
building and stood his ground for the develop
ment Of the plans both Of this and the White
House in the proportions that he thought
suitable for the growing Republics future needs.
In this he had strong ally in President WASH
ington, who, according TO one account, went
so far as to suggest increasing the original
proportions Of the White House plans, which
suggestion Hoban Is said to have acted upon.
AS matter Of fact, there Is some divergence
Of opinion rs to which Of the two men actually
suggested the larger proportions, some records
indicating that Hoban made the plans On .
larger scale TO begin with and had to modify
them, temporarily, 10 suit the commissioners,
but finally, with the backing Of the President,
won over the commissioners 10 his original idea