The loyal reader will recognize the pattern—when we document 100 Meskers in a state, we celebrate it here by summarizing some historic data and analyzing the identified group. West Virginia is the latest to join this elite category, which is now comprised of 22 states. Historically, West Virginia was in the middle of the pack …
Georgia's 100th building with Mesker building components was identified some weeks ago. Hence, this customary celebration of "states with at least 100 Meskers"—which now number 21—is overdue. Below is a brief summary of Meskers' historic output in the state and a look at the 100 buildings found to date. Historically, Mesker companies sold a considerable …
Historic photograph collections have always been instrumental to the Mesker documentation project. The latest such archive that I’ve stumbled upon is the Burgert Brothers Photographic Collection, comprised of over 20,000 images chronicling the history of the Tampa Bay area from the 1890s to the 1960s. The photographs are the work of brothers Jean and Al …
The Mesker companies were equal parts contributors and benefactors of the Industrial Revolution. The pendulum may have swung more towards the former, but it must nonetheless be acknowledged that the companies relied on raw materials and distribution systems established by others in order to fashion and sell their products. Without the raw materials—wood, several kinds …
Over recent weeks there has been a steady influx of newly discovered and documented buildings with Mesker components in Pennsylvania, such that it has been impossible to post this customary celebration in the category of "states with at least 100 Meskers." At least until the new discoveries have been cataloged. Things seem to have leveled …
Continue reading Pennsylvania now with over 100 known Meskers
Tennessee is the latest state where we've identified at least 100 buildings with Mesker building products. Below is a brief summary of Meskers' historic output in the state and a look at the 100 buildings found to date. Historically, Mesker companies sold a significant number of building facades and related products in Tennessee, the state …
Over 1,000 buildings with Mesker building components ceased to be for a myriad of reasons including fires, tornadoes, urban renewal, neglect, stupid men, or their combination. However, only one Mesker’s demise was planned to be a spectacular visual effect immortalized on the silver screen. Orlando’s third City Hall (but first built for this purpose) was …
When we document at least 100 buildings with Mesker building products in a state, we celebrate it here. It's a chance to provide some historic statistics and to acknowledge good Mesker examples that might otherwise go unrecognized. The latest to join the 100+ club (now 18 states in total) is South Carolina with 101 Meskers. …
It is the principal of marketing to extol one’s virtues, including a healthy amount of exaggeration, therefore it should come as no surprise that the Mesker companies touted their products as the most modern and affordable solutions for commercial building facades on the market. It also stands to reason that such remarkable goods had to …
Continue reading The Largest and Most Complete Establishment
A simple and diminutive floral motif by Mesker Brothers Iron Works—referred to only as “ornament no. 800” in Ben's Bible—is less decorative than most of its brethren, but proved to be more versatile. Majority of Mesker motifs, and classically inspired motifs in general, are either bilaterally symmetrical (mirrored on a central axis) or radially symmetrical …
Mesker Brothers 