American architect From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
George DeWitt Mason (July 4, 1856 – June 3, 1948) was an American architect who practiced in Detroit, Michigan, in the latter part of the 19th and early decades of the 20th centuries.[1]
George Mason was born in Syracuse, New York, the son of James H. and Zelda E. Mason. In 1870 the family moved to Detroit, where Mason received his early education.[2][3]
Mason in stone, Masonic Temple
Mason began his architectural career working for Detroit architect Hugh Smith in 1875, but this only lasted a summer. After this he moved to the firm of Henry T. Brush, where he worked for the first nine months without pay. Mason started out assigned to some specific detailing work on the George O. Robinson House[4] and the Detroit Public Library.[5] One of the first buildings in which Mason received equal billing for the design was the Ransom Gillis House.[6] In 1878 he joined with Zachariah Rice to form the firm Mason & Rice. This partnership lasted until 1898, after which time Mason continued his practice alone.[7]
Mason married Ida Whitaker in 1882, and they had one daughter.[2] From 1884 until 1896 Albert Kahn worked with Mason and Rice, and he returned to partner with Mason for a few years early in the 20th century.[8] A number of Mason's works, either by himself or as part of Mason & Rice, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[9]
Mason died on June 3, 1948, at his home in the Wilshire Apartments building, at the age of 91. He was buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Detroit.[3]
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