I am looking for photos of Richard Thomas Short, a New York architect in the late 1800's & early 1900's.

Question

He went by R. Thomas Short & was my great grandfather. He was born in Ontario, Canada in 1869 & married my great grandmother Minnie Hecker in 1905. Seven months after Minnie's death in 1921, he married Anita Seiffert who had been a live in nurse caring for Minnie when she became ill. I'm looking for photos of either of my great grandparents.

Answer 1

Donna- your great grandfather was an extraordinarily talented man. He was Head Draftsman for the firm of James E Ware & Sons, whom I have published the authorized biography of. In many ways, Short was Ware's alter ego. He went on to form Harde & Short, a glorious but short lived firm, and plateaued as the designer of golden age, Hollywood style movie theaters, becoming in effect the James Ware of cinema houses.

 I have been unable to locate photos of Short or Harde. Don't give up. It took decades for me to find photos of Ware. Some advice, you may have tried already? Look to the cemetery where he is buried, oftentimes family records or contacts are available. Local historic societies? But often, the other branch of families may have material unknowingly. Good luck in your search. I've contemplated a project on Harde & Short as well. Cheers!

Comments

I know I'm a bit late to this thread, but is there much in your book regarding Short? I've found it on Amazon but don't know if I will get it in time. I'm working on a project that involves his theaters and am looking for sources of information on his work and his skills.

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There is a brief entry about Harde & Short, and a few other mentions. I tried to devote as much attention to their contributions to the Ware legacy as space and narrative would allow.

I have compiled separately though, a substantial timeline of Harde & Short, and "solo" Short works, primarily his movie theaters. Perhaps you'd be interested in the data? Not sure how to transmit it. It is a bit long.

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I would be very interested to read it! I have an email you could send it to: preservationfranklinsq@gmail.com Thank you so much for your response. I've really enjoyed learning about Short and his projects.

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Hi All

Patrick -- I'm doing some research on Short. Could you send me anything re his theaters?

Thanks,

C

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Patrick,  I am researching William Rau who worked with R. Thomas Short on the Brooklyn theatres.  Rau was a painter who did the murals in those theatres as well as on other projects.  If you have information, could you please contact me at lloeffel@comcast.net? I am especially looking for photographs of the murals.  Thanks so much! LLoeffel

Answer 2

Hi, would you know what town or village in Ontario? Also, do you know where he studied architecture?