Remembering Robert Hanna

       Drawing by Robert Hanna

When I learned of Bob’s passing, I was saddened like all of his friends. I took his books off the shelf; I guess to reminisce a bit. I hadn’t gotten too far before I realized that Bob’s passion for drawing old structures was not so much different than my passion for preserving them.

In 1973, I took my first job in Lincoln at one of the larger architectural firms. It is no stretch to say everyone in the office new Bob Hanna. I really don’t remember the first time we met. It was probably at some gathering of architects. I do remember, he was always interested in what others were doing and spent very little time talking about himself. I felt his friendship immediately.

Sensing Bob’s interest in old things, primarily buildings, I asked Bob for permission to use his sketch of the York County courthouse as the logo for our 1986 grant application. That was the first time I approached Bob about anything related to business. I explained that, if successful, we would demonstrate that old structures could be retrofitted to become as energy efficient as modern structures. Since the York County courthouse had already been demolished, his drawing would serve as a reminder that old buildings are being lost when they could be preserved. Bob liked the idea and gave me permission without charge. The grant application was successful.

Having a great deal of respect for Bob’s talent as an artist, I commissioned him to represent our designs for four of our clients. As an architect, he quickly understood structures still residing in the minds of other designers. I know from personal experience. Shortly before letting the bids for a courthouse addition, the client asked for a large entry vestibule. I watched as Bob magically removed the original entrance and drew the desired vestibule in what seemed to be only a matter of minutes.

Bob was a colleague that I’ll miss like his closest friends.

Jerry L. Berggren, AIA

Preservation Architect

For those who are interested, here is a list of published structures Bob illustrated in his books and which I’ve had the honor to help preserve their useful lives.

Bob Hanna Sketches

Sketches commissioned for our clients:

Saline County Courthouse Addition (twice), Wilber, Nebraska

First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Nebraska City, Nebraska

Jeane’s at the Haskell House, Wakefield, Nebraska

Post Playhouse, Fort Robinson State Park, Nebraska

Our Clients with existing Hanna Sketches:

• Hall County Courthouse – Sketches of Nebraska, published 1984. – A Nebraska Portfolio, published 1992
• York County Courthouse – Sketches of Nebraska, published 1984
• Hamilton County Courthouse – Sketches of Nebraska, published 1984.
• Fillmore County Courthouse – Sketches of Nebraska, published 1984    
• Wilber Hotel – Sketches of Nebraska, published 1984.
• Kearney County Courthouse – Sketches of Nebraska, published 1984.
• Gage County Courthouse – A Nebraska Portfolio, published 1992        
• Thomas P. Kennard House – A Nebraska Portfolio, published 1992
• Clark-Leonard House – A Nebraska Portfolio, published 1992
• George A. Joslyn Mansion – A Nebraska Portfolio, published 1992
• The Stuart Building – A Nebraska Portfolio, published 1992
• Johnson County Courthouse – A Nebraska Portfolio, published 1992
• Cass County Courthouse – A Nebraska Portfolio, published 1992
• Nuckolls County Courthouse – A Nebraska Portfolio, published 1992
• Silas Garber Bank – A Nebraska Portfolio, published 1992        
• Royal Highlander Building – A Nebraska Portfolio, published 1992
• Filley Stone Barn – A Nebraska Portfolio, published 1992