Calumet Building

The Calumet Building
46-58 West Chippewa St., Buffalo NY

ERECTED:
1906

ARCHITECTS:
Esenwein & Johnson

STYLE:
Art Nouveau. This is the most exuberant, flamboyant example of glazed terra cotta in the city.

PRESENT OWNER:
1988-present Mark Goldman, Buffalo historian. Goldman, a local hero to some, is largely responsible for the revitalization of Chippewa Street.

A BIT OF HISTORY:
"Few people know we had an active KKK chapter here during Prohibition and that its office was in the Calumet Building. For those unfamiliar with Klan history in Buffalo, see Shawn Lay's book, 'Hooded Knights on the Niagara' (NY University Press, c1995). A Buffalo policeman lost his life in the battle with the Klan, and has been forgotten as a martyr against intolerance." - Cynthia Van Ness

Click on illustrations for larger size -- and additional information


The outstanding feature of this building is the glazed polychromatic terra cotta			The facade on Chippewa St. is of cream and burnt sienna glazed terra cotta

The calumet, a ceremonial peace pipe, was the hallmark of the Calumet Club		The terra cotta vertical strips that separate the rooms extend over the roof line in attractive curved terminals

			Calumet is French for "reed"

Here the calumet or reed is a leafed stem budding into a single stylized flower.	The terra cotta vertical strips that separate the rooms extend over the roof line in attractive curved terminals.

	West facade on Franklin St.: brick with terra cotta trim.	Historic photo

ERECTED:	1906
ARCHITECTS:	Esenwein & Johnson
STYLE:	Art Nouveau. This is the most exuberant, flamboyant example of glazed terra cotta in the city.
PRESENT OWNER:	1988-present Mark Goldman, Buffalo historian. Goldman, a local hero to some, is largely responsible for the revitalization of Chippewa Street.
A BIT OF HISTORY:	"Few people know we had an active KKK chapter here during Prohibition and that its office was in the Calumet Building. For those unfamiliar with Klan history in Buffalo, see Shawn Lay's book, 'Hooded Knights on the Niagara' (NY University Press, c1995). A Buffalo policeman lost his life in the battle with the Klan, and has been forgotten as a martyr against intolerance." - Cynthia Van Ness