4 FT. SPAN. Pittsburg Jerra lumber 42 SIXTH HiZENUE, PARTITION TILE. PITTSBURGH, PA. FIRE LOSSES IN THE UNITED STATES AS AUTHORITATIVELY COMP In 1885, In 1886, . In 1887, In 1888, . . . , In 1889, In 1890, • LED, WERE AS FOLLOWS! $102,818,796 108,924.750 119,209,380 . 110,900,000 115,000,000 . 132,000,000 HARD TILE ARCH. 4 FT. SPAN. o Pittsburgh Terra Cotta Lumber Company, 42 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. CONTENTS. Page. Introductory — Hard Tile 3 Material — Manufacture of 3 Patents 3 Reasons Why Porous Tile Are Better 3 Facilities for Constructing and Manufacturing 4 What Tests Have Proven 4 Tests — United States Government Test of Partition Tile Pittsburgh Exposition Test of Partition Tile. . . . Six Inch Arch Dead Load Test 6 Eight Inch Arch Dead Load Test 6 Ten Inch Arches Dead Load Test 7 Eight Inch Arch Dead Load Test 8 Eire Test in England 8 Denver Tests — Porous and Hard Tile Arches Before Testing 9 Dead Load Test 10 Drop Weight Test 10 Fire and Water Test 11 Continuous Fire Test 11 Arches — Table of Tile for Use in Different Spans 12 Table of Iron Beams for Else in Different Length Spans. ... 12 Perspective of Ceilings, Floors and Partitions in Fire-Proof Buildings 13 Six Inch Arch 13 Seven Inch Arch 13 Page. Eight Inch Arch 13 Section of Iron Framing for Fire-Proof Construction 14 Nine Inch Arch 14 Ten Inch Arch 14 Twelve Inch Arch 14 Segment Arch 15 Voussior Arch 15 Improved Voussoir Arch 15 Beam Covering 16 Column Covering 16 Furring Walls 16 Girder Covering 16 Mansard Rook 17 Roofing Tile 17 Suspended Ceiling 17 Partitions — Advantages of Porous Partitions 18-19 Table of Weights, Safe Length and Height of Walls 19 Size of Blocks 19 Wooden Structures Fire-Poofed — Perspective Showing a Wooden Structure Fire-Proofed 20 Wooden Joists Fire-Proofed 21 Studding Fire-Proofed 21 Wooden Mansard Roof Fire-Proofed 21 Electric Switchboard 22 Testimonials from Architects and Builders 23-24 Buildings Fire-Proofed 25-26 Pittsburgh Terra Cotta Lumber Company, 42 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. INTRODUCTORY. N PRESENTING this Catalogue to Architects and Builders, we give only that which has been proven by practical experience to be the best FIRE-PROOFING methods, and those systems, which beyond a question of doubt, are the best. Up to almost the time of this Catalogue going to press, the question of whether hard tile or porous tile was the better for fire-proofing purposes, has been to some of the building profession a grave question, but after the tests at Denver, Col., and numerous tests which we have made, we think that question has been entirely dispelled, and the terra cotta lumber (porous terra cotta) stands so far superior to other materials for fire- proofing that it will be a question now: can we get the porous terra cotta for our building? If so, we cannot afford to use anything else. We are enabled to manufacture hard tile just as well as terra cotta lumber, but as we state above, we desire only to give Architects and Build- ers in this catalogue, that which is best to be used, and, in doing so, we treat only on porous terra cotta for Arches, Partitions and Furring, and the following are the reasons. First. It is an absolute non-conductor of Heat, Cold and Sound. Second. By reason of its porosity, plaster adheres to it better than to any other material. Third. It can be altered with but little trouble without injuring the plaster, and this is a very great advantage in a large building. Fourth. It will hold nails and screws perfectly. Fifth. It is lighter in weight than any other fire-proofing material, thereby affording a great saving in the iron work which enters into the construction of a building. Terra Cotta Lumber is a name given to a composition of clay and saw-dust fashioned into hollow forms, burned like common brick in which process of burning, the saw dust is consumed leaving a porous earthenware tile of extreme lightness, great elastic strength and durability. Which by these characteristics adapts it for all classes of buildings, from the largest Office or Hotel building to the smallest dwelling house. The Pittsburgh Terra Cotta Lumber Company is operated under a license from the International Terra Cotta Lumber Company, by which it has the right to manufacture this material under the Gilman Patents. The International Terra Cotta Lumber Company, the parent company, as licensor, is the proprietor of four United States Letters patent upon Composition of Matter “Bed Rock’’ patents, as they are termed being the foundation, as it were, of the art, which in turn, are backed by thirty others, protecting the various specific applications to Architectural fire-poofing and other purposes. The possession of Letters Patent is prima facie evidence that the holder is entitled to them, until it is clearly proven that the originality of the invention began not with him. Manufacturers of Terra Cotta Lumber, or Porous Terra Cotta, in this and other sections of the country, who are 4 Pittsburgh Terra Cotta Lumber Company, 42 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. making the material in violation of the rights held by the International Company under its United States Patents, cannot offer protection against heavy damages to purchasers of this material, as they are liable as well as the manufacturers. Our Company is prepared to furnish estimates, and execute promptly all contracts entrusted to its care in any part of the United States having experienced men whom we send to construct material in the building. Our factory is the largest in