Oliver Perry Dennis


Oliver Perry Dennis was an American architect. As co-founder of the architectural firm Dennis and Farwell, he designed many buildings in Los Angeles County, California, including the Hollywood Hotel, Janes House, and the Magic Castle. He also designed or co-designed several buildings in Tacoma, Washington.

Early life

Oliver Perry Dennis was born on August 25, 1858, in Delaware County, New York, to Oliver H. Dennis, a farmer, and Julia Ann Brumley. Julia died of paralysis sometime between 1880 and 1892, after which Oliver H. remarried and lived until at least 1899. Oliver P. had four brothers, two sisters, and at least two step-brothers.
From 1858 to at least 1865, Oliver P. lived with his family including his maternal grandmother. The family moved to Sanilac County in northeastern Michigan sometime between 1865 and 1870, and by 1875 moved again, this time to a Chautauqua, New York farm valued at $400.

Career

By 1880, Oliver P. was working as a carpenter. He worked as an architect in Tacoma, Washington from 1888 to 1901, with the majority of his work done in partnership with John G. Proctor. In 1896, he partnered with Lyman Farwell to create Dennis and Farwell in Los Angeles, California. In 1914, he once again worked on his own, and the following year he became partner at Dennis and Rasche. He went solo again in 1919.
Oliver P.'s most notable works were done during his time at Dennis and Farwell. These projects include :
Select Oliver Perry Dennis works in Washington include :
Additional select Oliver Perry Dennis works in California include :
Oliver P. married Rosella Miller on December 22, 1887, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They had two children together and divorced some time before 1910. Both children lived with their mother after the divorce.
Oliver P. died on July 14, 1927, and was buried at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.