MOUNT VERNON – One hundred years ago a small-town banker and a world-renowned architect came together to build a striking new facility for the Home Building Association Co. in Newark, Ohio. Add to the story a business connection between the architect and one of Mount Vernon’s prominent physicians and you have the fascinating tale that will be recounted by Dr. Joseph Tebben at the Knox County Historical Society Museum on Wednesday evening, May 6, at 7:30 p.m.
Dr. Tebben’s recently published book, The Old Home, celebrates the centennial of this collaboration and the legacy of the remarkable Newark bank created by the famous Chicago architect, Louis Sullivan, and his philosophy of “form follows function.” The book is the first comprehensive account of the Newark bank, one of eight small-town banks designed and built by Sullivan in his twilight years and which are now considered the magnificent culmination of his long career.
During this same period, Sullivan had several extended visits in the early 1900’s to the East Vine St. home and offices of the well-established Mount Vernon physician, Dr. George Arndt, which contributed to the success of Sullivan’s Ohio architectural projects.
Dr. Joseph Tebben, now retired, has taught Greek and Latin, Mythology and ancient civilizations and their literature at The Ohio State University in both Columbus and Newark. His presentation is free and open to the public, and his books will be available for sale after the meeting. The Historical Society Museum is located at 875 Harcourt Road in Mount Vernon. All persons interested in local history are invited to attend.
For more information, call the Museum at 740-393-5247.
