Max A. Montgomery papers, 1928-1945
Collection context
- Creator:
- Montgomery, Max A., 1889-1946
- Abstract:
- Max A. Montgomery drafted designs for low income housing units during the 1930s and 1940s. He also drafted structural inventions as well as other common inventions. The collection is consists of sketches, design drawings, paper models, research materials, notes, and personal photographs.
- Extent:
- 1 document box, 2 boxes clam-shell, and 1 rolls
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
-
Series I: Projects and Studies is made up of sketches, design drawings, paper models, research materials, and notes. Montgomery's more developed project in Series I is his Prefabricated Home Project, which was his solution to the housing problem toward the end of WWII and after. As the population rose the need for housing was in demand. Montgomery's low cost housing unit designs were built with inexpensive material and long term sustainability in consideration to the housing solution. Prefabricated or Homes for the Masses (1930-1944) as Montgomery titled it, include multiple styles, pencil on trace and paper drawings with design elements of kitchens, bathrooms, and wall sections. His projects have no record of being built aside from the multiple paper models included in this collection. Included in Series I is his finances and research documents, particularly on philosopher Samuel Butler, who was a major inspiration for the theory behind Montgomery's housing solution. He designed various inventions and each was certified in an enveloped self addressed to prove its patient authorization. His invention of The Mayne Metal Plank Floor System a Cellular trussed structure (1930 -1932) appears to have been built as a prototype, evidence based on a photograph demonstrating the amount of weight it held with little distortion. The miscellaneous inventions are separated into two groupings, those that are structural inventions such as the Montgomery brick, window seal and window transom. The Miscellaneous Inventions folder includes the "auto life saver," which enabled cars to ride on their flat tires without destroying the rim. Other inventions included are a portable greasing station that could double as a barbecue, a store or a portable building of any use. The invention of a galosh fastener on the back side of the shoe instead of the front side gives the allure that Montgomery was a prolific man who wanted to take advantage of being an entrepreneur in an age when industry was booming.
Series II: Personal Photographs are speculated to be Max A. Montgomery and his family, and include 20 black and white photographs.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Max A. Montgomery (1889-1946) lived and worked in Hudson, Ohio as architect. Montgomery was educated at the University of Illinois and served in World War I. Montgomery primarily designed residential houses, however, he also worked on structural designs and inventions to enhance objects that have already been created.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
This collection is available for use by appointment in the Department of Drawings & Archives, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University. For further information, please email avery-drawings@library.columbia.edu.
- Terms of access:
-
Columbia University is providing access to the materials in the Library's collections solely for noncommercial educational and research purposes. The unauthorized use, including, but not limited to, publication of the materials without the prior written permission of Columbia University is strictly prohibited. All inquiries regarding permission to publish should be submitted in writing to the Director, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University. For additional guidance, see Columbia University Libraries' publication policy.
In addition to permission from Columbia University, permission of the copyright owner (if not Columbia University) and/or any holder of other rights (such as publicity and/or privacy rights) may also be required for reproduction, publication, distributions, and other uses. Responsibility for making an independent legal assessment of any item and securing any necessary permissions rests with the persons desiring to publish the item. Columbia University makes no warranties as to the accuracy of the materials or their fitness for a particular purpose.
- Preferred citation:
-
Max A. Montgomery papers, 1928-1945, Department of Drawings & Archives, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University.
- Location of this collection:
- Before you visit:
- Researchers are encouraged to request materials at least one month in advance. You will receive an email from the department within 2-3 business days confirming your request and currently available appointment times. Requests are limited to 8 boxes per day (or equivalent), with a maximum of 5 boxes for off-site materials, 5 folders of drawings, or 5 rolls or tube boxes.
- Contact:
- avery-drawings@columbia.edu