Plainfield Public Library Local History Project Updates: Blueprints

From Plainfield Public Library

Arguably one of the best things about the Plainfield Public Library's local history holdings is the diversity of its collections. For example, my new long-term project is to create an updated descriptive inventory of the library's very large collection (15,000 sets of drawings) of blueprints (known as the Detwiller Blueprint Collection). While most of the information I'll be collecting (such as the permit number, the date of inspection, etc.) already exists, among other bits, I will be adding important condition information and the dimensions. The library periodically exhibits less-fragile blueprints and architectural drawings, so having the condition report is especially helpful.

Note: To see close-ups of these images, double click on the image. When the Picasa page appears, click on the magnifying glass in the upper right corner. Use the slider in the lower right corner to increase the magnification on the close-up, and grab the image (click and hold while moving the mouse) to shift the viewing space.

On the blueprint below, the right edge is torn and a bit fragile. However, the content of the image is still very interesting and legible. The amount of detail makes it a good candidate for exhibits, however it will be handled very gently.

From Plainfield Public Library

Plainfield is home to many historic houses and buildings. These blueprints are an excellent resource for their owners and prospective owners because they can see the original plans, any additions made, and intentions of the architects. They also provide fine examples of architectural drawing and styles, while illustrating how people lived during earlier times.

Case in point, here's a detailed first floor plan with a grand entry hall as well as a butler's pantry drawn in 1888. It was drawn in pencil with ink and colored marker on paper.

From Plainfield Public Library

Below is another example of a doctor's home office, complete with examining room and laboratory.

From Plainfield Public Library

The blueprint below is a spectacular example of how an architect's ideas may not necessarily translate into the actual build of the house. However, I love the detail down to the copper finials and the leaded glass. It is my understanding that the original building still stands in the historic neighborhood of Sleepy Hollow, although I'd have to drive by to see exactly how much detail of the original remains.

From Plainfield Public Library

Not only do the blueprints and line drawings span a wide time frame (from the mid-to-late 1800s to the early-mid 1900s), they also are on a variety of materials. Some are your typical cyanotype blue prints, like the one above, while others were done in ink on waxed fabric (see below).

From Plainfield Public Library

And, some were drawn in pencil on paper (see below).

From Plainfield Public Library

Most of the blueprints are available for viewing online, and the search tool is easy to use. Just bear in mind that while most have been digitized, there are a few that have not. Either way, the librarians in the Local History Room are happy to help.