File:Architect and engineer (1920) (14782401932).jpg

Identifier: architectenginee6220sanf (find matches)
Title: Architect and engineer
Year: 1905 (1900s)
Authors:
Subjects: Architecture Architecture Architecture Building
Publisher: San Francisco : Architect and Engineer, Inc
Contributing Library: San Francisco Public Library
Digitizing Sponsor: San Francisco Public Library

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ENGINEER In 1776 burning arrows discharged upon the tule roof by hostile Indiansduring an attack resulted in the loss of the first buildings by fire. Theundaunted Padres rebuilt, but on two succeeding occasions during the nextten years their buildings were again destroyed by fire. Three such unfortunateexperiences apparently stimulated their ingenuity to contrive a roof coveringmore fireproof than tules. At any rate, it was at San Luis Obispo that werefirst made those terra-cotta roof tiles which were subsequently adopted at allof the Mission establishments, and have* come to be regarded as one of thedistinctive features of Mission architecture. In the nature of the case thesetiles were technically inferior to current commercial products; they are fairlyporous, and none too completely burned. But it is afrimpressive demonstrationof the initiative and resourcefulness of the Padres that with their meagrefacilities they were able to achieve practical results jaj. all. iTrom the aesthetic
Text Appearing After Image:
SAN LUIS OBISPO MISSION—ORIGINAL CONDITION(From an early photograph.) Standpoint their roofs were masterworks. The size and shape of the tilesexhibit that subtle variation inherent in honest hand-Workmanship; and theunequal burning results in a pleasant variation of color, which is also reinforcedby the irregular clinging of minute mosses to the porous surfaces. The resultis a roof of exquisite softness and richness of tone, an achievement which Ibelieve to be quite impossible of reproduction today; for all the natural condi-tions which led to the distinctive qualities of these products have disappearedbeyond recall from modern industry; and any attempt consciously to reproducetheir eccentricities would end in the same futility that awaits every affectation.The more pity, then, that all of the original tiles have disappeared save overone small area of some twenty-five by fifty feet at the south end of the longarm of the building. A new church of adobes, says Lasuen,* with a tile roo

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