Because a script didn’t load, you’re seeing a backup file that may not include all the latest content. You might try reloading the page. If you still see this message, this is as good as it gets.
A biography of Brosie appeared in a Pittsburg Press roundup of talented local architects when Brosie was not yet thirty: “Able Architects the Authors of City’s Architectural Beauty,” Pittsburg Press, April 29, 1905.
Louis Oscar Brosie, one of Pittsburg’s young architects, has achieved great success in his chosen profession, and is an excellent example of what achievement may be attained by one of courage and ability. He was born in the Second ward. Pittsburg, on August 16, 1877, and received his early education at the old South School. Finishing his education, he was engaged in business with his father until 1826, when he took a position with the G. L. Bollinger Construction Co. as draughtsman. In 1901 he associated himself with C. B. Comstock and assisted in drawing the plans for the Pittsburg Provision Co’s immense plant at Herrs Island. Three years ago he launched into business for himself and has been appointed architect for the estate of John H. Galey and for the Iron City Oil & Varnish Co. His offices are in room 407, Vilsack Building, No. 6200 Penn avenue East End. His residence is at No. 818 Inwood street where he lives with his wife, formerly Miss Edna Luelle Rickenbach, and one child.
The Vilsack Building is gone; 818 Inwood Street is a vacant lot in Homewood.
Father Pitt has not studied Brosie’s work in much detail yet, but here are two positive attributions:
All the houses and apartments in the John H. Galey plan, Swissvale. The J. H. Galey plan included two blocks of the northeast side of Delaware Avenue on either side of Union Street, and one of Hampton Avenue, both sides, southeast of Union Street. Source: Up-Town: Pittsburg’s Classic Section, in a list of recent works of Louis O. Brosie: “all the buildings on the John H. Galey allotment—twenty-two in all—in Swissvale.” The apartment buildings are probably the original ones, but so thoroughly mutilated as to be difficult to recognize.
Store and apartment building at 438 Cavitt Avenue, Trafford. Source: The Ohio Architect and Builder, February, 1907, where a picture of the building is published on p. 17. Somewhat altered but recognizable.