A NATVRAL STONE OF OIVERSBFJEB

ARCH UTECTVRAL VTIUTY

rchitedural Ibererte

COPYRIGHT, 1918

LBERENE STONE COMPANY

NEW YORK, N. Y.

Alberene Stone Din ^Architectural DAedium

of diversified Utility

Quarried only at Schuyler, Virginia

Alberene Stone Company 153 West 23rd Street, New York

Branch Offices at

BOSTON CHICAGO PITTSBURGH PHILADELPHIA

CLEVELAND NEWARK, N. J. RICHMOND

Quarries and Mills at Schuyler, Va.

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ST. PAUL'S PRESBYTERY, PITTSBURGH, PA. Massive Stair Steps carved from Alberene Stone — the material also of the floor tiles and base

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Fifth Among Natural Stones — and Complement to all

y T HIS book, addressed to the architects of America, briefly tells the Story ( O / of Architectural Alberene, describes its qualities as a building Stone,

cl/ suggests its well-nigh unlimited possibilities as a high-quality, time-proof medium for the exercise of architectural taSte and craftsmanship.

Down through the ages, man has built of stone. It was among the earliest materials ready for his handiwork; and with it he has marked the progress of civilization in buildings and monuments of stone—Granite, Marble, Sandstone, Limestone. Of all the media through which man has recorded his achievements and expressed his aspirations, natural stone has been among the most durable and most facile.

Now, to this time-honored four on the roll of structural stones, modern enterprise and science have added a worthy fifth —- that unique material familiarly known as “SOAPSTONE.’’ It is not a new stone. Geologically it is among the oldest. Historically, its architectural use may be traced back some seven hundred years, to mediaeval struc¬ tures of Northern Europe.

Until comparatively recent years, soapstone was known in America for utilitarian purposes only — griddles, foot warmers, laundry tubs and for such humbler architectural uses as door and window sills, door steps, and hearthstones. In the past twenty-five years, however - under the sponsorship of a great American industrial organization — that particularly fine grade of soapstone distinguished by the name “Alberene Stone” has been made available for those higher architectural and artistic purposes for which its uniform texture, its easy workability, and its non-absorbent qualities give it unique superiority.

Alberene Stone — the super-soapstone — does not compete with granite or marble, with sandstone or limestone. On the contrary, it complements them — enhances their architectural value by affording new and larger opportunities for achieving artistic contrasts, interesting variety and pleasing color harmonies.

In the hands of the architect, Alberene Stone makes possible results and effects which can be secured with equal economy by no other means.

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Its texture is such as to permit easy tooling and carving in even the most intricate designs with fine lines, sharp arrises and clean-cut definition. And its physical properties are such as to give it a weather-proofness possessed by no other stone, so that carved or tooled ornamentation is permanent even in out-door exposures.

The delicate blue-gray distinctive of Alberene Stone affords a most effective background for rarer, more colorful, and more costly materials. Intelligently used, it directs attention to, and enhances the value of, these other materials by the effect of contrast or harmonious variety.

Alberene Stone places in the hands of the architect a material characterized by two qualities seldom found in combination -— viz., the capacity for securing highly artistic effects in line and color, at the minimum of expense, and the durability which assures the permanence of these effects.

First of all to be quarried in America /y7 N PUBLIC museums and in private col-

I lections of American antiquities, one may see cooking utensils of prehistoric craft — blackened by fire, worn with use, but still

sound. They are not molded from clay, but are hewn from solid pieces of stone. Their workman¬ ship is of the crudest, but they served their purpose — for they were, and still are, fire-proof, moisture-proof, and time-proof.

The earliest white settlers — notably those in Virginia — found utensils such as these in use by the Indians. Indeed, there appears to have been a regular inter-tribal traffic in these articles, or in the material from which they were made. Natives from the tribes north and west and south brought to Virginia their own local products — pipestones, colors, flints, furs and the like —to exchange for this sturdy, workable, useful stone which then as now had no equal for the purposes for which it was used.

