Evening Republican, Volume 59, Number 72, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 March 1917 — A. Wasson Coen Addresses The Rensselaer D. A. R. [ARTICLE]

A. Wasson Coen Addresses The Rensselaer D. A. R.

At the meeting of the General Van Rensselaer Chapter, D. A- R., held at the home of Mrs. A. F. Long Monday afternoon, Mr. A. Wasson Coen, of Chicago, gave a very interesting talk on “'Home Architecture.” Mr. Coen spent ten months in Europe making a special Study of the architecture of the different couirtries. In his talk he described in a realistic and picturesque manner, the typical homes of England, Holland, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. He pointed out very clearly that each has a distinct architectural style pf its own, that style typifying the geographical and climatic conditions of that country as well as the character, life and ideals of its people? Mr. Coen protested against the custom of many Americans who bring the architectural style of other countries to our country, where conditions are different and where the style is neither suitable -to our need® nor appropriate to our conditions. He closed his talk with a plea for a distinctive American style of architecture, a style that will remain a monument to future, generations, showing them the character, the life and the ideals of American people today. Mr. Coen is a pleasing speakeyas well as a promising architect.