Collection Guide
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Cantin, A.A. & A.M. Collection
2006.-3
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Table of contents
Contributing Institution:
University of California, Berkeley. College of Environmental Design. Environmental Design Archives
Title: A.A. and A.M. Cantin Collection
Creator:
Cantin, A. Mackenzie, 1912-2002
Creator:
Cantin, Alexander A., 1874-1964
Identifier/Call Number: 2006.-3
Physical Description:
7.5 Linear Feet:
2 manuscript boxes, 2 flat file drawers
Date (inclusive): 1933-1977
Abstract: The A. A. and A.M. Cantin collection documents approximately fifty-six projects through textual records, drawings and photographs.
The collection is arranged in two series: Office Records and Project Records. The office records include biographical information,
notable projects, and letters of recommendation. The bulk of the collection is comprised of project records. Arranged alphabetically,
they consist of correspondence, clippings, photographs and drawings. Also included in the project records are sketches of
column designs by A.A.Cantin, some of which are noted as pending patents.
Language of Material:
English
.
Collection is open for research.
All requests for permission to publish, reproduce, or quote from materials in the collection should be discussed with the
Curator.
[Identification of Item], A.A. and A.M. Cantin Collection, [2006-3] Environmental Design Archives, University of California,
Berkeley.
Alexander (Aimwell) Cantin was born March 4, 1876, and died in 1964. He is possibly best known for designing a series of
Pacific Telephone & Telegraph buildings in San Francisco and collaborated with the firm of Miller and Pflueger on the 26-story,
Coast Division Building of the Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company at 140 New Montgomery Street. He designed the first
permanent buildings on the campus of the College of Marin, including the Science Building (1927), Harian Hall (1929), the
gymnasium (1931) and the first unit of the Engineering building. http://www.marin.cc.ca.us/lrc/photos/archive2.html. He is also known for the number of movie theatres he designed throughout the Bay Area beginning in the 1920s including the
Orinda Theater and San Francisco's Coronet Theater (now demolished) designed with his son. He was issued his architectural
license in 1901, and was a member of the AIA, with over 48 years of active practice. Of lifelong interest to him was the design
of decorative columns. He was awarded patents for several of his column designs.
(Alexander) Mackenzie Cantin, A.A.'s son, was born January 21, 1912. He graduated from UC Berkeley's School of Architecture
in 1935 earning his architectural license in 1945. Following WWII he entered into practice with his father in 1948, creating
the firm Cantin & Cantin and collaborating on a number of projects including theaters, schools, military housing and hospitals.
Thereafter, A.M. Cantin, as Cantin & Associates he designed the Rheem and Moraga Centers, theaters, schools, banks, and other
commercial structures throughout the Bay Area.
The A. A. and A.M. Cantin collection documents approximately fifty-six projects through textual records, drawings and photographs.
The collection is arranged in two series: Office Records and Project Records. The office records include biographical information,
notable projects, and letters of recommendation.
The bulk of the collection is comprised of project records. Arranged alphabetically, they consist of correspondence, clippings,
photographs and drawings. Also included in the project records are sketches of column designs by A.A.Cantin. He was interested
in column design throughout his career, and some of the sketches are noted as pending patents.