A prehistoric Indian pot of soapstone

The colonists called this stone “soapstone,’’ because of its smooth, “soapy” feel. It was “quarried” by the natives from natural out¬ croppings, some of which were later developed into what are now the world’s largest sources of this sterling stone. Thus northern Virginia

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was the scene of America’s earliest quar¬ rying operations and the center of what was probably America’s oldest industry.

The colonists were not slow to ap¬ preciate the merits of soapstone. It was obviously proof against time and the elements. It possessed a structure which responded readily to the simple tooling of the times. And so we find, in Colo¬ nial and Revolutionary homes, fire¬ places with hearths and linings of soap¬ stone slabs. Historic cemeteries show tombstones and tablets of soapstone - conspicuous for the clearness of their inscriptions and the sharpness of their outlines, in striking contrast to the time- ravaged memorials in other materials.

These soapstone tombstones in Old Swedes Cemetery, Philadelphia, Still bear the sharp, clean-cut

inscriptions of the early 1700's

For a century or more, the principal sources of soapstone were a multitude of small Virginia quarries, privately operated on a small scale and producing stones as diverse in quality as in their geographical location. A limited supply also came from certain localities in Pennsylvania and Vermont. But Natures’s law of the survival of the fittest is inflexible — and gradually the inferior stones disappeared from the market, while the demand for the better grades increased from year to year.

Some twenty years ago, the quarries of superior soapstone were brought under one ownership and management. And to the product of these quarries was given the name “Alberene Stone,” which has since distinguished this stone possessed

of all the distinctive superiorities of soap¬ stone but free from the shortcomings which drove from the market all the inferior soap¬ stones.

The soapstone Steps of the McPherson Mansion at Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, date from 1700

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Now Quarried in Virginia V / HE quarries of Alberene Stone — the Super-Soapstone — are ( q / in Nelson and Albemarle Counties of northern Virginia. The V _y beautiful hills of this district are marked by frequent out¬

croppings of this attractive blue-gray stone, and the eternal qualities of the material are proved by the slight impression which untold centuries of exposure have made upon the character and appearance of the rock. Here, among these hills, the Indian relics are most frequently found - proving that even the aborigines understood that here was a better stone.

Here — where Nature blended her product in her own furnaces, and compressed and compacted it by mighty earth pressures — Alberene Stone is quarried and milled and fabricated. Quarried in the scattered properties by the most efficient methods, the huge blocks are carried over privately owned railways to the great plant at Schuyler, one of the finest stone-working plants in America, where they are sawed into slabs or smaller blocks, machined by the most modern of tools, and assembled in usable form by skilled workmen.

In its finished form, Alberene is just what it was in its original bed — a natural stone, unchanged by any crushing, grinding, burning, baking or other process to alter its quality.

One of the many

quarries grouped

around the

Alberene Stone

Plant at Schuyler,

Virginia

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SACRED HEART CHURCH, PITTSBURGH, PA.

Holy water sloups carved from Alberene — the floor laid in Alberene tile

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This glimpse of one portion of the mill at Schuyler. Va., shows Alberene Stone in fabrication for various purposes

An Inexhaustible Supply The sources of Alberene Stone are practically inexhaustible.

Quarries now being operated can supply all demands for 40 years. Tested but undeveloped properties assure stone for another 2.00 years, at least. The quarries and mills gave birth to, and maintain, the entire community of Schuyler, Va. — where it is not unusual to find two and three generations in one family, working side by side in this enterprise which dates back more than 40 years.

Immediately Available Alberene Stone is always quarried well in advance of demand.

Sorted blocks in the stock yard are always ready to be machined for any purpose. A smaller stock of rough-sawed slabs and blocks is always kept on hand. Milling facilities are always available to meet any demand. A privately-owned railway connects the mill with two main-line railways, so that shipments are made without any delays. Management and methods are such as to keep costs at the lowest figures consistent with workmanship and fabrication of the highest quality.