capacity of any other now manufacturing Terra Cotta Lumber, and our facilities are unsurpassed. Correspondence is solicited from Architects, Builders, dealers and others interested. Any information not contained in the following pages will be gladly furnished upon application. PITTSBURGH TERRA COTTA LUMBER COMPANY. TESTS. In giving the description of the following tests, we beg to state, that they are only a few of many which we have made for Architects and Builders, we have also a few described which other manufacturers have made, any further information that we can furnish will be cheerfully given by us, all tests given here have been made under the supervision of Architects, names of whom we will furnish if desired, and also cheerfully give to those who may desire the benefit of very numerous private tests which we have made. WHAT TESTS HAVE PROVEN. First. It is the only material that will stand a great load. Second. It will not break under a weight dropped from a reasonable distance. Third. It is the only material which will stand a continuous fire without breaking. Fourth. It is the only material that when heated will not fly, crumble or break, when a stream of cold water is thrown upon it as Hard Tile will do. The above requirements are those which are needed for fire-proofing material, terra cotta lumber being a non-conductor prevents the iron beams in a building from getting red hot in case of a fire. Pittsburgh Terra Cotta Lumber Company, 42 Sixth Avenue, Pitttsburgh, Pa. \J. S. GOVERNMENT TEST. It will be observed from the report given below by Major F. IT. Parker; Ordnance Department, U. S. A., of tests made with the United States testing machines, December 17, 1886, that a 12 inch flat arch, for instance, is capable of sustaining a load ten or twelve times greater than is actualiy required. The following is taken from Major Parker’s report : No. 1 . 6 02 No. 8. 6 ' 86 STYLE OF SPECIMENS. No. 5. No. 6. 4. 2 No. 7. 6 3 / OO O 9&- B 1. o"9a /. 00 / oc7 o’se 0 98 No. 9 . No. 10. 100 05 7 r e ri O. S3 A - O 93 MARKS. W'EIGHT LBS. SECTIONAL AREA SQUARE IN. FIRST CRACK LBS. ULTIMATE STRENGTH. TOTAL LBS. LBS. PER SQUARE IN. A 1 81 22.62 16,480 16,440 729 A 2 81 24.24 18,250 18,250 753 A 3 84 25.80 29,100 29,100 1128 B 1 81 20.32 14,850 14,850 731 E 2 8 20.27 11,280 11,280 557 C 1 17.66 2,240 12,240 693 C 2 4* 17.26 16,160 16,160 936 D 1 71 23.90 30,100 30,100 1259 D 2 131 46.71 33,950 33,950 727 v ^//////A'///////A. M a//aaaa/aa. . Si ■ ^ V A" A&. At Test No. 26 was tested at our factory. Test No. 40 was tested by us in the Holland House, Cor. 30th street and 5th avenue, New York City, N. Y. TEST No. 20. This arch was built in October, 1890. 800 lbs. to square foot was put on. It was left standing, exposed to all kinds of weather, and when bricks were removed in April, 1891, it was to all appearance* as good as when built. This arch had fully 1200 lbs. to the square foot, including the brick, rain and snow. TEST No. 40. Several tests the same as this were given by us for the Building De- partment in New York City. The last was 1050 lbs. to square foot, put on a soaking wet arch and left standing 30 days and exposed to the weather. The arch is still in the building, and as good as ever. MEICHT TESTS. Load put on October, 1890. 10 in. arch. 6 ft. span. Load put on September, 1890. 10 in. arch. 5 ft. 6 in. span. 8 Pittsburgh Terra-Cotta Lumber Company, 42 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. WEIGHT HND EIRE TEST. Load putonMay 29 th, 1891 . 8 in. Arch. 5 ft. 6 in. Span. TEST No. 45 . This test was given in the Ferguson Block, Pittsburgh. A weight of 850 lbs. to square foot, or over five tons was put on, and left standing five days. No damage resulted to ar c h, and it is still in the building. TESTING POROUS EARTHENWARES IN ENGLAND. City Buildings, 69 Corporation Street, ! Manchester, England, March 6, 1889. ) Editors, Fire-Proofer — Your excellent periodical continues to reach me, and does good service in this country. The illustrations of methods of using the wares, and articles on same are of great value. I often receive letters containing the following query: “How do you know the material is fire-proof?” To satisfy such inquirers, I have secured an apparatus, very much like a blow-pipe, which can be carried in a hand bag. This produces a most intense heat of 3400 degrees Fahrenheit, sufficient to melt palladium. A test of this sort is quite sufficient, when slabs one and one-half inch thick, can be heated to a white heat on one side and still carried on one’s bare hand. At Liverpool, I had two of these apparati producing this raging heat for a long time on a slab, one and one-quarter inches thick, and at the same time my bare hand was held on the other side. This test was witnessed by the chief architects of the city and the representatives of the Salvage Corps. These slabs were also immersed in cold water while hot, without cracking, thus proving that the wares are not subject to ex- pansion and contraction under heat and cold. I had the pleasure of showiug this test before Alfred Waterhouse, Esq., and other leading architects in London last month, with the same satisfactory results. Eminent architects in Manchester, and Captain Tryner, of the Fire Department„have witnessed the tests and confidently recommend the material. The same unanimously favorable opinion is expressed everywhere. I find these tests are worth a lot of talk and far more convincing. Yours truly, John Nash. Pittsburgh Terra Cotta Lumber Company, 42 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. it TESTS. These tests were made at Denver, Colorado, commencing December 19, 1S90. They were for the purpose of determining what material was the best for fire-proofing purposes, and for use in the Equitable Building at Denver, the arches were constructed by each company contesting, and the tests were entirely in the hands of the Architects, Messrs. Andrews, Jaques & Rantoul, who employed their own men to do the testing. These tests prove conclusively that in DEAD WEIGHT TEST, SHOCK or DROPPED WEIGHT TEST, FIRE AND WATER TEST, and CONTINUOUS FIRE TEST, TERRA COTTA LUMBER (POROUS TERRA COTTA), surpassed every other material. A copy of the tests with photographs will be sent upon application or it can be seen in the American Architect 6° Building News , of March 28, 1S91. End construction, Terra Cotta Lumber (Porous Terra Cotta) Arch built ready for testing. Common method of construction, Hard Tile Arch, built ready for testing. 10 Pittsburgh Terra Cotta Lumber Company, 42 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. DGHD L_07AD TGSTS, Porous Tile Arch. End construction as it appeared with its great- Hard Tile Arch. Common method of construction as it appeared est load, namely, 15.-577 pounds, equivalent to 1730 pounds to square after a load of 5S61 pounds, equivalent to 651 pounds to square foot, foot. The loading of this arch was stopped at this point, as it was The arch gave way suddenly and without warning, feared that the pile of pig iron would topple over and injure the work- men. DROP IVeiCHT TOST. The two Hard Tile Arches tested, gave way upon the first blow from a ram weighing 134 pounds, and dropped from a heighth of six feet. The Porous Tile Arch, end construction, same ram dropped from a heighth of six feet four times; same ram dropped from a heighth of eight feet seven times. Arch went down at the eleventh blow. Pittsburgh Terra Cotta Lumber Company, 42 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. 1 1 FIRE 7A IN D MHTER TEST. Porous Tile Arch, the end method of construction, as it appeared Hard Tile Arch, common method of construction, as it appeared after eleven applications of water, and at the end of twenty-three hours after three applications of water. When furnace setting was removed, was practically uninjured. it totally collapsed. CONTINUOUS EIRE TEST. Terra Cotta Lumber Arch after a continuous fire test of 24 hours was uninjured as it supported a load of brick weighing 12,500 pounds. Hard Tile Arch after a continuous fire of 24 hours collapsed on removal of furnace walls. & Pittsburgh Terra Cotta Lumber Company, 42 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. 12 ARCHES. Our system of Floor Arch construction affords the greatest strength with the least amount of space and material; it is but one-third the weight of brick or concrete arches, makes a level ceiling beneath, without necessity for furring or lathing. HOLLOW TILE FLOOR ARCHES, WEIGHTS, ETC. DEPTH OF TILE ARCH. MAXIMUM SAFE SPAN. WEIGHT PER SQUARE FT. SIZES OE IRON I BEAMS. 14 FOOT AND UND^L 18 FOOT SPAN AND UNDER. 22 FOOT SPAN AND UNDER. 20 fc a yn SPAN UNDER. 6 inches 5 ft. 6" 22 pounds. 6" Lt. I Beam 1 'ri. A. I Beam. 8" Lt . I WytA. 10" Lt. I Beam. 7 inches 6 ft. 0" 27 do. 7" do . 8" 9"X TIO. 10" do. 8 inches (5 ft. 6" 30 do. 7" do. , 8" do. 9 / 'V do. 10£" do. 9 inches 7 ft. 0" 33 do. 8" do. r&o. 10" 12" do. 10 inches 7 ft. 6" 35 do. 8" do. A 9" do. 10" do. 12%^ do. 12 inches . . 8 ft. 0" 42 do. 9" 0 ^ 0 . 10" do. 10J" do. 12" do^^^^ The maximum safe span given above is for a uniform load of 500 lbs. per square foot, equally distributed upon the Floor Arches; but in cases of necessity the spans could be increased slightly, without danger of settlement. The sizes of iron beams indicated for the different spans of Floor Arches, are based upon a practical experience, and are calculated to sustain, including the weight of the construction, a uniformly distributed load of 140 lbs. per superficial foot, which is the usual factor for ordinary floors. The iron beams, when set in place, should invariably be bolted together with 3^ inch tie-rods, secured to the web of the beam and drawn tightly to place with nut and thread. These tie rods should be- set from about 6 feet to 8 feet apart. i Pittsburgh Terra Cotta Lumber Company, 42 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. 13 HRCH ES- END CONSTRUCTION. 6 INCH ARCH; 5 FOOT SPAN. INCH ARCH ; 5 FOOT 6 INCH SPAN. Detailed Construction of PERSPECTIVE — Showing Floors and Ceilings of Porous Fillings Between Iron Beams. EXPRESSIONS OE ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS ON THIS CONSTRUCTION. “ Of course it is the best.” “ You get all the strength of the material.” “ Will insist upon using it hereafter.” “ Our trouble of running- pipe, wires, etc., without injuring arch is obviated.” “ Is just what we have been looking for.” “An egg will only stand pressure on its end.” “ A pipe will stand much more weight on end than on its side.” “We find that plaster adheres more firmly to Porous Terra Cotta than to anything else we have ever used.” n Pittsburgh Terra Cotta Lumber Company, 42 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. HRCHES--END CONSTRUCTION, 9 INCH ARCH; 6 FOOT SPAN- SECTION OF IRON FRAMING— Dis- playing Methods of Modern Fire-proof Con- struction. REASONS WHY POROUS TILE ARE BEST FOR ARCHES. They are absolutely fire-proof, having been, during the course of their manufacture, subjected to a white heat. In case of a fire they will not WARP OR SPRING. They will not CRACK, even though a stream of water is poured on them