Although the firm of Orr & Booth, architects, has been in existence little more than two years it has been awarded a number of important contracts and its work has proved highly satisfactory to its patrons. At present both partners wear their country’s uniform in defense of the flag and the cause of liberty and democracy. Until quite recently Douglass W. Orr had entire charge of the business as his partner had joined the naval reserve before Mr. Orr had to leave. His birth occurred in Meriden, where his entire life has been passed, and his natal day was March 25, 1892. His parents were Adam and Marr Orr, the former deceased.

     Douglass W. Orr entered the public schools at the usual age and in 1909 was graduated from high school. He then went to work for the H. Wales Lines Company in the engineering department and remained there for several years, during which time he gained valuable experience. However, on the 1st of January, 1916, he went into business on his own account as a member of the firm of Orr & Booth, architects, his partner being Robert H. S. Booth. The firm has already gained an enviable reputation and has designed the plans for many important buildings, including the office and factory of the Connecticut Telephone and Electric Company, a storehouse for W. J. Cahill, a storehouse for the L. Suzio Construction Company, the Community building at Granby, Connecticut, as well as a  church at that place, an apartment house in Meriden for D. Gaffney, and residences for C. H. Buck, and for J. H. Stiles, at Reading, Pennsylvania. The firm also had the contracts for a number of buildings, the erection of which has been postponed on account of the war.

     Mr. Orr supports the republican party at the polls but has confined his political activity to the exercise of his right of franchise. The principles which govern his life are indicated by his membership in the First Congregational church. He does not belong to any lodges or clubs but concentrates his time and attention upon the management of his business interests. For some time he has been taking a mixed academic and art course at Yale University, which he would have completed had it not been for the war.

     Robert H. S. Booth, of the firm of Orr & Booth, was born in Meriden in 1890 and after his graduation from the local high school attended Cornell University, which institution in 1915 conferred upon him the degree of Bachelor of Architecture. The year following was spent in the employ of the American Brass Company at Waterbury, but on the first of January, 1916, he joined Douglass W. Orr in forming the present firm and has since resided in Meriden. He is at present, however, in New York city on duty as a member of the naval reserve.