The Stone op Super-Quality A summary of the physical and chemical properties of Architectural

Alberene lists practically every quality desirable in a stone of highest architectural utility. A separate bulletin, “The Story of Alberene Stone,” gives detailed reports of tests made by scientific laboratories showing the physical, chemical and electrical characteristics.

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Homogeneous In Structure

Being an igneous rock — not a sedimentary stone — Alberene is free from stratification, uniform in density, homogeneous in structure. It will not split or scale or spall. With a crushing strength equal to that of granite, it yet can easily be machined and tooled and carved into intricate forms without loss of those clean-cut lines and sharp edges and corners which count for so much in architectural work.

It Has Color TJalue, Too

The soft blue-gray color of Alberene Stone is distinctive, yet not obtrusive — contrasting, yet always in harmony — soft and pleasing, yet unique and with good lighting value. In combination with the white and lighter tints of marble, with the rich colorings of the granites, with the buffs and grays of sandstone, or with the diverse shades of limestone—Alberene Stone makes possible color effects in great variety and in perfect taste. Beautiful effects are achieved also where Alberene is used with terra cotta, terrazzo, tile and mosaic work.

It is to be noted, moreover, that the distinctive color of Architec¬ tural Alberene is permanent, inherent, and uniform throughout the stone. It is exposure-proof, regardless of service conditions.

1 A Time-Proof Stone

Alberene Stone is to all intents non-absorbent. This, coupled with the fact that it is itself chemically inert and resistant to both acids and alkalis, explains Alberene’s remarkable weather-proofness. It with¬ stands the elements, the temperature changes, the city gases and dirt, without staining or breaking down.

Because of its chemical composition, its physical structure, and negligible moisture content, it is heat-proof and will withstand tempera¬ tures even approaching that of the electric arc. Even under this exces¬ sive heat, there is no splitting or spalling — but a melting, rather, at point of contact.

No natural stone so well withstands extreme temperature changes, as Alberene Stone. A stream of cold water may be turned on a highly heated slab, without cracking or even scaling the stone. This is of special value where the fire hazard must be considered — in stair treads and landings, for instance.

It Is Easily Kept Clean

Architectural Alberene is given a smooth, semi-polished finish from which surface soil is easily removed. Because of its density, there is little surface lodgement offered for dust or soot. Being not only non¬ absorbent but also chemically inert, Alberene is practically non-staining.

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ALBERENE STONE — HONE FINISH

In the color plate above, the center panel of Alberene Stone has been given the semi-polished finish which emphasises the distinctive blue-gray shade; here shown tn combination with polished marbles

Note: Pleasing color harmonies are achieved by using the two finishes of Alberene shown on these

Page 12. two pages. See upper illustration, page 18.

The Val All Sto Is here in pla d u c e d from stone combir (i: other as not i n d i v i tion^ b

The pari ing the ij trations and fol! also shoi of hone ll in full s*.

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ALBERENE STONE — RUBBING BED FINISH

The rough-textured surface given the center panel above softens the blue-gray tone, affording a fine harmony with the travertine, sandstone, slate and tile shown in combination

Note: The red-brown sample at the upper right is “Albertile”—natural Alberene heat treated at a temperature of 1800° Fahr. Page 13

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Any slight discolorations which may occur are mere surface coatings, easily removed — not sub-surface impregnations. Neither the material itself nor its color is injured by any of the ordinary cleaning fluids or powders. A light rubbing with a scouring powder or, in extreme cases, with pumice or sandpaper, will remove surface blemishes.

A Readily Workable Material

There is no “grain” or appreciable stratification, in Architectural Alberene. It is dense and of uniform texture, and generally free from silicious content — except a certain grade specially selected for its non-slipping qualities. It is hard enough to resist all ordinary abrasion, yet not too hard to permit easy tooling and machining.

