The first known publication of a Dietrich design in the
December 1881 Architect, Builder, and Woodworker
At the age of 18, E. G. W. Dietrich is listed for the first time as a draughtsman and architect in the 1875 Pittsburgh city registry. In 1881 after training with the firm of Drum and Kuhn, Dietrich decided to leave his native Pittsburgh for New York. He worked for the architectural partnership of brothers David and John Jardine known as D. and J. Jardine. The firm was described by the New York Landmarks Commission as "one of the more prominent, prolific and versatile architectural firms in the city in the second half of the 19th century". During his time in New York, Dietrich first lived at a boarding house in Manhattan, but later moved to 356 Henry Street in Brooklyn. In 1881, the brick rowhouse operated as a boarding house as confirmed by the advertisement below mentioning its advantageous location being only a "few minutes walk from Wall and South ferries" to Manhattan. The Brooklyn Bridge did not open until May 24, 1883.
In December 1881, the first known publication of a Dietrich design appeared in the architectural periodical Architect, Builder, and Woodworker. The description of plate 94 reads "a very fine design for a cabinet in the Japanese style". While the brass elephant head and snakes that adorn this cherry cabinet certainly attract attention, I was drawn to Dietrich's address as it offered me the first clue to his living in New York during this early period in his career. Dietrich published at least 5 designs during his time in New York including for the house below. By August of 1882, he had returned to Pittsburgh.
E G. W. Dietrich's design for a suburban residence published in the
January 21, 1882 American Architect and Building News
