DESCRIPTIVE SUMMARY
Olive Tjaden papers, 1919-1980
15-6-2919
Olive Tjaden.
6.2 cubic ft.
Correspondence, scrapbooks, diaries, photographs,
business and financial records, lists, clippings, broadsides, diplomas, certificates,
licenses, framed images, drawings, watercolors, books, leaded glass items, and
architectural instruments.
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell
University Library
Correspondence, scrapbooks, diaries, photographs, business and
financial records, lists and other records pertaining to the practice of architecture
and the renovation of Tjaden Hall on the Cornell campus, clippings, broadsides,
diplomas, certificates, licenses, and other papers. Collection includes framed images,
drawings, watercolors, and other visual images deriving from Tjaden's professional
career, with numerous references to individual clients and patrons. Also includes books,
leaded glass items, and architectural instruments.
Collection material in English
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE
Olive Tjaden VanSickle, distinguished alumna of the College of Architecture, Art and
Planning at Cornell, began her career with a Long Island architect and later opened her
own firm. She designed more than 2,000 buildings during 20 years of practice in New
York, including her own home in Garden City, Long Island. In 1945 she moved to Florida
and participated in the extensive development there. Now retired, she lives in Fort
Lauderdale, Florida.
Tjaden's work includes a number of large estates on Long Island and in upstate New York,
churches, and commercial buildings. In Florida, she continued her work as an architect
of residential garden apartments.
At one time in her career, Tjaden was the only woman member of the American Institute of
Architects. Among her other professional activities, she was an inspector for the
Federal Housing Administration and program director for the Museum of Fine Arts in Fort
Lauderdale.
Tjaden Hall (formerly Franklin Hall), on the Cornell University campus, was renamed in
her honor in 1980.
COLLECTION DESCRIPTION
Correspondence, scrapbooks, diaries, photographs, business and financial records, lists
and other records pertaining to the practice of architecture and the renovation of
Tjaden Hall on the Cornell campus, clippings, broadsides, diplomas, certificates,
licenses, and other papers. Collection includes framed images, drawings, watercolors,
and other visual images deriving from Tjaden's professional career, with numerous
references to individual clients and patrons. Also includes books, leaded glass items,
and architectural instruments.
SUBJECTS
Names:
Tjaden, Olive.
Cornell University--Students.
Cornell University--Buildings.
Subjects:
Architecture--Aesthetics.
Architecture--Conservation and
restoration.
Architecture--Designs and
plans.
Architecture--Working
drawings.
Women architects.
Form and Genre Terms:
Photographs.
Occupations:
Architects.
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Cite As:
Olive Tjaden Papers, #15-6-2919. Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell
University Library.
SERIES LIST
[Series I. Personal And Family
Records](s1)
[Correspondence](s1ss1)
[Photographs](s1ss2)
[Travel](s1ss3)
[Miscellaneous](s1ss4)
[Series II. Professional Records
and Materials](s2)
[Diplomas, Certificates, Licenses, etc.](s2ss1)
[Projects](s2ss2)
[Photographs of Professional Work](s2ss3)
[Publications and
Presentations](s2ss4)
[Financial and Legal Records](s2ss5)
[Miscellaneous Professional Papers](s2ss6)
[Honoraria, Awards, etc.](s2ss7)
[Dedication of Olive Tjaden Hall, Cornell
University, June 12 1981](s2ss8)
[Series III. Artworks](s3)
[Series IV. Architectural Plans
and Drawings](s4)
CONTAINER LIST
Series I. Personal And Family Records
Correspondence
3
29
"Letters of long ago"
3
30
Hilda Tjaden correspondence and miscellaneous
3
31
"Personal stuff" (includes correspondence, postcards)
3
33
Carl Johnson letters, etc.
