John Gaw Meem: Pioneer in Historic Preservation

This book traces the pioneering work in historic preservation of New Mexico architect John Gaw Meem. Raised in Brazil, Meem felt at home from the moment he first crossed the Santa Fe plaza in 1920. During a convalescence at Sunmount Sanatorium in Santa Fe he formed close friendships with a number of artists and writers who were concerned with the preservation of Santa Fe's architecture-Carlos Vierra, in particular. With the encouragement of his doctor, Frank Mera, and of Denver art patron Anne Evans and architect Burnham Hoyt, Meem was launched on a distinguished career in architecture.

Besides respecting the traditional architecture of the region in his own designs, through the years of his career Meem maintained an involvement with the preservation of historic buildings in New Mexico. A founding member of the Committee (later Society) for the Preservation and Restoration of New Mexico Mission Churches and the Old Santa Fe Association as well as the Historic Santa Fe Foundation, Meem served as architect for the preservation of such important structures as San Esteban de Acoma mission, San Jos