In June 1942, Time magazine published a 1,300‑word profile of Albert Kahn. World War II was the big story and it dominated nearly every page of the publication. The issue’s cover story examined top German General Franz Halder’s plans for the second year of the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union. Other news from the American domestic front included a review of the popular movie “Mrs. Miniver” and details of golfer Ben Hogan’s victory in the Hale America National Open, a wartime substitute for the U.S. Open to raise funds for the USO and Navy Relief Fund.
The feature story on Kahn (“Industry’s Architect”) noted that the 73-year-old architect had recently been honored by the American Institute of Architects for his “extraordinary efforts in creating the arsenal of democracy.” The report also underscored the impressive scale of work underway at Albert Kahn Associates, noting that the firm was then responsible for more factory construction than any other architectural office in the world.
Although today Kahn is sometimes underappreciated, this profile — appearing just five months before his death — captures the man at the height of his powers and reputation.
See the article as it originally appeared in the June 29, 1942 issue of Time.