when heated. They are imperviable to sound. Floors made of this material are lighter than all others. They are much stronger and better able to resist a sudden blow than the Hard Tile Arches. Pittsburgh Terra Cotta Lumber Company, 42 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa 15 HRCHES, MISCELLANEOUS. VOUSSOIR FLOOR ARCH. w / FW /of w 'M. < I !i rrn. ' I % ■ EMa IMPROVED VOUSSOIR ARCIL Skew Backs to cover bottom flange of Beams furnished when desired. Note: — We are pleased at all times to furnish any information we can, on Arch Construction, to those who are interested. We invite corres pondence from Architects, Builders and Owners. % 16 Pittsburgh Terra Cotta Lumber Company, 12 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. FURRING W7AL-L-S COVERING GIRDERS, COLUMNS HND BE7A7VYS, Terra Cotta Furring Tiles. The use of this material for furringprevents all damp- ness from penetrating, be- sides giving a circulation of air between the wall and furringtiles, insuring warmth in winter and coolness in summer. Plaster is applied directly to the tiles. The tiles are secured in place by the use of cement and a few flat-headed nails and washers that are driven into the wall. Iron and Wood Fire-Proofed Posts and Columns. Cement or plaster is. applied to covering and will adhere firmly. Three inch and upwards, Partition Tile, for Furring Walls in Malt Houses, Cold Stor- age, etc. We also make Hollow Brick for Furring. Porous Terra Cotta Girder Porous Terra Cotta Beam Furring. Covering. We make different shapes and sizes of Column, Beam and Girder Coverings, to meet the requirements of the different kinds now in use. .For these usages, the Porous Tiles are the only thing to be used; it being a Non-Conductor of Heat and Cold will afford the protection desired. Pittsburgh Terra Cotta Lumber Company, 42 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. IT SUSPENDED CEILING, ROOFINC, TILE HMD 7VTTTINS7ARD ROOF. POROUS terra cotta ceiling on t irons. (Weight from 8 lbs. to 15 lbs. to square ft.; thickness from 1/4 to 3 inches ) HOLLOW POROUS ROOFING TILE are from 154 to 3 inches thick, 12 inches wide, and 12 to 24 inches long; suitable to set between T iron purlins. Weight is from 8 to 15 pound per square foot- Makes a non-conducting roof. POROUS TERRA COTTA APPLIED TO MANSARD ROOF ON IRON RAFTERS. Other designs for a Suspended Ceiling, Roofing Tile and Mansard Roof will be furnished upon application. We think the above will meet all requirements. Porous Tile used in this way affords the protection necessary to the iron Ts or Beams, in case of a fire in close proximity to the building. The Porous Tile being a non-conductor , prevents the heating of iron work. 18 Pittsburgh Terra Cotta Lumber Company, 42 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. PARTITIONS, Partitions dividing the various floors of a building into compartments, are perhaps next of importance to the floor construction in the necessi- ty for fire-proof treatment, and no building can be considered safe from the injurious effects of fire, built with partitions constructed in the ordi- nary manner, with wooden studs covered with laths, even though the floors should be fire-proofed. The combustible nature of a stud and lath partition is so great that the entire structure would be seriously injured should a fire once get fairly under way. We have therefore conformed Porous Tile to the requisite shapes to enable us to build fire-proof partitions only three inches thick, that are in themselves as proof against fire as the best twelve inch brick wall. The advantages we claim for Porous Tile Partitions, above all other methods are: Greatest strength with the least amount of space and weight, and not only absolute fire and vermin proof, but a non-conductor of sound. No one will appreciate how annoying it is to have an office in a building where sound reverberates, except those who have had an office in such a building. This defect will be found in many of the large buildings in which hard tile have been used, but it is never found where Porous Terra Cotta has been used, as the porosity of it deadens sound and prevents reverberation. The average weight under which the nine specimens tested by the government broke was eight hundred and forty pounds to the square inch. Our material stood one thousand pounds per square inch at the Pittsburgh Exposition test. The attention of Architects, Builders and Owners is called to Partitions built of this material. It is the best of all available material, and within reach of all classes of buildings. t Pittsburgh Terra Cotta Lumber Company, 42 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. 19 PARTITIONS, TABLE OF WEIGHTS. ETC. THICKNESS OF WALL. MAXIMUM SAFE HEIGHT. MAXIMUM SAFE LENGTH. WEIGHT PER SQUARE FOOT. 3 inches. is feet. 30 feet. 13 lbs. 4 “ 30 U 40 “ 15 “ 5 “ 35 ( ( 55 1 ‘ IS “ 6 7 “ 8 “ 40 u 60 “ 22 “ We have many small houses constructed with party walls four inches thick, two stories and mansard high, which support floor joists and roof. This is a great saving of room and better fire and sound protection than a nine inch brick wall. Wainscoating can be nailed, or screwed direct to bloclcs. Doors can be sawed out without injuring plas- ter. Partition blocks are made all sizes, from 3x6x12 up to 8x10x12. WHAT ARCHITECTS AND BUILDERS SAY WHO HAVE USED OUR PARTITIONS : “Plaster adheres so firmly as to be almost a part of the tile.’’ “They make an excellent partition indeed.” “They are a great saving of labor, as they hold nails perfectly.” “Will use no other kind, so long as can get Porous Tile.” “They are an absolute non-conductor of heat, cold and sound." “Do not know what I would have done for alterations, if anything but Porous Tile had been used.” t 20 Pittsburgh Terra Cotta Lumber Company, 42 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa FIRE PROOFING WOODEN STRUCTURE. Makes a Sound, Virmin and Practically Fire Proof Building. This is a very economical way of fire-proofing, costing but little more than the lath and plaster. The results obtained by many experi- ments have been very successful and we have demonstrated that a wood building can be made practically fire-proof with but little addi- tional cost, if erected upon our plan. Beginning with the floors, all the exposed wood work is covered with Porous Ceiling Tile, as shown on page 21. These tile we have tested to stand the hottest fire for over two hours without allowing the wood joists to burn. Plaster is applied directly to the tile without the use of wood lath and forms an excellent base for the plastering. Partitions can be either erected by building up with mortar regular partition tile or by using studs and covering them in the same manner as the joists. We do not claim that this system is absolutely fire-proof, but that it is a very great protection, and considering the low rate at which it is obtained, is certainly a most valuable addition to the building trade, and will withstand all ordinary fire. Fire stops should be as frequent as possible by placing tiles be- tween joists and between studding, if the latter is used. PERSPECTIVE — Showing wooden joists fire-proofed, with \]/ 2 inch slabs fastened with wire nails and washers; wooden posts covered in the same manner, outside walls furred and partition walls built of Porous Tile in mortar; if preferred, partition walls can be built of studs and covered with 1 y 2 inch slabs, same as joists. The Porous slabs being a non-conductor, renders the building practically fire-proof, as a slab \y 2 inch thick may be heated to a full red heat on one side, without scorching white pine or setting fire to paper touching the other side, Pittsburgh Terra Cotta Lumber Company, 42 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. 21 FIRE PROOFING WOODEN JOISTS, STUDDING 7AN D MHNSHRD ROOF. MAKES A PERFECT CEILING. FLOOR AND CEILINGS can be rendered fire-proof by using thin sheets of Terra Cotta Lum- ber 1A inches thick, 12 inches wide, an.d of a length to correspond with the spacing of the joists — say 12 or 16 inches, and nailed thereto both above and below, with screws or wire nails and washers. Weight from 8 pounds to 11 pounds per square foot. These Slabs are made in various thicknesses, and are nailed to the Studding of Buildings, with wire nails and washers. They form an excellent Dead- ener of Sound and Fire-proof partition. The partition blocks are also made of any desired length for the purpose of filling between studs. Weight from 8 lbs- to 11 lbs. Another method of fastening slabs by means of light L irons fastened to joists- POROUS TERRA COTTA APPLIED TO MANSARD ROOF ON WOODEN RAFTERS. Makes a non-conducting Roof. Warm in winter, cool in summer, and Fire-proof An excellent Fire-proofing method for small buildings, residences Warehouses, See., See. Washers for fastening Ceiling Tile can be had from us or from Lindsay & McCutcheon, Pittsburgh. 92 Pittsburgh Terra Cotta Lumber Company, POROUS TERRH COTTH ELECTRIC SWITCH-BOHRD. Electric Railroad Switch-Board, built by us for the Federal Street and Pleasant Valley Passenger Railway Company; also one for the Birmingham Passenger Railway Company, Birmingham, Connecticut. We refer to either of the above. This is the coming Electric Switch-Board, and is well worth investigating. ADVANTAGES OVER ALL OTHER BOARDS. It is a non-conductor. It is light in weight. It is absolutely fire-proof. Instruments are easily attached. It can be bored with an auger; sawed with a saw, and will hold nails perfectly. Can be decorated as desired. Write us for information regarding this superb Switch-Board. Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. Pittsburgh Terra Cotta Lumber Company, 42 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. 23 TESTIMONIALS. We give here a few extracts from letters of a few complimentary letters we have received from architects, builders and owners for whom we have done work, and also leading Architects and builders who have used Terra Cotta Lumber. From GEO- EDW- HARDING A GOOCH, Architects, 40 Exchange Place, New York. May 27th, 1891. IV. D. Henry. Manager Pittsburgh Terra Cotta Lumber Co ., Pittsburgh . Pa. Dear Sir:— I n reply to your favor of the 23d inst- , we can only say that we are more than S ’ eased with your fire-proof arches and partition work recently completed in the ten story “Holland ouse," in this city, for us, and we consider your system of floor construction superior to any that we have seen or used- We are now designing two other large structures, for which we shall specify Terra Cotta Lumber throughout as the best material that can be used in fire-proof construction. We can also add that the contractors for building the "Holland House,” who at first had prefer- ence for hard tile, have become complete converts to your material. Yours truly, Signed: Geo- Edw. Harding A Gooch. From C. GRAHAM A SONS CO-, Builders, 305 to 309 E- 43d Street, New York. May 28 th, 1891- Pittsburgh Terra Cotta Lumber Co.. 42 Sixth Avenue . Pittsburgh . Pa. Gentlemen: — After a thorough test of your fire-proofing materials in the “Holland House,” a ten-story hotel building, south-west corner of Fifth Avenue and Thirtieth Street, which we have just built, we take pleasure in recommending your materials and method of doing the work, and thank you for the attention it received throughout. Yours truly, Signed: The C- Graham A Sons Co. John Graham, Treasurer. From JAMES T- STEEN, Architect, Sixth Street., Pittsburgh, Pa. May 23d, 1891. IV. D. Henry . Manager Pittsburgh Terra Cotta Lumber Co.. Pittsburgh. Pa. Dear Sir: — In reply to your inquiry as to my opinion of the Terra Cotta Lumber as a fire-proof- ing material, would say, that I have used the same in fire-proofing the new building for the Dispatch Publishing Company, this city, and am satisfied that it is superior to any materials now used for that purpose for the following reasons: 1st, because it will stand lietter a sudden blow or shock. 