3
35
Personal correspondence
Photographs
1
Color slide
2
1
Tjaden and family, friends
2
17
Family and friends
2
18
Olive, Hilda
2
19
Olive, childhood
2
20
"Mom and Pop"
2
21
Hilda's pictures of Papa and two sisters; sister along; Moer and
Fahr's wedding anniversary; antique cards
2
22
Olive and friends
2
23
Olive
2
24
Family photos
2
25-26
Unidentified photos (many of Tjaden)
2
27
Slides and slide viewer
2
28
Hilda Francke Tjaden
2
29
Unidentified family and friends (at least one of Hilda
Tjaden)
2
30
Unidentified family and friends
2
32
Parents' house
19
20
Cornell University
19
Tjaden in kimono
19
21
Portrait of Olive and Mother
19
21
Portrait of Olive Tjaden
14
Slides
Travel
1
3 travel scrapbooks
2
1967
Travel scrapbook: "Gala Springtime Cruise, S.S. Independence, Feb.
28 - May 4, 1967"
3
36
Orient, Europe
Miscellaneous
2
13
Cornell University Pooled Life Income Fund
3
32
Pistol target shooting
3
34
Materials relating to separation from Carl Johnson
3
37
Diaries
3
38
Bound volumes: The Hymnal, The Christian's
Companion, "Roster of Women/Florida"
19
12
Grospapa's painting
5
MU-2510
Painting palette
5
MU-2511
Triangle
5
MU-2512
Box of drafting tools
5
MU-2513 (a-m)
Box of drafting tools
Includes ink well, 2 water beakers, drafting tools (several sets), 2 triangle rulers, 2 compasses, painting palette, and pencil leads.
9
1-3
Materials relating to separation from Carl Johnson
19
22
1921-1924
Cornell images, postcards, and poster
11
4
1911-1977
Personal documents
11
5-6
Undated
Miscellany, personal
12
3-4
1977-1996
Legal documents
19
19
Undated
Rosewell Van Sickle
Germany and England's Sea Fleets
19
MU-2015
Undated
Sea flag
Brown and blue
4
16
1884-1947
Certificates
Diplomas received by Roswell Charles Van Sickle; public school and church
certificates received by Hilda Francke; church certificate received by
Traugott Francke
4
19
John G. Tjaden National Bible Institute certificate
4
19
John G. Tjaden Engineering License
4
19
Francke coat of arms
Series II. Professional Records And Materials
Diplomas, Certificates, Licenses, etc.
3
8
Architect's Certificate of Registration, State of New
York
4
19
January 11, 1946
State of Florida architect's certificate
4
19
B.A. diploma (dates crossed out)
4
19
New York State diploma in architecture
4
19
State of New Jersey architecture license
4
19
Dale Carnegie course certificate
19
24
State of New York architecture license
Projects
2
14
Savage Farm Project
3
7
Project proposal and specifications
Proposal for renovations to Parish House for St. James Church,
Elmhurst, Queens; specifications of the labor and materials required in the
erection and completion of Bellerose Baptist Church; specifications of the
labor and materials required in the erection and completion of Inwood Beach
Club, Atlantic Beach, N.Y.; specifications for residence and attached garage
for Mr. and Mrs. Harold Jacobi, Woodmere, Long Island
3
11
Builders' information: Comparative Architectural
Details; Lead Industries Association publications; decor molding
business card; Hamlin colored texturing plaster leaflet; assorted
clippings
19
7
Brochure for "Waterfront Estate on Royal Palm Plaza"
19
7
Specifications and contact for 9 unit apartment on Hendricks Island, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Photographs of Professional Work
1
Scrapbook of professional work
3
1
Tjaden's residence
Olive and workmen on job (3); exterior (4); main entrance door detail
and bell; conservatory off living room, views of garden, cockatoo, main
entrance tower with Tjaden silhouette on weather vane; 2 leaded glass
windows; peacock leaded glass door from living room to terrace (2);
Olive
19
21
Tjaden's residence entrance (and Olive), living room and breakfast
room
3
2
Part of Senior Examination Exhibit of Olive F. Tjaden
3
3
Harold Jacobi residence, Woodmere, Long Island
exterior; stairway; living room; dressing table; dining room - "I
designed everything - not decorator"
3
4
V. Newman residence, Port Washington, Long Island
3
5
Horace Hoffman house, Garden City, Long Island; Thomas Hewitt
residence, Garden City, Long Island (3)
3
6
Arthur Marks residence, Woodmere, Long Island
4
21
Oldsmobile dealership
19
13
Oldsmobile dealership
4
21
Residence for Vice President of L.I. Lighting Company, Bayshore, Long Island
19
14
Mercury apartments, Fort Lauderdale, FL, residence of Dorothy Laman,
unidentified residence, 208 Hendricks Isle, Fort Lauderdale,
Fla.
