Sullivan’s the Peoples Federal Savings and Loan Association Building (1917), Sidney, Ohio

Peoples Federal Savings and Loan Association Building was erected in 1917-18 in Sidney, Ohio. The Ohio Historical Marker for this landmark states, “One of the last works of Louis Henri Sullivan (1856–1924), the American architect whose original ideas of functional design and decorative ornament provided a basis for modern American architecture.” Photographs by versluis 2013.


The western facade with a framed bank of art glass windows reinforces the geometry of the building.


Terra-cotta ornament detail indicating a classical style handiwork with indigenous plants and leaves symbolizing a bountiful land of progress and prosperity. The photograph also shows Sullivan’s signature “jewel box” bank building material: tapestry brick.


Interior view of art glass windows by Art Institute of Chicago professor Louis Millet celebrates the exterior ornamentation and creates the emotive effect of natural light through green foliage.