2d, be- cause it better withstands injury when heated to a red heat and having water thrown on it than other fire-proofing materials- 3d, the arches are stronger by reason of end construction. 4th, because it is much lighter than other fire-proofing materials- Yours truly. Signed: James T- Steen- From GEO. B- POST Architect, 5 Cortlandt Street, New York. I believe that. I have used in my various works almost all of the materials in the market for the construction of fire-proof arches between beams and partitions and furring. Among others, I have used a large amount of porous Terra Cotta- lam satisfied that it is best of all available materials for this purpose, and at the same price, it would be selected in preference to any other- Yours truly, Signed: Geo. B. Post- From HODGDON A THOMAS, Architects, 83 Fourth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa, May 28th, 1891. IV. D. Henry , Manager Pittsburgh Terra Cotta Lumber Co.. Pittsburgh. Pa. Dear Sir: — We have used in our practice, in a large number of houses, your four inch'partition tile for party walls- In one row, of twenty-four houses, which were two stories and a mansard high, we used your four-inch partition tile between each house for the party walls- By using it, we not only saved five inches of room, but we feel satisfied it afforded us better sound and fire protection than a nine inch brick wall would have done- We have also used your 1% inch slabs for covering joists, and they are all you claim for them- We have no hesitancy in recommending your tile very highly, and we shall continue to use them wherever we can- Yours truly, Signed: Hodgdon A Thomas- From G. H- HUNT, Architect, London, England. From all I could see and learn with regard to Terra Cotta Lumber, I feel convinced that if it is properly manufactured, it is destined to become one of the greatest agents against fire that is at pres- ent known, and I am quite certain that there isa great future for it in this country, (England ) Signed: G- H- Hunt- From C- C HAIGHT, Architect, New York City, N. Y. I have used Terra Cotta Lumber, or porous Terra Cotta blocks, in the construction of the roofs of the new Library Building and Collection Building, at Columbia College. When properly made and of even shape, I believe them to be superior for this purpose to any other material in the market. Signed: Charles C- Haight- From GEN- M- C- MEIGS, Engineer and Architect, New Pension Building, Washington, I). C- The porous or celular Terra Cotta — which seems to me a more descriptive name— appears to be as good a non-conductor as a double roof with air between, in two strata, and it is absolutely incombus- tible- It is not destroyed by a high heat, and a slab Wi inches thick may be heated to a full red heat on one side, without scorching white pine or setting fire to paper touching the other s de. Signed: M <' ''’’"ir.-. Engineer and Architect. From EDWARD D- HARRIS, New York City, N- Y. I have made use of considerable Terra Cotta Lumber, or Porous Terra Cotta the past season, and from its lightness in weight and deafening qualities, in addition to its well known resistance to the action of fire and water combined, am led to believe it a tirst-class fire-proofing material. Yours truly, Signed: Edward D- Harris- 24 PlTTSBURGH TERRA COTTA LUMBER COMPANY, 42 SlXTII AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, Pa. Prom GEORGE HODGDON, Architect, 83 Fourth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. Pittsburgh Terra Cotta Lumber Company, Pittsburgh , Pa : March 5th, 1891. Gents: — In answer to your inquiry concerning the use of Terra Cotta Lumber by me in several jobs, 1 have this to say: That it has been the most satisfactory fire-proofing material ever brought into use, and had I known of its superior qualities when I built the three additional stories to the Safe Deposit Building, I should have undoubtedly used it instead of the hard hollow tile ma- terials which I did use, and which has been unsatisfactory on account of its acoustic qualities, caus- ing an echo in all large rooms, which is most unpleasant. Some severe tests with your material, one of which was to nail one of the 1 14 inch slabs used for ceiling purposes to a piece of 2x10 joist, after which I exposed the slab directly over a blacksmith forge, and almost heated the under side red hot without showing any signs of scorching the wood to which it was nailed. This showed me conclusively a ceiling and a wood wall lined up with these slabs would withstand an intense fire before it would possibly get through to the wood work. It makes a perfect ceiling when plastered, free from cracks and usual defects of lath work- Being porous and of a soft nature, it thoroughly overcomes the danger of sound