As with the Hartman connection to Frederick Perkins, it is unclear how Guilford Hartley came to know and work with nationally acclaimed, Bertram Goodhue, but Duluth is certainly the beneficiary of that association and collaboration.
Prior to coming to Duluth at the behest of Hartley, Goodhue designed St. Mathew’s church in Dallas, Texas as well as several buildings at the United States Military Academy at West Point. After completing his Duluth work, Goodhue also designed the Nebraska State Capital and the Los Angeles Public library…not to mention the entire town of Tyrone, New Mexico.
The collaboration between Goodhue and Hartley was beneficial to both. Hartley was the chairman of the building committee for the well-established business club, the Kitchi Gammi Club, and served on the board of trustees for St. Paul’s Episcopal Church both organizations in need of new structures as well as Hartley’s need for a family business office and a home for his Son, Cavour, and his new bride.
The Kitchi Gammi Club was completed in 1912 and has stood the test of time. The Club is greatly benefitted by the recognition of its board of directors of the importance the building has on the architectural legacy of Duluth. At a time when a large commercial structure might cost $100,000.00 the Kitchi Gammi Club cost over $300,000.00. Much of the original furniture remains in the club and is attributed to John Bradstreet, who designed the breakfast room among others at Glensheen. To this day, very few modifications have been made to the clubhouse other than to the alley side where a barrier free entrance and a slight addition to the rear to accommodate an expansion of the kitchen was necessary.
The building has local landmark status and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One can only imagine the deals for mines, mining companies, land and real estate which have been forged in cigar smoke filled rooms at the club.
All three of the other Goodhue designed buildings have enjoyed the same level of stewardship as has the Gitchi Gammi Club. Most recently, the Hartley Building, across the street from the club has received a new, perfectly matched, slate roof, modifications to the rear. The Hartley home is now owned by Dan and Fiona McKee, the best stewards an historic home could hope to have. Interestingly, the landscape at their home was designed by the Olmstead Brothers whose father, Frederic Law Olmstead achieved world recognition for such notable projects as Biltmore for George W. Vanderbilt and Central Park, in New York City. The McKee’s have meticulously maintained both the home and the landscape.