19
15
C. Hammond Residence, Huntington, Long Island
19
16
Sanford Jacobi residence, Woodmere, Long Island
exterior and interior views
19
17
Inwood Beach Club
19
18
Unidentified house interior and exterior
19
Jacobi House, Woodmere, Long Island, reprint from House and
Garden Magazine
"I designed all interiors, details, etc., not and 'outside' decorator."
9
Unidentified painting on interior wall
9
5
Printer's mock-up of advertisement for house designed by
Tjaden
13
Miscellaneous slides of Tjaden's work, including her apartment in
1977
Publications and Presentations
2
16
Talk at Freedom's Foundation at Valley Forge
3
9
Professional articles and reprints
Automotive Merchandising; Oldsmobile Dealer Round
Table, v. 3, no. 2; Inwood Beach Club leaflet;
Architectural Record, Aug. 1938; Architectural
Record, "Building News" (Architectural Record
reprint of Inwood Beach Club article); New York World's Fair 1939, "The Home
Building Center," page featuring one of Tjaden's designs; booklet: "The
Community Church of Garden City"; booklet: "For the Glory of God and the
Youth of Whitestone," Grace Church, Whitestone, Long Island, N.Y.; Harper
Method, Salon de Coiffure (leaflet); Mineola, Long Island, N.Y.
(leaflet)
3
10
Articles and leaflets
House and Garden, May 1935 (Harold Jacobi home); The
Suburban Homefinder, Spring 1937 (Thomas M. Hewett home); "Garden
City Show Place" (Tjaden's home); Seawane Bungalows; residence of Mr. and
Mrs. Donald S. Gibbs, Port Washington, Long Island, N.Y. (leaflet);
residence of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Hensley, Port Washington, Long Island,
N.Y. (leaflet); Mercury Apartments' Timber Ridge, Oyster Bay, Long Island,
N.Y.; unidentified home (card)
12
1
1935
House & Garden
12
2
1994-1995
The Big Red Book
Financial and Legal Records
3
13
c. 1950-1952
1950 Records; 1951-52
Charlie's lot bought Oct. 20 1952
3
14
1952
1952 Records; Wallace residence, #200 Hendricks Isle, Fort
Lauderdale, Fla.
Built in 1952, sold in 1953; north half of lot 8 bl. 4
3
15
1953
1953 Records
3
16
1953
1953 Income Tax; job #196 and job #28 records
Job #196 started 1952, sold 1953; job #28 started
3
17
1954
1954 Records
3
18
1954
1954 Income tax (joint); job #28 records
Lot 11, bl.4 (sold Jul. 1954)
3
19
Job #230 expenses
3
20
1955
1955 Income tax (joint); Job #30 records
3
21
1955-1957
Job #30
3
22
Photostats of Danaia Bank deposits, Job #230
3
23
1956-1960
1956 Records; 1956 Income tax; Job #30 records, 1957-60
3
24
Correspondence with Willis J. Zick, attorney, re: taxes; 810 expense
checks; bond
3
25
Jobs #200, 230, 300, 216, 20
3
26
Mortgage deeds
Miscellaneous Professional Papers
3
27
Miscellaneous papers
3
28
Clippings
11
1
1942, Undated
Miscellany, professional
11
2-3
1935-1995
Clippings and articles
Honoraria, Awards, etc.
