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ideals and a progressive nature." He was born at Owasco, New York on August 30, 1863. His early education was received in village schools after which he attended High School at Waterloo, Iowa. This was followed by a full course in architecture at Cornell University; he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1886. He began his architectural career in the offices of the then well known firm of Le Brun and Sons, after which he worked four years at the Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company. In 1892 he came to South Bend and joined Wilson B. Parker forming the partnership known as Parker and Austin. In 1912 he entered into his partnership with Shambleau, and the architectural firm then assumed the name Austin and Shambleau. The firm designed many significant buildings and houses in South Bend. Among some of them were the Tower Federal Building, the South Bend Tribune, the Y.M.C.A. and the Federal Post Office. Most of their significant houses were designed in the 1910's and 20's. Austin was elected a member of the American Institute of Architects in 1896. Austin was also a fellow of the American Institute of Architects and was president of the Indiana chapter of A.I.A. in 1911, 1913 and 1921.[13] NORMAN ROY SHAMBLEAU N. Roy Shambleau was born in Canada and lived in London, Ontario till he was eleven years old. When seventeen he moved to South Bend. In 1908 he began a brief partnership with local architect, Ernest Young. In 1912 he entered his partnership with Ennis Austin[14] Architecturally Shambleau's work stood out as a mark of distinction. His vision of South Bend was that it would develop into a city and community of "beautiful homes and magnificent buildings."[15] in this context, the James Whitcomb Riley school represents as a distinctive structure within the South Bend architectural landscape designed by Austin and Shambleau. It was the product of two of South Bend's leading architects -- a good example of the best of local architectural heritage. HENRY H. CHRISTMAN Another individual closely associated with making this outstanding structure a reality was the builder H.G. Christman. Christman was born in South Bend on February 18, 1869 and lived here all his life. At the age of eighteen he was engaged as a carpenter's apprentice under Mr. Chris Fassnacht. In 1894 Christman embarked on the contracting business for himself. Soon, through his "diligence and honest effort," the H.G. Christman company expanded and had offices in Detroit, Lansing and South Bend. By 1900 Mr. Christman was regarded as a leader in his field and was responsible for the construction of numerous significant buildings. In addition to the Rotary Club, Christman was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, was Director of the South Bend Country Club, the Citizen's National Bank and the National Discount Corporation.[16] 4