Alden B. Dow Architect [Plaster]
Dublin Core
Title
Alden B. Dow Architect [Plaster]
Subject
Figure sculpture, American--20th century
Description
ALDEN B. DOW ARCHITECT, 1971
Plaster original
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Marshall M. Fredericks
1991.107
Alden Dow was born in Midland, Michigan on April 10, 1904, to Herbert Henry and Grace A. (Ball) Dow. From his father, who founded The Dow Chemical Company, came his pioneer spirit. His parents gave him the love of beauty, as expressed in flowers, nature and landscaping, the desire to innovate and search for the inter-reactions which led to the development of ideas of quality,' and the inspirational leadership affecting so many of lives he would influence. Early in his life, Alden Dow developed an interest in design and in the motion and rhythm of the world around him. Floor plans, model trains, recording his world through his movie camera, all captivated and held his interest.
As a young boy, Alden and his two younger sisters, Margaret & Dorothy, would design floor plans with leaves out in their yard. According to Alden's youngest sister Dorothy, a friend asked Alden Dow what he wanted to be when he grew up. Alden, only 8 years old, replied without hesitation, "An architect, of course." He attended the Midland Public Schools and, following the custom of the day, went to the University of Michigan to study engineering in preparation to enter his father's company. But he found his interests lay in a different direction and after three years, Dow became a student of architecture at Columbia University, graduating in 1931. Alden Dow married Vada Bennett in 1931, daughter of Earl Bennett (another of The Dow Chemical Company's great pioneers).
After a year and a half association with the offices of architects Frantz and Spence of Saginaw, Michigan, Alden and Vada Dow spent a memorable summer (1933) with Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Wright, who shared an interest in nature, in the relationships of structural systems and materials to a design, and in the effect of a building as an environment upon those living in it, was a kindred spirit. Returning to Midland, Dow opened his self-designed architectural office in1934. The building is acknowledged to be a classic in the successful and delicate blending of landscape and architecture using Dow's three guiding principles of honesty, humility and enthusiasm.'
Alden B. Dow, Inc. was formed in November, 1941 with Dow as president and treasurer. In 1963, the name was changed to Alden B. Dow Associates, Inc. There is a long list of architects who received their training under his guidance.
Alden Dow's early work was primarily in the residential field. His own unique system of Unit Block construction dominated his homes of the 1930s. In subsequent decades new materials and styles were developed. His ability to work harmoniously with clients resulted in homes that were personal reflections of the client, yet distinctly 'Now.' At the 1937 Paris International Exposition, he was awarded the "Diploma de Grand Prix" for the best residential design in the world in recognition of the John Whitman residence and his own home and studio designs.
He was a registered architect in Arizona, Ohio, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Texas, and Florida, designing over 60 homes in the Midland, Michigan area alone. During World War II, he designed and personally supervised the construction of the entire town of Lake Jackson, Texas.
This bronze plaque is located at the Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Arts, Midland, Michigan, and the Grand Traverse Performing Arts Center, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Interlochen, Michigan.
Plaster original
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Marshall M. Fredericks
1991.107
Alden Dow was born in Midland, Michigan on April 10, 1904, to Herbert Henry and Grace A. (Ball) Dow. From his father, who founded The Dow Chemical Company, came his pioneer spirit. His parents gave him the love of beauty, as expressed in flowers, nature and landscaping, the desire to innovate and search for the inter-reactions which led to the development of ideas of quality,' and the inspirational leadership affecting so many of lives he would influence. Early in his life, Alden Dow developed an interest in design and in the motion and rhythm of the world around him. Floor plans, model trains, recording his world through his movie camera, all captivated and held his interest.
As a young boy, Alden and his two younger sisters, Margaret & Dorothy, would design floor plans with leaves out in their yard. According to Alden's youngest sister Dorothy, a friend asked Alden Dow what he wanted to be when he grew up. Alden, only 8 years old, replied without hesitation, "An architect, of course." He attended the Midland Public Schools and, following the custom of the day, went to the University of Michigan to study engineering in preparation to enter his father's company. But he found his interests lay in a different direction and after three years, Dow became a student of architecture at Columbia University, graduating in 1931. Alden Dow married Vada Bennett in 1931, daughter of Earl Bennett (another of The Dow Chemical Company's great pioneers).
After a year and a half association with the offices of architects Frantz and Spence of Saginaw, Michigan, Alden and Vada Dow spent a memorable summer (1933) with Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Wright, who shared an interest in nature, in the relationships of structural systems and materials to a design, and in the effect of a building as an environment upon those living in it, was a kindred spirit. Returning to Midland, Dow opened his self-designed architectural office in1934. The building is acknowledged to be a classic in the successful and delicate blending of landscape and architecture using Dow's three guiding principles of honesty, humility and enthusiasm.'
Alden B. Dow, Inc. was formed in November, 1941 with Dow as president and treasurer. In 1963, the name was changed to Alden B. Dow Associates, Inc. There is a long list of architects who received their training under his guidance.
Alden Dow's early work was primarily in the residential field. His own unique system of Unit Block construction dominated his homes of the 1930s. In subsequent decades new materials and styles were developed. His ability to work harmoniously with clients resulted in homes that were personal reflections of the client, yet distinctly 'Now.' At the 1937 Paris International Exposition, he was awarded the "Diploma de Grand Prix" for the best residential design in the world in recognition of the John Whitman residence and his own home and studio designs.
He was a registered architect in Arizona, Ohio, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Texas, and Florida, designing over 60 homes in the Midland, Michigan area alone. During World War II, he designed and personally supervised the construction of the entire town of Lake Jackson, Texas.
This bronze plaque is located at the Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Arts, Midland, Michigan, and the Grand Traverse Performing Arts Center, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Interlochen, Michigan.
Creator
Fredericks, Marshall M., 1908-1998
Date
1970
Rights
Use of this image requires permission from the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum
Type
Sculpture
Coverage
University Center (Mich.)
Sculpture Item Type Metadata
Physical Dimensions
36" x 31.5"
Materials
Plaster
Catalog Number
1991.107
Object Location
Main Exhibit Gallery
Provenance
03/22/1989 March, 22 Gift to Museum
Files
Citation
Fredericks, Marshall M., 1908-1998, “Alden B. Dow Architect [Plaster],” Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum, accessed April 20, 2024, https://omeka.svsu.edu/items/show/5149.