Justus F. Krumbein was born in 1847 near Hamburg, Germany, and studied architecture at the Polytechnische Schule (Polytechnic School) in Hanover, Germany (later the Leibniz University Hanover), graduating in 1867. He immigrated to the United States in 1869. After spending two years in San Francisco, California, he moved to Portland, Oregon, in 1871, where he partnered with W. G. Gilbert. In 1873, Krumbein and Gilbert won a competition to design the new Oregon State Capitol. Krumbein and Gilbert's partnership dissolved soon afterwards, and in 1875 Krumbein partnered with Warren H. Williams (1844-1888); this partnership ended in 1878, after which Krumbein worked independently.
In 1883, Krumbein designed the Bickel Block in Portland, and in 1884 he designed the Kamm Block, also in Portland. Some of his later projects included the Ancient Order of United Workmen Temple in Portland (1892); the Flavel Hotel in Flavel, Oregon (1897); the Edward C. Hochapfel residence in Portland (1904); and a building at the 1905 Lewis & Clark Centennial Exposition in Portland.
Krumbein married Christine M. Gantenbein in 1883; the couple had two sons. Justus F. Krumbein died in 1907.
The collection consists of architectural plans (both original drawings and blueprints) made by the Portland, Oregon, architect Justus F. Krumbein; these plans were made during the period of Krumbein's career when he worked independently, from 1878 to his death in 1907. Plans in the collection are: blueprints of a floor plan, foundation plan, and elevations for the residence of M. C. George at 616 Market Street Drive (later 2050 SW Market Street Drive), Portland, 1893; original elevation, floor plans, and section for an unidentified church; a blueprint of a floor plan for an unidentified theater; and original floor plans on linen for an unidentified residence.
Collection is open for research.
The Oregon Historical Society owns the materials in the Research Library and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. The Society does not necessarily hold copyright to all materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use may require seeking additional authorization from copyright owners.
Justus F. Krumbein architectural papers, Mss 3123-1, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.
Plans for unidentified residence gift of Herbert Krumbein, March 1980 (Lib. Acc. 15073); all other plans gift of Mickey A. Nielsen, June 1981 (Lib. Acc. 15558).
Includes materials previously designated Mss 3123-1, Mss 3123-2, Mss 3123-3, and Mss 3123-4.
Additional materials about Krumbein at the Oregon Historical Society Research Library are in the vertical file Biography - Krumbein, Justus F.