It is possible, therefore, to work Architectural Alberene into almost any desired shape or contour — in fact, almost to parallel anything that can be achieved in a molded-and-baked material, with the great added advantages of sharp lines and contours, and delicacy of modeling.

Assembly in fabricated structures is by means of tongue-and-grove, or bolted-and-doweled, joints with a cement (waterproof and acid- proof, where necessary) matching the stone in color. Such joints are almost invisible and the structure has the surface appearance as well as the solidity of one-piece construction. No other natural stone can be worked like Alberene and retain its sharp corners, smooth edges and £ perfect contour. There is no tendency to split, flake or spall.

The Most Durable of Stones

Indian cooking pots of untold antiquity, still bearing the original crude tool marks — tombstones dated centuries back, with their carving still clean and clear—tablets scores of years old, with the inscriptions still clean-cut and legible — these, which have been exposed through decades and centuries to the ravages of weather and changing seasons, prove the time-defying qualities of Architectural Alberene, and charac¬ terize it as the most durable of all natural stones.

An Economical Material to Use

The vast deposits of Alberene Stone, their geographical location, the resources and facilities of the producing company, and the large output of the quarries and mills at Schuyler — these together make it possible to produce, fabricate and mill Architectural Alberene at prices which compare favorably with those of other stones.

This, together with the unequaled time-proofness of Alberene, makes it a highly economical architectural material from a standpoint both of first cost and maintenance cost. Alberene Stone construction is permanent construction — the least costly in the long run.

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WHERE BENJAMIN FRANKLIN IS BURIED

This soapdone post cap and coping — one of many in the cemetery wall at 5th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia —

have weathered the dorms of over if 0 years, out lading the original brick wall

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RESIDENCE OF MR. ORVILLE BULLITTS, WHITE MARSH, PA.

Richness and reflful simplicity expressed in the line and modeling of this mantel of Alherene Stone

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Alberene is a Stone of Diversified Utility

ROM what has gone before, it will be evident that Alberene Stone represents an unusual combination of artistic possibilities

with utilitarian values — a combination which the experienced archi¬ tect will quickly appreciate and will turn to good account in securing unusual and distinctive effects. Illustrations in these pages show examples of the use of Architectural Alberene and suggest its further application. The following will indicate some of the more obvious uses, and may point the way to new applications.

Fireplaces and ISA ant els

The heat-resisting qualities of Alberene have made it a standard material for linings and hearths, for a hundred years and more. More recently, the distinctive color of the stone, and the ease with which it can be worked, have led to its use as a medium for the development of distinctive mantel designs whether in intricate carving or in the simpler styles. The blue-gray color is a restful one, and harmonious in any color scheme.

Flooring

Tiles of Alberene — sawed to uniform thickness, finished on one side, with edges smooth and true — make an ideal floor. The stone selected for this purpose is a special hard grade, with a silicious content which gives the surface a non-slip quality that is extremely comfortable. Floors of Alberene are of course non-staining and easily kept clean. They have been used with noticeable success where — as in laboratories — chemicals may be spilled which would stain and attack any other flooring material. In hospitals, a floor of Alberene tiles with a base or wainscot of the same material makes a germ-proof room which can be mopped out with a disinfectant solution without discoloration.

Used in combination with other materials — stone, tile or mosaic — Alberene Stone tiles permit the development of highly ornamental and artistic patterns at moderate cost, the blue-gray of Alberene lending

a distinctive note.

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EXETER POW ER STATION, WEST PITTSTON, PA. (above) — Wainscot, base and cap of Alberene tile, in two finishes

PENN ATHLETIC CLUB, PHILADELPHIA, PA. (below) Loggia floored with Alberene Stone — si air treads and balcony floors of the same material

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Trim

The workability of Architectural Alberene permits machining it in any desired form — for base (plain or coved) and plinths, for saddles, for door and window sills and stools, for coping, for wainscot, capping, fascia, brackets and corbels. Tiles of Alberene for wainscot, with capping of the same material, make a most substantial and sanitary construction. Especially pleasing effects are secured by using the blue-gray Alberene in association with other materials to secure a distinctive color harmony or contrast.