2
"Women of Achievement" volume
3
8
Honoraria
Notice of inclusion in 1968-69 edition of Personalities of the
South; letter welcoming Tjaden as new Vice President of the
Alumni Association of College of Architecture, Art and Planning, Cornell
University, also 2 photographs of Tjaden at Cornell; press release re:
Tjaden's address at New York Housing Show; World Center for Women's Archives
certificate
3
12
Publicity and honors
4
20
Notices of inclusion in Who's Who in America and
Who's Who in the South and Southwest
19
MU-2014
Plaque acknowledging Olive Tjaden Van Sickle in "Who's Who and Why
of Successful Florida Women, Premier Edition"
9
4
Front page of Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Saturday, Feb. 5,
1938 (year blackened out), with story about Tjaden "the first woman member
of the Brooklyn chapter of the conservative American Institute of
Architects"
Mounted on cardstock
19
Clipping: “Leading Ladies of U.S.”
Dedication of Olive Tjaden Hall, Cornell University, June 12
1981
1
Volume of photographs "presented to Olive Tjaden Van Sickle as a
memento of the dedication of Olive Tjaden Hall, June 12, 1981, Cornell
University, Ithaca, New York"
2
Volume of architectural drawings and photographs of Tjaden
Hall
2
Cornell University Olive Tjaden Hall Renovation Schematic Design
Submittal
Schwartz/Silver Architects, Inc., Aug. 18 1995
2
2
Photographs: Tjaden Hall Dedication
2
3
K.C. Parsons Correspondence
2
4
John Crowley Correspondence
2
5
Jason Seley Correspondence
2
6
Citation Renaming Franklin Hall Olive Tjaden Hall
2
7
Information re: renovations
2
8
Tjaden Hall dedication articles
2
9
Tjaden Hall Dedication - correspondence
2
10
Tjaden Hall Dedication - photographs
2
11
Tjaden Hall Dedication - transcripts and tapes
2
12
1981-1983
Cornell University Reunion Materials, 1981, 1983
19
23
Photograph of Tjaden Hall
4
Tjaden Hall dedication certificate
9
Photograph of Franklin Hall before rededication
11
7-14
1979-1997
Cornell correspondence re: Tjaden Hall and Van Sickle Art Gallery
dedications
11
15
1975-1995
Cornell clippings, articles, miscellany re: Olive Tjaden and Tjaden
Hall dedication
11
16
1966-1997
Tjaden Hall renovation project, correspondence, drawings, and
photographs
11
17-18
Photographs: Tjaden Hall dedication plus one image of special
exhibit case
13
Audiotapes (3) of Tjaden Hall dedication
13
Audiotape of Van Sickle Art Gallery dedication
Series III. Artworks
2
31
Cut paper silhouettes of Olive Tjaden
39
Original tracing - Tjaden weather vane, Garden City house
6
Designs for leaded glass windows in Tjaden's house, Garden City, Long
Island
9
Pen and ink drawing of unidentified town scene
9
Charcoal drawing of unidentified castle[?]
9
6
Sketches of gate, open structure with weather vane
9
Notes written on cardboard backings from two
drawings/photos
19
1
Pen and ink drawings
Amiens, "A Baroque Doorway", English Renaissance, Spanish Renaissance,
The Invalides, Saizhaus - German Renaissance, A Romanesque Detail, unidentified
street scene, West Front of Branston, Lincolnshire, French Renaissance chair, window at San Lorenzo, Roman Corinthian order
19
2
Pen and ink drawings (colored)
Egyptian pattern detail, unidentified column capital, Greek decoration
19
3
2 prints: N. Robert, N. Arras
19
4
Unidentified pencil drawing of doorway and two children; painting of
Venice scene; newspaper print of drawing of Yuletide cottage, designed by
Tjaden; print of Venice scene
19
8
Clipping from magazine of white bird with spread wings
19
9
Still life painting by Tjaden
19
10
Charcoal drawing of unidentified building exterior
19
10
Pen and ink drawing of unidentified building exterior
19
11
Reprints of artworks
7
16" x 12" leaded glass panel depicting nobleman
8
16" x 12" leaded glass panel depicting hunter
10
16" x 12" leaded glass panel depicting hunter
15
12" x 12" colored glass panel depicting owl
18
15" x 19" leaded glass panel depicting a lady.
