There are several architectural detail books and even more illustrated
dictionaries. if you want to go to the best architectural details source try
the newly reprinted first volume (1932) of Architectural Graphic Standards,
republished as Traditional Details; John Wiley and Sons, Inc.: New York,
1991 This weekend I picked up copies of a 1926 Sears Homes Catalogue reprint
and a reprint of a 1910 Sears catalogue of building materials at a National
Trust site. I am sure these are available elsewhere. Construction "lingo"
has not really changed over time. The construction industry is one of the
slowest industries to accept and integrate change (see Doucet and Weaver).
The biggest differences between early 20th century and late 20th century
will be in specific building material such as roofing, wall finishes, and to
some extent framing materials, however I dont think you will find these in a
book. On the other hand, you could just higher an historic architect to do
the work for you. :)

Neal Hitch
Ohio Historical Society


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Kris Farmen [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Thursday, October 19, 2000 11:47 AM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      Construction manuals
>
> Hello list. . .
>
> Anyone know were I could find construction manuals from the early part of
> this century?  Construction terms and methods obviously change over time;
> I'm hoping to be able to describe historic buildings using historic terms,
> i.e. if a structure I'm documenting was built in 1910, I'd like to be able
> to describe it with circa 1910 construction lingo.  Ideally, I'd like to
> find original textbooks from early trade schools (if such a thing even
> exists).  I have a first edition of Dwelling House Construction by Albert
> Dietz, circa 1946, but that's about as far as I've gotten.
>
> Any suggestions?
>
>
> Kris Farmen