Exteriors

No material has the weather-resisting qualities of Architectural Alberene. This fact — coupled with the workability of the stone and its characteristic color — opens up unlimited possibilities for its use for outdoor sills, pediments, spandrels, steps, and ornamental exterior work. For example, consider how splendidly it lends itself to the development of artistic doorways and entrances.

Stair Treads and Landings

For these purposes, Architectural Alberene has no equal. The stone selected is the special hard grade with a “toothed’’ surface of highest safety properties, wet or dry. Notable examples of its use are to be seen in schools, public institutions, public buildings, office struc¬ tures and the like, where the service is exceptionally heavy and the need for safety and durability great. One great advantage in the Alberene tread is that it needs no pan beneath. The stone will stand the most extreme heat, without breaking. Examples may be pointed out where not only treads but stringers and risers are of Alberene — and in some cases an unusually massive effect has been secured by machining each step entire from a solid block of Alberene.

Sanitary Work

For years past, Alberene Stone has been a standard material for toilet partitions, urinals, shower stalls and dressing rooms. Its pre-eminent advantages are obvious - its non-absorbent, nonstaining qualities are Garden bench of carved Alberene, with

walk of broken Alberene slabs

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SACRED HEART CHURCH, PITTSBURGH, PA.

Wainscot, cap, fascia and brackets in Alberene Stone

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MOUNT MERCY ACADEMY, PITTSBURGH, PA.

Albtrene Stone flair treads, with an interefling pattern in Alberene tile for landings

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The standard American laundry tray

unique; tongue-and-groove, cemented-joint construction with no exposed metal, produces highly sanitary, germ-and-vermin-proof, liquid-tight, depreciation-proof structures. Angle clips and metal bracing can be eliminated. The smooth surface is easily kept clean -there is no splitting or scaling or pitting. The color makes for

good lighting.

Laboratory Work

In every important laboratory erected in the past 2.5 years, Alberene has been the approved material for table tops and splash backs, fume hoods and ducts, sinks and drain boards, pegboards, tanks and vats, and acid-proof cabinet work. It is used for the storage of acids and dangerous chemicals; for acid-proof floors and trim; and for devel¬ oping tanks, animal cages, etc.

Domestic Utilities

More than a million Alberene Stone laundry trays have been sold, and the demand persists wherever value is measured in terms of service¬ ability. Kitchen sinks of the same material continue to be the choice of those who value permanence. Range hearths and backs, griddles, and garden walks of Alberene Stone are other humble but highly im¬ portant factors in the equipment of the American home.

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ST. BONIFACE CHURCH, PITTSBURGH, PA. An effective combination of Alberene Stone with colored floor tiles

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Advisory Service T N the more-than-40 years of its existence,

the Alberene Stone Company has gained a

mastery of its particular specialty. In all de¬

partments of its organization it has trained

and experienced men, each of whom is a spe¬

cialist in some line of the Company's activities.

A vast fund of information, and the counsel

of these specialists, is freely at the service of

architects who may wish to fortify their own

judgment and experience with that of men

who are known experts in their special lines.

Publications The following special Bulletins are issued by the Company and will be

sent on request. They give detail drawings, specifications,

and specialized information

SHOWER COMPARTMENTS AND DRESSING ROOMS

LAUNDRY TRAYS AND KITCHEN SINKS

THE STORY OF ALBERENE STONE

STAIR TREADS AND LANDINGS

LABORATORY EQUIPMENT

ELECTRICAL ALBERENE

TOILET PARTITIONS

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5.M—9-28

AVERY LIBRARY

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