Series IV. Architectural Plans and Drawings
9
6
Sketches for stained-glass windows
9
6
"Main Gate Entrance", Garden City, Long Island
Sketches
19
5
Unidentified plot plan
Sketches
4
1
Undated
Catevenis residence, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
Pencil drawings
4
2
Undated
Garvel residence (Job# 544)
Blueprints
4
3
Undated
Christ residence (Job# 637), New Hyde Park, Long Island
Blueprints
4
4
1933-04
Hammond Residence (Job# 543), Huntington, Long Island
206 Kensington Road in Garden City, New York
Blueprints
4
5
1931
Synagogue, Mineola, Long Island
Pencil drawings
4
5
Undated
Pontiac dealership sketch; Socony Gas Station, Manhasset, Long
Island
Blueprints
4
6
1939
1939 World's Fair demonstration house
Pencil drawings
Blueprints
4
6
1940-08
Daniel Superior house (Job# 819), Great Neck, Long Island
Pencil drawings
4
6
1939-08
Williams residence (Job #765), Rockville Center, Long
Island
Pencil drawings
4
6
Undated
Unknown residence
Pencil drawings
4
7
Drawings
222 Jericho Turnpike. (Job #183)
Pencil drawings
4
8
1937-04
Olive F. and Carl Johnson residence (Job #627), Garden City, Long
Island
Pencil drawings
4
9
1938-08
English town house (Job# 709), Garden City, L. I
Pencil drawings
4
10
Undated
Unknown residence (Job# 538)
Blueprints
4
11
Undated
Barbeque Pavilion
Pencil drawings
4
12
Undated
Unknown residence
Pencil drawings
4
13
Undated
Studies
Pencil drawings
4
14
1930-08
Wrought iron stair rail (Job #289)
Pencil drawings
4
15
Undated
Watercolor renderings of unidentified country club house
Watercolors
4
18
1940-10
Unidentified building (Job #835)
Pencil drawings
4
18
1965
Garden plan
Pencil drawings
4
18
Undated
Unidentified building
Pencil drawings
Blueprints
1
1937-07
Grace Church (Job# 640), Whitestone, Long Island
Blueprints
3
1933
Harold Jacobi residence (Job #548), Woodmere, Long Island.
Blueprints
4
1958
Unknown residence, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Pencil drawings
5
1934
Sanford Jacobi residence (Job# 559), Woodmere, Long Island
Pencil drawings
Blueprints
6
1934
Sadie Heyman residence (Job # 558)
Pencil drawings
7
1935-09
Sign Company (Job# 584)
Pencil drawings
7
Zinn residence
Pencil drawings
8
1930-04
Tucker house (Job #442), Garden City, Long Island
Pencil drawings
Blueprints
9
Undated
Brown residence (Job #196)
Pencil drawings
Blueprints
10
1936-06
Community Church, Garden City, Long Island
Pencil drawings
11
1929-07
Blueprints of the Henry Pierson residence (Job# 398), Old Westbury,
Long Island
Blueprints
11
1931-05
Unknown residence (Job# 512))
Pencil drawings
12
1932-03
Unknown residence (Job# 530))
Pencil drawings
13
1929-06
Harold Smith residence (Job# 387), Garden City, Long Island
Pencil drawings
Conceptual drawings
13
1929-06
Harold (Harry) Smith residence (Job# 533), Garden City, Long Island
Blueprints
13
1929-06
Harold (Harry) Smith residence sketches, Garden City, Long Island
Pencil drawings
14
1936-07
Pennington residence (Job #603), Garden City, Long Island
Pencil drawings
15
Undated
Duplex for Olive F. and Carl Johnson
Pencil drawings
15
Undated
Six unit apartment for Olive F. Tjaden (Job# 530)
Pencil drawings
16
Undated
Unknown apartment buildings (Job# 28, 200, and 208)
Pencil drawings
Blueprints
16
Undated
Unknown apartment buildings (Job# 425 and 819)
Pencil drawings
17
1929-05
Unknown residence (Job#389)
Pencil drawings
18
Undated