echos, which certainly does exist in the hard tile materials spoken of before- Very truly yours, Signed: Gf.ORGE Hodgdon, Architect. prom EDW- II- KENT) A LL, Architect, Hew York City, N- Y- Terra Cotta Lumber in the rough affords excellent blocks for floors, furring and partitions- The ability to dress it with edge tools renders its superiority over other fire-proofing materials more noticeable, as true geometrical forms and tight fitting joints can thereby be had. thus greatly aiding the architect in his efforts to create incombustible architecture. Signed: Enw- H- Kendall- From FEDERAL STREET AND gart Street, Allegheny City, Pa- PLEASANT VALLEY PASSENGER RAILWAY CO-, Tag- May 25th, 1891- Mr. JV. D. Henry , Manager Pittsburgh Terra Cotta Lumber Company , Pittsburgh , Pa: Dear Sir: — We have used in the construction of our different buildings a large amount of your Porous Tile, and by its use we have rendered our Power Stat ion absolutely fire-proof- Our old build- ings we have divided up by using your tile, in the hopes, in case a fire breaks out in one department, it will not so readily communicate with the others, but were we putting up another car house, we should use your Porous Tile in such a manner that we would have an absolutely fire-proof building- The Electric Switch-Board erected by you gives us entire satisfaction, and we will cheerfully recommend it to any one whom you may refer- Yours truly. Signed: Federal St- A P- Y- P- Ry Co- From NORCROSS BROTHERS, Worcester, Mass- November 3d, 1890- In answer to your inquiry about Terra Cotta we have to say that we much prefer Porous Terra Cotta for all partitions, furring, and for work inside of building. The reasons being that it is more porous to plaster, and can be cut and handled with greater facility, enabling openings to be made in partitions without disturbing the plastering, such as would be impossible were hard clay goods used- We have no doubt but what in the future it will be largely used for filling in of floors. We used in the extensive buildings for the New York Life Insurance Company, at Omaha and Kansas City, for the floors, arches, Porous Terra Cotta in one building and hard clay goods in the other- We think, on the whole, the Porous Terra Cotta made the most satisfactory work in the end- Yours truly, Signed: Norcross Brothers. From HUBERT 1’IRSSON k C0-, Architects, 19 East 28th St reet, New York City. We have used large quantities of Terra Cotta Lumber— otherwise called Porous Terra Cotta — in construction, both for partitions and to fill in between iron beams- Its bearing power, and tiie fact that it will not be destroyed by water, makes it preferable to plaster blocks when such qualities are required, and we regard it as most valuable for fire-proof work- (Signed: Hubert Pirsson k Co- , From GEO- EDW- HARDING, Architect, New York City, N- Y- October 23d, 1890. Mr. IP. D. Henry, Manager Pittsburgh Terra Cotta Lumber Company , Pittsburgh, Pa: Dear Sir; — In answer to yours of the 22d inst- as to my opinion of Terra Cotta Lumber as fire- proofing, I will say that it possesses the following advantages over hard pottery ; 1st. It is an absolute non-conductor- 2d. Plaster adheres to it better. 3d- It can be altered with but little trouble; this is a very great advantage in a large building. 4th. From the tests you gave me on the arches in the Holland House 1 can only say that it is capable of sustaining a load greater than our iron work will stand, and the test you gave me was the most severe that has ever been given in New York City, and from our experience with hard pottery, it would have given way with less weight- You askme to say something regarding howit will stand water; T can only say that both arches you tested were water soaked I trust this letter is what you desire and answers your questions as asked- Y’ours very truly, Sigued: Geo- Edw- Harding- From JOHN B- SNOOK, Architect. New York City, N. \\ I have used Terra Cotta Lumber extensively in my practice the last eighteen months, and will ingly accord to it the claim made by the Gilman Porous Terra Cotta Company for its superiority over other tire-profing- Signed: John B- Snook- Certificate From Prominent , Master Builders of New York City: As contractors and builders we have largely made use of TerraCotta Lumber — or Porous Terra Cotta— in fire-proof construction for the past two seasons, aud from our knowledge, cheerfully testify to the advantages it possesses for like purposes over brick and hoilow pottery, in rapidity of erection, permeability to nails, and easy adaptability to form by the aid of edged tools- Signed: Richard Deeves, 66 W- 83d Street, Samuel Lowden, 165 W- 44th Street, Terrence Kiernan, 317 E- 83d Street, John L- Tucker, 37 W- 12th Street- Pittsburgh Terra Cotta Lumber Company, 42 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. PARTIAL EXHIBIT. Showing employment of Terra Cotta Lumber for Fire-proofing Prominent Buildings. HOLLAND HOUSE, (Hotel Building) ten stories; frontage, ioo by 150 feet. Corner 30th street and Fifth avenue, New York City. Absolutely fire-proof. Floors, ceiling, roof and partitions con- structed entirely by us. Architects, Geo. Edw. Harding A Gooch, New York City; builders, C. Graham A Sons Company, New York City; owner, Mrs. M. J. Van Doren, New York City; proprietors, Kinsley A Bowman, Chicago, 111 . DISPATCH BUILDING, (Printing House) three stories, 40 feet front, depth, no feet. Diamond street, Pittsburgh, Pa. Absolutely fire- proof. Floors, ceilings, partitions and roof built entirely by us. Architect, James