|
Cuno Kibele
Muncie architect Cuno Kibele was born in Bluffton, Indiana, July 24, 1863. Shortly thereafter his father died, and Cuno's mother moved the family back to her hometown of Bluffton, Ohio. At age sixteen, Cuno returned to Bluffton, Indiana. In his late teens Cuno worked as a carpenter's assistant, gaining practical knowledge in construction. Later on, he owned a brickyard, where he both manufactured bricks and practiced as a contractor and designer. Cuno designed and built a number of buildings in Bluffton, including the First Presbyterian and Methodist Churches, a Carnegie library, an addition to the Bliss Hotel, as well as several homes. He also undertook commissions in Montpelier, Hartford City and Portland, Indiana. In 1904, Cuno took a commission to design and build a business block for J. H. Wysor, in Muncie, Indiana. In order to oversee the project, Cuno moved his family to Muncie.
Soon after, Cuno Kibele set up offices in 335 of the Johnson Building. By 1911, Kibele found himself overwhelmed with commissions and decided to hire local draftsman Carl Wave Garrard. Kibele made Garrard a full partner in the business in 1923, subsequently named Kibele and Garrard. The two partners designed many structures in and around Muncie, including factory buildings, churches, schools, private residences, fraternal lodges and hospitals. Two of his most enduring legacies were the Masonic Temple, begun in 1923, and the Ball Memorial Hospital, begun shortly before his death in 1927.
Having arrived after the gas boom, Kibele missed the opportunity to design the town's more prominent houses. He did, however, create additions for the homes of numerous leading citizens, including all of the Ball brother homes on Minnetrista Blvd. The houses he did design all bear distinct features, identifying them as works by Kibele, or Kibele and Garrard. Because of his firsthand knowledge with bricks and masonry, it comes as no surprise that Kibele employed these elements liberally throughout his designs. Common features of Kibele homes include large porches, and solid construction; even his frame houses appeared to be made of brick. The Prairie school of architecture played an influential role in Kibele's designs, as did Craftsman Bungalow: two very popular styles after the turn of the century. Kibele's commercial buildings, however, are not as distinguishable as his houses. But, due to their solid construction, many of them continue to serve their purpose. Simple in design, these buildings were built to endure.
Cuno Kibele lost a bout with cancer and passed away on December 10, 1927. Cuno left behind a widow and a daughter. Kibele's partner Carl Wave Garrard continued on under the name of Kibele and Garrard for a short time after Cuno's death.
Carl Wave Garrard
Carl W. Garrard, a native of Muncie, Indiana, was born in 1889. His father supported the family by performing various jobs, including ice delivery. At one point, according to Carl, his father went into the ice business for himself.
From an early age Carl took an interest in woodcarving. He was also fascinated by anything mechanical. Carl enjoyed taking some conventional item then turning it into or adapting it to some other practical purpose.
While still in high school, Carl enrolled in the International Correspondence School of Scranton, Pennsylvania, which offered an architectural study program. He completed working drawings, detail studies, and renderings, as required by the curriculum then sent them off to Scranton for grading. Carl received a diploma, though he failed to complete all of the necessary courses.
|
Copyright © 2008 Ball State University 2000 W. University
Ave. Muncie, IN 47306
