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Workers Win in 1884 August 21 2015

This is the ninth installment in our series of posts comparing significant events from a year in United States history with a few of our unique architectural plans from the same period.  1884, the topic of this installment, subsequently marks the ninth year of the American Architect and Building News' existence.

Click on the pictures to find the plans below in our store! 

On May 1 of 1884, the first recognized May Day, the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions in the United States declared the eight-hour workday the mandatory maximum for workers in the United States (without being awarded overtime pay).  Though the United States government didn't enact any laws around this issue until about 30 years later, this was an important step in securing workers' rights in the country.  The workers at this Leather Workhouse for G. B. Horton in New York, New York would have been especially grateful hearing about this decision.  The building was designed by Wm. B. Tubby.

Leather Workhouse for G. B. Horton, Esq. , New York, NY, 1884, Wm. B. Tubby

 

After years of planning and construction, the Washington Monument in Washington, DC was finally completed in December of 1884.  Designed by Robert Mills, it is not only the world's tallest obelisk, but the world's tallest stone structure of any shape.  Located a few blocks north of the monument, this design for the Portland Building by Cluss & Schulze came out in April of the same year.  Be sure to also take a look at our various plans for the Washington Monument here.

The Portland Building, Washington, DC, 1884, Original Plan. Cluss & Schulze.