Details
Title Leonhardt, Arno
Alternate title Theo. Leonhardt & Son
Date October 21, 1850-January 9, 1909
Description Arno Leonhardt, son of German-born lithographer Theodore Leonhardt, born in Philadelphia on October 21, 1850, was partner in Theo. Leonhardt & Son, and treasurer of the National Lithographers' Association (NLA). Born and raised at Second and Spruce Streets (Dock Street Ward ) following his parents relocation from New York, Leonhardt received his grade-school education at a Quaker School (Sixth and Spruce Streets), a German School, and the Beck School at (Sixth and Catharine Streets). At age fifteen, following the completion of his schooling, Leonhardt started work as an apprentice at his father's establishment (109 South Fourth Street). Through this apprenticeship, he learned all aspects of the trade from engraving and lithography to business and book keeping.
In 1874 Leonhardt's father appointed him partner in the establishment that had relocated to 324 Chestnut Street. Theo. Leonhardt & Son focused primarily on producing mercantile and bank lithographic prints, including bonds, certificates, checks, diplomas, cards, letterheads and labels. He continued to operate the establishment after his father's death in 1877, and oversaw the relocation of the company to 123 and 125 South Fifth Street (southeast corner of Fifth and Library Streets) around 1890. Following his father's death, Leonhardt resided in his parents' former home at 526 Buttonwood Street (Ward 12) with his wife, Anna Gramer (b. 1861), and children Helen (b. ca. 1891), Theodore (b. ca. 1893), Arno (b. ca. 1896), and Carl (b. ca. 1898).
Through his position with the NLA, Leonhardt also served as chairman of the Committee of Arrangements for the "Centennial Celebration of the Invention of Lithography" in Philadelphia in July 1896. Leonhardt corresponded extensively with Centennial Honorary Committee member and fellow lithographer Louis Prang to plan the event that gathered prominent American lithographers together to commemorate "an invention that has uplifted the human race ..." Celebrants attended an exhibition of historic and contemporary lithography, lectures, and a banquet.
In addition to his involvement with the NLA, Leonhardt was active in several Philadelphia-based organizations, many affiliated with the German community. including President of the Junger Maennerchor in addition to membership in the Zoological Society, Fairmount Park Art Association, Cannstatter Society, and the Masonic Veterans' Association.
On January 9, 1909, Leonhardt died suddenly of "apoplexy" at his establishment listed at 867 North Seventh Street. His funeral, held January 14, 1909, from his residency at 867 North Seventh Street to the Junger Maennerchor Hall was attended by more than 5,000 persons. His body was laid to rest at Woodlands Cemetery. In accordance with his will, his sons Theodore, Arno, and Carl assumed proprietorship of the lithographic business, which operated until about 1960.
Is part of Philadelphia on Stone Biographical Dictionary of Lithographers
References See Leonhardt, Theodore.
Call number Philadelphia on Stone Biographical Dictionary of Lithographers
Bibliographic citation "Arno Leonhart: Prominent Lithographers of the United States," Lithographers' Journal (January 1893): 3-4
Census 1880 and 1900
Library Company of Philadelphia research file
Philadelphia City Directories, 1871-1909
Philadelphia Inquirer, January 10, 14-15, 21, 1909
U.S. Passport Application, May 11, 1897
Who's Who in Pennsylvania (1908), 430