225 West Spencer
The house currently at 225 West Spencer Avenue in Marion, Indiana is only one of the several historical houses designed by the famous African-American architect Samuel Plato. This house has served as not only a home for several families, but also for use as a funeral home. According to Marion High School Graduate David S. Blunk , II, it is time Marion, Indiana began “further understanding the great historical, aesthetic, and moral value placed upon the buildings created by African- American architect Samuel Plato.” Samuel Plato, the design exhibiting his high quality of work, occupants of the home and other aspects involved in the history and present residence at 225 West Spencer Avenue will further be discussed.
Born 1882 in Waugh, Alabama Samuel M. Plato learned carpentry from his father. James, Plato’s father, a former slave learned these skills from being an apprentice of Samuel Carter, a famous enslaved black artisan. At a young age Plato made furniture however when attended State University Normal School in Louisville (later Simmons Bible College) in 1900 he decided to study law. Using his carpentry skills to pay his way through college, Plato graduated from Simmons in 1902 in which he moved to Marion, Indiana. (Edelen Cheryl 2003) It was said that he moved there because the gas economy was booming providing flowing money to build houses and other buildings.(MPL) One of his first be carpentry projects was building a cottage at Fern Creek for the school’s president, Charles L. Purce. After graduating he attended an architecture program from the International Correspondence School. Plato was one of the first African American architects to be awarded a contract to build a post office or be hired as a black contractor to build barrack-style housing during World War II. Although Samuel called Louisville his home for most of his life, Plato traveled all over doing architectural jobs. Building over 39 post offices all over the United States of America, Plato also built other projects. Examples range from mansions, banks, churches, schools, office buildings and theaters. This projects included multi-million dollar projects residential and for the government. Several of Plato’s projects in Kentucky and Indiana have been named historical sites. Plato worked extremely hard to be recognized and accepted by other architects, contractors and wealthy people. He often used family and friend connections in order to get work, although he was turned down numerous times. Thaddeus S. Lusby Sr., Plato’s first wife, Nettie’s father was a successful carpenter and builder. Plato kept all business within his own people. His wife Elnora, often fended as his business manager and would use money earned from her dress-making business during money droughts. He also employed as many of African-Americans possible, including those from his family. (Edelen Cheryl 2003) Samuel Plato died in 1957 at the age of 75 years. Not only did Plato “create success from failure” but he overcame the barrier of non-existence of African-American architects. (Blunk David II)
Due to the high quality of craftsmanship, authentic use of various styles, noting the resources of the era, Plato’s projects displayed historical value. Plato played an significant role in progressing the present-day famous Arts & Crafts movement. Platonian windows are the most significant trademark of Plato’s projects. Uncomplicated yet stunning original glass and casings still remain reside in most of the houses today. Applying the trade in which he learned from his father, Plato constructed cabinets, doors and windows making his architecture even more unique. Plato has a wide array of architecture styles he used. Styles such as Bungalow, Mediterranean, and Greek-revival were all tied together with excellent craftsmanship and carpentry to form Plato masterpieces. (Blunk David II) The house on 225 W. Spencer is a two story single family residence. It was built in 1906 and is now occupied by Neil and Patricia Haglund.
The residence 225 West Spencer Avenue is a prime example of the number of unverified buildings with missing records of Samuel Plato’s projects that are separating us from history. Information on this building was difficult to locate because of the lack of concern of the people. It is important that Samuel Plato’s work and dedication begin to receive the honor it deserves. Through concentrating less on famed projects, such as the J. Wood Wilson Mansion (Hostess House) of Samuel Plato and branching off to the less recognized structures, more of Marion, Indiana’s history will be revealed. Samuel Plato and his work has and continues to be contribute to the advancement of the community, especially those whom are African American. “…he breaks a stereotype of what people think {African-American} men do. He represents a success story in the field of architecture. A lot of success stories you hear about {African-Americans) stress sports. That isn’t always so.” (Green Earl)
