Sweets Catalog

 

While cleaning out my office space at Robertson/Sherwood/Architects, I came across a well-preserved first edition of the Sweets Catalog. Comprised of a single, albeit hefty, volume, the Architectural Record Co. published the inaugural release of the catalog in 1906. My guess is the RSA copy is a reprint, though I could not find evidence within its covers that it is; if it is part of the original printing, that is remarkable. Discovering it prompted me to reflect on the evolution of construction practices and the enduring legacy of industry standards.
 
For more than a century, the print edition of the Sweets Catalog was a construction industry staple, providing architects, engineers, and contractors with comprehensive information on building products and materials. Its original aim was to centralize product details and serve as a critical industry resource. Beyond its role as a product directory, the Sweets Catalog facilitated direct communication between manufacturers and professionals, supporting informed decision-making. Editorial content provided additional insights into industry trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes, enriching its utility beyond mere listings.
 

The "List of Classifications" in the 1906 version of the Sweets Catalog.

Crucially, the catalog would eventually adopt the Construction Specifications Institute’s MasterFormat standard to streamline product classification and enhance usability across construction documentation. Before MasterFormat, products were categorized broadly by function, lacking the structured clarity that later defined its organization.
 
By the time of its acquisition by McGraw-Hill Construction in 1998, the Sweets Catalog had expanded significantly, comprising 22 volumes totaling more than 5,000 pages. This growth reflected advancements in building materials and technologies, ensuring each edition included the latest innovations. The growth of the Sweets Catalog mirrored the broader expansion of the construction industry itself—from a modest start to a comprehensive industry resource.
 
My fascination with the Sweets Catalog began early on. For some reason, my local public library branch retained an annually renewed subscription to the Canadian edition of the catalog. I remember occasionally passing lazy Saturday afternoons when I was a child paging through the multiple volumes, familiarizing myself with their organization and the sheer breadth of available construction products. Later, upon assuming my employment with Bing Thom Architects in 1983, I acquired a complete set for my personal library, inheriting it upon delivery of the latest issue of the Sweets Catalog to the firm. If you needed further proof of how much of a nerd I was, simply picture me reading reams of arcane product data for “fun.” Ultimately, I discarded that set upon my permanent move to Eugene in 1988.

 

Cover of Volume 7 of the 2007 version of the Sweets Catalog.

Following the advent of the Internet, the format of the Sweets Catalog evolved from print to include digital versions, offering enhanced features such as searchable databases and downloadable CAD drawings. The shift towards digital tools led in due course to McGraw-Hill discontinuing the print edition in 2012, marking a transition in how users accessed and managed the information offered by the Sweets Catalog. McGraw-Hill relinquished its ownership in 2014, the service now under the banner of The Dodge Construction Network.
 
While the physical presence of the Sweets Catalog has faded, its impact endures through digital tools and standards that continue to shape the construction industry. It set benchmarks for comprehensive and accessible information, influencing how professionals continue to source and specify building products today.
 

Pages from the 1906 Sweets Catalog:

In essence, the Sweets Catalog typifies the evolution of construction documentation—adapting to technological advancements while maintaining a commitment to industry standards and best practices. Its transition from print to digital signifies broader shifts in information management, reflecting a dynamic industry that continues to innovate and evolve.
 
Discovering the RSA copy of the very first edition of the Sweets Catalog reminded me of its foundational role early in my career. An exemplary and historic resource, it stands as a testament to the value of organized, accessible information in the construction of our built environment—a legacy that resonates in our digital age.