John Ames Mitchell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Ames Mitchell
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| Born | January 17, 1845 |
| Died | June 29, 1918 (aged 73) |
| Alma mater | Harvard University |
| Occupation | Publisher, architect, artist and novelist |
| Known for | Co-founder and editor of original Life Magazine; founded the Fresh Air Fund |
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Notable work
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Unity Church of North Easton (architect) |
| Parent(s) | Asa Mitchell, Harriet Ames (1819-1896) |
| Relatives | Oliver Ames, Sr. (grandfather) |
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John Ames Mitchell (born January 17, 1845 – died June 29, 1918) was a talented American who did many things! He was a publisher, an architect (someone who designs buildings), an artist, and a writer. He helped start and run the first Life magazine. He also wrote several books.
Contents
Who Was John Ames Mitchell?
John Ames Mitchell was born in New York City on January 17, 1845. He went to Harvard University and studied architecture. He even studied in Paris, France, at a famous art school called the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts.
Starting Life Magazine
In 1883, John Ames Mitchell helped create Life magazine with Andrew Miller. Mitchell was the president and owned most of the magazine. He and Miller kept their ownership until they passed away.
This early Life magazine was different from the picture-heavy Life magazine many people know today. It was more like a magazine called The New Yorker. It helped many great writers and artists become famous. One of these artists was Charles Dana Gibson, who created the popular "Gibson Girl" illustrations. The magazine covered books, politics, and social topics.
Helping City Kids: The Fresh Air Fund
John Ames Mitchell also cared about helping others. He and Horace Greeley, a famous newspaper editor, started the Fresh Air Fund. This organization helped city kids get out of the city and enjoy nature. For many years, they ran a "Life Fresh Air camp" in Ridgefield, Connecticut. Mitchell lived in Ridgefield too.
Designing Buildings and Writing Books
In 1875, Mitchell used his architecture skills to design the Unity Church of North Easton. His uncle, Oliver Ames, Jr., hired him for this project.
Mitchell also wrote several novels. One of his books, The Last American (published in 1889), was a fictional story about a Persian admiral who finds America again in the year 2951. Another novel, Amos Judd (1895), was even made into a silent movie in 1922 called The Young Rajah, starring Rudolph Valentino.
Later Years of Life Magazine
After Mitchell passed away, his Life magazine was bought in 1936 by Henry Luce. Luce changed it into the well-known picture magazine. The building where Mitchell's Life magazine had its headquarters is now the Herald Square Hotel in New York City. Charles Dana Gibson, the artist Mitchell helped, gave this building to Mitchell as a gift.
Passing Away
John Ames Mitchell died suddenly on June 29, 1918, at his home in Ridgefield, Connecticut. He is buried in Fairlawn Cemetery in Ridgefield. His large estate, called Windover, was later divided into smaller properties. However, the main house still stands today.
