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Building History

The IL-born architect Charles F. Whittlesey (1867-1941) came to CA in 1903, arriving in the state while it underwent a building boom. Interest was high in reinforced concrete architecture at this time, and only intensified after the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906. Whittlesey, having designed many buildings and structures for the Atchison,Topeka and Santa Fe (ATSF) Railroad in reinforced concrete, became a leading expert on the subject during the 1900s.

The Western Architect commented about this house in its 01/1906 issue: "In the design by Charles F. Whittlesey, architect, in his residence for W.S. Bartlett, of Los Angeles, the architect has struck a note that joins Italian romance with the work of the mission builders of the coast, and produced a residence in rough cast with the tile roof that seems to be made not only for the climate, but for the location. Design and surrounding trees are in thorough accord." (See "Illustrations," The Western Architect, vol. 9, no. 1, 01/1906, p. 14.)

Building Notes

The W.S. Bartlett House was published twice by the Western Architect, in 01/1906 and 06/1906. In its 01/1906 issue, it said of the dwelling: "In the design of Charles F. Whittlesey, architect, in his residence for W.S. Bartlett, of Los Angeles, the architect has struck a note that joins Italian romance with the work of the mission builders of the coast, and produced a residence in rough cast with the tile roof that seems to be made not only for the climate, but for the location. Design and surrounding trees are in thorough accord." (See "Illustrations," Western Architect, vol, 9, no. 1, 01/1906, p, 14.)

In 06/1906, a writer for the Western Architect said of the Bartlett House: "On the interior of the residence of W.S. Bartlett, of Los Angeles, designed by Charles F. Whittlesey, a rear view of which was published in our January number, is shown in this number. The apparent heaviness of the half-timber work is saved by the breadth of the room and the harmonizing scale of the fireplace and broad mantel. It is one of the best designs yet executed on the coast in that most adapatable style of which Mr. Whittlesey is a past master." (See "Illustrations," Western Architect, vol, 9, no. 6, 06/1906, p, 68.)

PCAD id: 4303