Julian Francis Abele (1881-1950)

Julian Abele, the first Professional African-American Architect

He was born at Philadelphia and was the first African-American to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania School of Design. He was immediately hired by Horace Trumbauer who encouraged him - and paid for him - to travel and continue his studies in Europe where he undertook classes at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. On returning to Philadelphia, Trumbauer named him his chief designer and he was first tasked with translating Ernest Sanson's plans for the Perry Belmont House in Washington D.C. He remained Trumbauer's chief draughtsman right up until drawing the plans for Rose Terrace for Mrs Dodge. He married his younger French piano teacher (who left him to live by with Josef Kowalewski by 1940) with whom he had three children.

Parents (2)

Charles Sylvester Abele

Charles S. Abele, of Philadelphia

1841-1893

Mary (Jones) Abele

Mrs Mary Adelaide (Jones) Abele, Milliner, of Philadephia

1845-1908

Spouse (1)

Marguerite (Bulle) Abele

Mrs Marguerite Eugénie Anna (Bulle) Abele, Kowalewski

1900-1962

Children (3)

Julian Francis Abele Jr.

Julian F. Abele Jr., of Philadelphia

b.1926

Marguerite Marie Abele

Marguerite Marie Abele, died in childhood

1929-1934

Nadia Boulanger Abele

Mrs Nadia Boulanger (Abele) Reed, Jones

1931-1999

Associated Houses (5)

Perry Belmont House

Washington D.C.

Rose Terrace (1934)

Grosse Pointe, Michigan

James B. Duke Mansion

Manhattan, New York

Shadow Lawn (1929)

West Long Branch, New Jersey

Homewood

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania