DeLongchamps
Items belonging to one of Nevada’s most prolific architects, who designed both the Douglas County Courthouse and Douglas County High School, are going up for auction in England.
Frederick J. DeLongchamps has been called Nevada’s premier architect, having designed seven Nevada courthouses between 1909 and 1920.
He also designed the historic Alpine County Courthouse in Markleeville.
He designed around 500 public, commercial and residential buildings during his career.
A Reno native, he was born June 2, 1882, and graduated with a degree in mining in 1904, according to Nevada historian Philip I. Earl.
He also designed the Minden Inn and the Minden Wool Warehouse.
He was served as Nevada’s only State Architect between 1919 and 1927. He was recognized as a Distinguished Nevadan by the University of Nevada Board of Regents in 1966.
A direct descendant of DeLongchamps living in England has consigned a personal archive of material relating to the architect’s life and career to Ewbank’s Auctions in Surrey, England, where it will be offered for sale online on March 24 as a single lot.
The consignment includes DeLongchamps’ personal Hamilton pocket watch, engraved F.J DeLongchamps, Reno, Nevada Xmas 1925, and his and silver and enamel card case, bearing the Elks Lodge logo and engraved Reno- 597, B.P.O.E. and, separately, DeLongchamps.
Also included is a framed Distinguished Nevadan medal presented to de Longchamps by the University of Nevada in 1966, just three years before he died; a framed print of The Washoe County court house print issued by the University of Nevada library in 1983; de Longchamp's 1903 university year book; a mainly hand written account of his accomplishments by his son Galen; a record of his speeches and information on his mining work at Talapoosa mine; family photographs and other pamphlets and newspaper articles.
Bidders can view the lots in the March 24 Jewellery, Watches and Coins auction catalogue online at www.ewbankauctions.co.uk, where they will also find details of how they can register to bid live online during the sale itself.
