Kolbrook, Joseph H. (1891-1976) Architectural Drawings, 1923-1976
Held by the Filson Historical Society
Creator: Kolbrook, Joseph H., 1891-1976
Title: Architectural drawings, 1923-1976
Rights: For information regarding literary and copyright interest for this collection, contact the Curator of Collections.
Size of Collection: 22 folders, 2 loose rolls
Location Number: Mss. AR K81 1-22
Biographical Note
Joseph Hyde Kolbrook was born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1891. Kolbrook joined the American Institute of Architects on April 1, 1926 after receiving informal architectural training and instruction from “night classes and private instruction” as is listed in the 1956 American Architects Directory. This training took place in Louisville and Los Angeles, California. He was the 25th architect to be registered in the state of Kentucky, license dated October 7, 1930. Records also show he was a registered engineer.
In addition to his membership with the national AIA, Kolbrook was also a member of the local chapter, known then as AIA Western Kentucky Chapter (AIA Central Kentucky Chapter as of 2018). Prior to working independently, he was employed by Nevin, Morgan & Kolbrook (Hugh L. Nevin and Frederic Lindley Morgan) as well as Luckett & Farley. (Little is known about his architectural firm employment; he may have worked at other firms, and the chronology of his firm work is unknown.)
Notable Louisville projects by Kolbrook include: Southern Baptist Theological Seminary’s James P. Boyce Library, Big Spring Country Club, Courier-Journal and Louisville Times Building, Fehrs Brewery, Medical Tower, and The Oertel Brewing Co. Inc.
Kolbrook was married to Fern McLaughlin (1891-1984). The couple had one son: Joseph Kenneth Kolbrook. Their son also became an architect, at times collaborating with his father.
Kolbrook was a World War I veteran. In addition to his AIA memberships, Kolbrook was a member of the Harry R. Kendall Masonic Lodge, Jefferson Post American Legion 15, and The Filson Club (the Filson Historical Society).
According to his obituary, Kolbrook retired from architecture in 1968, at which time he was listed as self-employed. Kolbrook died on June 6, 1976 in Louisville and is buried in Cave Hill Cemetery.
Scope and Content Note
The collection contains drawings representing ecclesiastical, commercial, medical, and residential architectural projects designed by Kolbrook. Drawings span the early 20th century, though the bulk of drawings represent the mid-century. The majority of the projects are ecclesiastical are nearly exclusively Baptist, aside for the inclusion of one, non-denominational church. The collection is comprised of 1,676 drawings contained within 22 flat folders and two loose rolls. Click here to see the project index for more information, including location of loose rolls.
Folder List
1. Additional Seating for Lampton Baptist Church; Alterations and Additions to First Christian Church
2. Southern Baptist Theological Seminary – School of Music
3. Southern Baptist Theological Seminary – James P. Boyce Library Building
4. The Oertel Brewing Co. Inc.
5. Residences: Mr. & Mrs. John F. Oertel & Mr. and Mrs. V. V. Cooke; Proposed Shopping and Apartment Building and Office Building for V.V. Cooke
6. Lincoln Building & Loan Association Building and Alterations; Office Building for Christen, Brown, McCroskey & Rufer
7. Additions and Alterations to The Filson Club; Coca-Cola Bottling Company
8. Baptist Church Designs for: Deer Park, Southside, South Jefferson, and First Baptist Church of Prospect
9. Addition to Residence & Building of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Barbee; Residence of Dr. and Mrs. Arnold Griswold; Post Office Building for V.J. Besendorf
10. Walnut Street Baptist Church
11. Proposed alterations and additions for the Waverly Hill Sanatorium; Highland Park Second Baptist Church; Edenside Christian Church
12. Stratton and Terstegge Co.
13. Alterations and Additions to Crescent Hill Baptist Church
14. Severn Valley Baptist Church
15. Branch Bank Building for Liberty National Bank & Trust Co.
16. Bob Hook Chevrolet
17. Kentucky Baptist Home
18. Standard Gravure Corp.; Courier Journal and Louisville Times; Post Office Department
19. Kentucky Southern College
20. Starks Building Co.
21. Shively Christian Church; Okolona Christian Church; Gilead Baptist Church
22. Pettigrew Residences; Medical Towers South; Fire Station Building; Koster-Swope Buick
Subject Headings
Architects – Kentucky – Louisville
Architecture – Designs and plans
Architecture – Kentucky – Louisville
Architecture, Domestic – Kentucky – Louisville
Bob Hook Chevrolet (Louisville, Ky.)
Church buildings – Kentucky
Coca-Cola Bottling Company (Louisville, Ky.)
Commercial buildings – Kentucky – Louisville
Courier Journal and Louisville Times (Louisville, Ky.)
Griswold, Arnold – Homes and haunts
Hospital architecture – Kentucky – Louisville
Koster-Swope Buick (Louisville, Ky.)
Library buildings – Kentucky – Louisville
Oertel, John F. – Homes and haunts
Barbee, Tom – Homes and haunts
Cooke, V. V. – Homes and haunts
Pettigrew, W. R. – Homes and haunts
Post office buildings -Kentucky – Louisville
Religious architecture – Kentucky – Louisville
School buildings – Kentucky
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Louisville, Ky.)
Standard Gravure Corp. (Louisville, Ky.)
Stratton and Terstegge Co. (Louisville, Ky.)
The Filson Club (Louisville, Ky.)
The Oertel Brewing Co. Inc. (Louisville, Ky.)
Waverly Hill Sanatorium (Louisville, Ky.)
