Collection, circa 1890-2007, of research materials compiled by Kathryn Bishop Eckert (Kathryn Anne Bishop Omoto) in the process of writing The Sandstone Architecture of the Lake Superior Region (PhD. diss., Michigan State University, 1982; Wayne State University Press, 2000). Contents include research notes, correspondence, historical preservation site evaluations, photographs, historical newspaper articles, blueprints, building specifications, books and book excerpts, and articles.

Series I, Research Files, contains files on subjects relevant to Omoto’s research. Subjects include sandstone buildings, quarries and quarry companies, people involved with sandstone architecture, building materials, and architectural history. The sandstone building research files contain historical newspaper articles, books and book excerpts, blueprints, building specifications, maps, photographs, historical preservation site evaluations, research notes, and correspondence. Most materials are photocopies rather than originals. The quarries and quarry companies research files contain information sheets for quarry companies (noting the name of corporation, date of incorporation, location of quarry, description of stone, resulting buildings, etc.) and sources documenting the companies. The Milwaukee brick research files contain sources on Milwaukee brick, also known as Cream City brick. Eckert’s first draft of The Sandstone Architecture of the Lake Superior Region included a chapter on Milwaukee brick, which she juxtaposed with sandstone; a draft of this chapter is included here. The building personnel research files contain information about architects, builders, craftsmen, contractors, and investors involved with sandstone architecture in the Lake Superior region. The final set of research files contains research sources, notes, and correspondence.

Series II, Card Files, includes card files for building evaluations, quarries and quarry companies, building personnel, and research sources. The first set of card files contains building evaluations from historical preservation surveys conducted by Omoto, her department, and affiliates. Cards list buildings’ names and locations, and often additional information such as their architects, original and present usage, and citations for sources documenting their history. Some evaluations include photographs, and many are supported by additional cards containing research notes. The second set of card files documents quarries and quarry companies, including information such as their location, founding date, and resulting buildings. The third set of card files includes information about architects, carpenters/builders, engineers, and contractors/developers involved in sandstone architecture. The final set of card files includes citations and requests for research sources, notes, and some copies of sources.

Series III, Publication Materials, consists of materials documenting the publication of The Sandstone Architecture of the Lake Superior Region. Contents include correspondence, documents, and a copy of the original typeset manuscript of The Sandstone Architecture of the Lake Superior Region.