Watercolor

Big Pavilion 1909-1960

2012.10

Donation

1916

Signature Location: bottom left

WatercolorPaintingThe Big PavilionDoherty, C. J.the Big Pavilion

16 in

18 in

Frame Size: 23" x 18.75" x 1" Image Size: 15.75 x 11."

Excellent

Professionally conserved and restored by Kari Miller in 2015 Archival framing (filtered glass) by Marie Muha. 2015 cost of restoration was

Cyrus James (C.J.) Doherty 1890 - 1978 The Big Pavilion 1916 | watercolor Notes: Doherty was a scholarship student at the Art Institute of Chicago at the age of 14. In 1916 he vacationed in Saugatuck, Michigan, with his parents and brother where he painted this restrained watercolor of the Big Pavilion. Shortly after the visit, he joined the army and served until the end of World War I. In 1925, he moved his family to Pasadena, California. (adapted from Painting the Town by Kit Lane.) Collection: Saugatuck Douglas History Center Gift of: Purchased for the collection from the estate of Cyrus Doherty

From "Collecting the Lakeshore" 2025-2026 at the History Center main floor gallery Cyrus Joseph Doherty 1890-1978 Big Pavilion 1916 | watercolor on paper This study of Saugatuck’s Big Pavilion captures it during the golden age of steamship tourism. Opened in 1909 the monumental “Brightest Spot on the Great Lakes” was just seven years old when Art Institute of Chicago student C.J. Doherty drew it during a family vacation to Saugatuck. The artwork was an early acquisition for the SDHC. The painting was purchased by the Historical Society in 1996 from family descendent, Richard J. Doherty of San Diego California, at a cost of $260. Records note that several donors helped support the purchase and the sale was facilitated by Kit Lane. Purchased by SDHC Accession 2012.10.01

Status: Restoration Status By: Anna VanderJagt Status Date: 2012-02-09