Hendricks Island Apartments, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Pencil drawings
19
Undated
97 Continental Avenue, Forest Hills, NY
Pencil drawings
20
1930-03-1930-08
Horace Hoffman residence (Job# 438), Garden City, Long
Island
Pencil drawings
20
1930
Feeley residence, Morristown, New Jersey
Pencil drawings
Conceptual drawings
Blueprints
20
1935-09
Edith and Arthur Marks residence (Job# 585), Woodmere, Long
Island
Pencil drawings
20
1930-10
Walter Lyon residence (Job# 473), Huntington, Long Island
Pencil drawings
21
1929-10
Pancake residence (Job# 415), Garden City, Long Island
Blueprints
21
1930-07
Pancake residence, Garden City, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Pencil drawings
21
1950-1951
N. Dade Imported Motors, Miami, Florida
Blueprints
19
6
1956-12
Ray C. Olson residence, Middle River, Ft. Lauderdale,
Florida
Includes correspondence
Pencil drawings
21
1956-12
Ray C. Olson residence, Middle River, Ft. Lauderdale,
Florida
Pencil drawings
22
1955-1960
Unknown apartment building, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Pencil drawings
Blueprints
23
1935-07
Unknown residence (Job# 582)
4
17
Inwood Beach Club, Long Island
Exterior renderings
24
1937-12
Inwood Beach Club (Job# 660), Atlantic Beach, New York
Pencil drawings
Blueprints
35
1937-12
Inwood Beach Club (Job# 660), Atlantic Beach, New York
Charcoal drawings
25
1931-08
Unknown residence (Job# 519)
Pencil drawings
26
1929-08
C. A. Hammann residence(Job# 406), Huntington, Long Island
Pencil drawings
Blueprints
27
1929-06
Shevlin residence (Job# 387), Garden City, Long Island
Pencil drawings
28
1929-06
Unknown residence (Job# 415)
Pencil drawings
29
1928-11
Lannin residence on Salisbury Golf Link (Job# 340), Garden City, Long
Island
Pen and ink drawings
Blueprints
30
1954-10
Jehovah's Witnesses, Tamiami, Florida
Blueprints
30
1954-10
Raymond White residence (Job #420), Garden City, Long
Island
Blueprints
30
1936-07
Herbert Rosengarten residence (Job #605), Woodmere, Long
Island
Pencil drawings
31
1932-02
Frank Richards row houses (Job# 527), Forest Hills, Queens
31
1938-07
Baptist Church (Job# 710), Bellrose, Long Island
31
1930-06
W. H. Duryea residence (Job# 451), Garden City, Long Island
32
1937
Unknown Colonial style doctor's office and residence (Job# 622), Garden
City, Long Island
32
Undated
B. P. W. C. Club House, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
33
1931-03
Eblinger residence (Eblinger-Merrit) residence (Job# 497)
Pencil drawings
33
1929-03-25
English garden apartments
Pencil drawings
33
1929-03-25
Unknown residence (Job# 281), Garden City, Long Island
Pencil drawings
33
1931-02
Sloan-Dodge residence (Job# 487) (Henry Pierson, builder)
Pencil drawings
33
Schlossberg residence
34
1936-06
Hodgson residence (Job# 601), Garden City, Long Island
Pencil drawings
Blueprints
34
1937
Whitman residence (Job# 635), Garden City, Long Island
Pencil drawings
34
Undated
Alvin Brush residence
Pencil drawings
34
1935-08
Chicken and tool shed
Pencil drawings
36
Undated
Detail and elevation drawings for Job# 547, 575, 596, and
634
Pencil drawings
36
Undated
Detail and elevation drawings for Silver residence and Yultide
House
Pencil drawings
36
Undated
Detail and elevation drawings for unknown projects
Pencil drawings
37
Apartments, Cedarhurst, Long Island and various unidentified apartment
sketches
37
January 1940
Apartment house (Job #788)