Max W. Lorenz papers

Collection

Identifier: Coll863

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of Max W. Lorenz's papers, almost entirely relating to his work as a contractor in the firm Lorenz Brothers. It includes a 1936 date book that Lorenz used for work and personal appointments, and which includes a number of entries relating to his role in the construction of Timberline Lodge, which he refers to as the Mt. Hood Hotel. Other materials in the collection include an estimates book, an office copy of specifications for a Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Company office building, correspondence from and about Lorenz, and blank forms used by Lorenz Brothers. The only item in the collection not related to Lorenz's work is a handbook for Lincoln High School in Portland, Oregon, that belonged to his son, Wilfred G. Lorenz (1913-2002).

Dates

Creation: 1928-1950

Creator

Lorenz, Max W. (Max Walter), 1884-1952 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

The Oregon Historical Society owns the materials in the Research Library and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. The Society does not necessarily hold copyright to all materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use may require seeking additional authorization from copyright owners.

Biographical Note

Max Walter Lorenz was born in 1884 in Saxony, Germany. He immigrated to the United States in 1902, and came to Portland, Oregon, in 1910, where he was joined by his younger brother Walter Lorenz (1895-1975) in 1912. The two founded a contracting firm, Lorenz Brothers Construction Company, around 1922. Max W. Lorenz supervised the construction of Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood in the 1930s. He was also involved in the construction of Camp Adair, the Neighbors of Woodcraft Building in Portland, and many residences in Portland. Lorenz's wife was Anne Barbara Spaeth (1883-1983). The couple had three children: Wilfred, Barbara Anne, and Rosalind. Max W. Lorenz died in January 1952.

Extent

0.23 Cubic Feet (1 slim legal document case)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Papers of Portland, Oregon, contractor Max W. Lorenz (1884-1952), a German-American immigrant who ran the Lorenz Brothers Construction Company with his brother Walter Lorenz, and who supervised the construction of Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood. Materials in the collection mostly relate to the Lorenz Brothers Construction Company. Items include a date book, a book of estimates, specifications for an office building, correspondence, and a Lincoln High School handbook that belonged to Lorenz's son, Wilfred G. Lorenz (1913-2002).