Background
Leon W. Robinson was born in 1852 at Janesville, Wisconsin, United States. He was brought to New Haven in childhood by his parents.
Leon W. Robinson was born in 1852 at Janesville, Wisconsin, United States. He was brought to New Haven in childhood by his parents.
In 1880 he opened an office in New Haven, and through the ensuing years became a successful practitioner. Among his major works were a number of business structures such as the First National Bank building (where he afterwards had an office). Western Union Building, Southern New England Telephone Co. .Building, and the New Haven Water Company Building. In addition he designed several schools In New Heaven.
Mr. Robinson also served with distinction as Commissioner of the building for the Rhode Island State Library, and acted as Consulting Architect on work of repairing and modernizing the State Capitol. Serving as Architect of the State Commission Mr. Robinson was directed by the Legislature to prepare plans for a new State Prison, and after making a close study of prison needs, presented a scheme inaugurating improvements in the design of such buildings.
Mr Robinson was elected to the American Institute of Architects in 1883, and advanced to Fellowship six years later. He was also a charter member of the Connectcut Chapter, A. I. A., one of the founders of the New Haven Archi¬tectural Club, and a member of the New Haven Colony Historical Society.