Reporter from the Courant given a tour of the partially finished Cathedral of Saint Joseph

The article reported that “it is hoped that the edifice will be completed within two years.”

1. The Courant’s representative was “permitted to inspect” the cathedral “through the courtesy of Thomas J. Shahan: while the article doesn’t say so, Shahan likely accompanied the reporter on the tour.
2. It isn’t entirely clear where the “pillarettes” (i.e., pillarlets) were located. The marble columns supported the clerestory, and the pillarlets were above these columns.
3. This article disagrees with several items reported on October 7, 1886:

• Previously, F. Pustet & Co. had the contract for the stained glass windows, and here it is Royal Art Society. The contract amount and the location of the contractor, however, remain the same.
• Previously, there were 26 pillars total, while here there were 30.

1. The cornerstone of the cathedral was laid on September 13, 1874.
2. The cathedral was last open for public viewing in 1885.
3. The contracts for the stained glass and the columns were reported as signed on October 7, 1886.

“A collection toward defraying the current expenses of building the Cathedral is being taken up every Sunday during the present month in all the churches throughout the diocese of Hartford and it is expected that a large amount will be realized.”

1. “It is interesting to note that the property of St. Joseph’s Cathedral corporation, including the new structure, the convent, the episcopal residence, and the Broad street school, is entirely out of debt.”
2. “The architect, Mr. Patrick C. Keely, has already built 900 churches but regards this as far superior to any of them.”

Unattributed.  “St. Joseph’s Cathedral,” Hartford Courant, October 14, 1887, page 5.