T. Steen, Pittsburgh, Pa.; builder, A. Gilleland, Allegheny, Pa.; owners, Pittsburgh Dispatch Publishing Company, Pittsburgh, Pa. FERGUSON BUILDING, (Office Building) seven stories, 90 feet front by 70 feet deep. Third avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. Absolutely fire- proof. Floors, ceilings, partitions and roof built entirely by us. Architect, Geo. S. Orth, Pittsburgh, Pa.; builders, A A S. Wilson, Pittsburgh, Pa.; owner, E. M. Ferguson, Pittsburgh, Pa. VANDERGRIFT BUILDING, (Office Building) eight stories, 60 feet front by 120 feet deep. Fourth avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. Abso- lutely fire-proof. Floors, ceilings, partitions, roof and furring built entirely by us. Architects, Longfellow, Alden & Harlow, Boston, Mass.; builders, A. & S. Wilson, Pittsburgh, Pa.; owner, L f. Vandergrift, Pittsburgh, Pa. FEDERAL ST. & P. V. P. RY. CO. POWER STATION. One story; frontage on Taggart street, 83 feet; depth, 168 feet. Absolutely fire-proof. Architects, Hodgdon & Thomas. KENTUCKY AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL COLLEGE BUILDING, Lexington, Ky., (Experimental Station.) Partially fire-proof, l 1 /^ inch slabs furnished by us for covering wooden joists and studding. Architect, Thos. Boyd, Pittsburgh, Pa.; builders, F. Bush & Son, Lexington, Ky. W. L. ABBOTT Residence, Pittsburgh, Pa. Three stories. Partially fire-proof. Floors, ceilings and partitions constructed entirely by us. Roof, a wooden structure. Architect, Geo. S. Orth, Pitts- burgh, Pa.; builder, Henry Shenk, Erie, Pa. EDMUND HAYES Residence, Buffalo, N. Y. Partially fire-proof. Material for one floor of arching furnished by us. Architect, ; builder, KEYSTONE LAND IMPROVEMENT CO., 24 dwelling houses, Allegheny, Pa. Four inch partition for party walls through entire row. Architect, George Hodgdon, Pittsburgh, Pa.; builders, Brown & Granger, Allegheny, Pa. F. M. MAGEE, Residence, Pittsburgh, Pa. Partially fire-proofed \ Par- titions built of 1)4 inch tile on studding. Architect, ; builder, C. A. Balph, Pittsburgh, Pa. JOHN MUNDEN, five houses, Allegheny, Pa. Four inch partition for party walls. Architects, Hodgdon & Thomas; builders, Camp- bell & Dietrich. LINDSAY & McCUTCHEON Office Building Allegheny, Pa. Par- tially fire-proofed. Partitions. Architects, But/. A Kaufman; builder, J. H. Trimble. MRS. J. M. GLTSKY Residence, Pittsburgh, Pa. Partially fire-proofed. Partitions throughout. Architect, Joseph Stillburg; builders, Rose & Fisher. FEDERAL ST. P. V. P. RY. CO. Car House, Allegheny, Pa. Partially fire-proofed . Partitions. Architect, ; builders, Brown & Granger. R. F. RAMSEY, 4 houses, Allegheny, Pa. 4 inch partitions for party walls. Architects, Hodgdon & Thomas; builders, Brown A Granger. STERRITT BUILDINGS, Allegheny, Pa. Partitions dividing stores. Architect, James T. Steen; builder, Robert McCain. BRYN MAWR HOTEL CO., Philadelhpia, Pa. Partially fire-proof. Partitions on various floors. Architects, Furness, Evans A Co.; builder, H. BUENTI, 3 houses, Allegheny, Pa. Four inch partitions for party walls. Architect, C. W. Hodgdon; builders, ROCHESTER ST. CAR RY. CO. Power House, Rochester, N. V. Entire roof. Architect, ; builder, H. LL Edgerton. MORRIS BUILDING, Allegheny, Pa. For sound deadening. inch tile on ceiling. PITTSBURGH & BIRMINGHAM TRAC. RY. CO. roof on Power House, Pittsburgh. Engineer, John Wilson; builder, C. A. Balph. KELLY BUILDING, Pittsburgh, Pa. Light Shafts. in. tile on studding. Architect, J. P. Brennan; builders. Murphy A Hamilton. ST. FRANCIS HOSPITAL, Pittsburgh, Pa. Partitions. Architect, ; builders, L. Benz A Bros. 26 Pittsburgh Terra Cotta Lumber Company, 42 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. Among the Prominent Buildings which have been Fire -proofed by other Licensed Terra Cotta Lumber Companies. Auditorium Building, The Pickwick Flats, Houghton Flats, Foremans Building, Geo. S. Morrison’s Residence, Bartolomae &: Leicht’s Brewery, Chicago, 111.; “Globe” Building, Grand Opera House, New Exchange Building, Public Library, Hathaway Warehouse, Ames Building, Sears Building, Boston, Mass.; Registry of Deeds Building, Hasting’s Dormitories, Harvard College, Rindge Library, Cambridge, Mass.; Duluth Na- tional Bank, Duluth, Minn.; Knox County Court House, Galesburg, 111.; New York Life Insurance Building, Kansas City Exchange Building, New England Mutual Life Insurance Building, Midland Hotel Building, American National Bank Building, National Water Works Building, Kansas City, Mo.; Nevarro Apartment House, Henry Villard’s Mansion, New Library Building of Columbia College, Lincoln Building, New York City, N. Y.; New York Life Insurance Building, Omaha, Neb.; Washington County Court House, Washington, Iowa.; The United States Court House and Post Office, Equitable Life Insurance Building, Bush &: Morse’s Metropole Hotel, Denver, Col. KND 7WKIStV OTHERS. r Mfft &**• f R \\h\ JAS. T- STEEN, ARCHITECT. ' R, . - . DISPATCH BUILDING, PITTSBURGH. THOROUGHLY FI R E- PROOFED ,BY 1 PITTSBURGH TERRA COTTA LUMBER CO. LONGFELLOW. ALDEN & HARLOW. ARCHITECTS. VANDERGRlfT BUILDING, PITTSBURGH. THOROUGHLY FIRE-PROOFED BY PITTSBURGH TERRA COTTA LUMBER CO. g?. 41 GEO. S. ORTH. ARCHITECT. W. L. ABBOTT RESIDENCE, PITTSBURGH. PARTIALLY FIRE-PROOFED BY PITTSBURGH TERRA COTTA LUMBER CO. npING A GOOCH. ARCH ITECTS. HOLLAND HOU$£, NEW YORK CITY. lOO FT ON STH AVE., \& 0 FT ON 30TH ^T. COlTABOUT $1,000,000. THOROUGHLY FIRE-PROOFEb BY PITTSBURGH TERRA COTTA LUMBER CO. Ij f&^jr BLOCK, PITTSBURGH. wfnHjgtap . ■ y. OUGHLY FIRE-PROOFED BY RGH TERRA COTTA LUMBER 00. ■r- : W M