Description
The Louis J. Gill papers span 14 linear feet and date from circa 1911 to circa 1969. The collection contains architectural
drawings and reprographic copies of primarily San Diego area structures designed by Louis Gill, newspaper and magazine clippings,
Gill’s professional stationary and handwritten notes regarding architectural projects, and disbound-scrapbook pages filled
with black-and-white photographs. The collection also contains materials related to Louis Gill's uncle, the architect Irving
Gill, to include correspondence between Louis Gill and researchers, biographical information, articles and clippings, and
exhibition materials featuring the work of Irving Gill.
Background
Louis J. Gill was born on May 9, 1885 in Syracuse, New York. He graduated from Syracuse University in 1911 and moved to San
Diego later that year. Right out of school Louis Gill began working as a draftsman at the firm of his uncle, Irving J. Gill,
in San Diego. By 1913, Louis Gill was promoted to chief draftsman and a year later formed a partnership with his uncle known
as Gill and Gill, Architects. During this time, Louis Gill assisted on the designs of the La Jolla Women’s Club, the Community
House for the Playground in the Scripps Group and the Ellen Scripps residence, all located in La Jolla, California. In 1919,
Gill and Gill Architects dissolved and Louis formed his own independent firm and completed many notable projects in the San
Diego region, such as the Dr. Harry Wegeforth residence, the Sacred Heart Church in Coronado, Mission Hills Congregational
Church, St. James-by-the-Sea, Rees-Stealy Clinic, John W. Mitchell Art Gallery in Coronado, residences in the San Diego area,
and was hired as the architect for the San Diego Zoo. Louis J. Gill helped form the San Diego Chapter of the American Institute
of Architects. In 1955, he retired after a 44 year career in San Diego. Louis J. Gill died on August 19, 1969, at the age
of 84.