urn:taro:utexas.aaa.00028 George Dahl: An Inventory of his Papers, 1916-1991 Inventory prepared by Sarah Hardie, Jill Wood The University of Texas at Austin. University of Texas Libraries. Alexander Architectural Archive. 1999 Text converted and initial EAD tagging provided by Apex Data Services, June 2001. Finding aid written in English. July 22, 2002 Edited in XmetaL 3.0 by Kristy Sorensen, according to instructions in Editing TARO EAD XML Finding Aids with XMetaL. April 2009Revised by Donna Coates Tue Jul 22 15:01:21 CDT 2003 urn:taro:utexas.aaa.00028 converted from EAD 1.0 to 2002 by v1to02.xsl (20030505). Collection Summary Dahl, George Leighton, b. 1894 George Dahl papers, 1916-1991 DAHL Accession number(s): 1996004, 1996008 5.5 linear feet (10 manuscript boxes, 1 flat oversize) Alexander Architectural Archive, University of Texas Libraries, The University of Texas at Austin. George Dahl, one of Dallas' most prominent architects, was born in Minneapolis in 1894, of Norwegian immigrants. In 1943, Dahl founded his own company, George Leighton Dahl, Architects and Engineers, Incorporated. Dallas buildings that he designed include the Methodist Hospital, the Earle Cabell Federal Building, Owen Fine Art Center at Southern Methodist University, The Dallas Morning News building, Jesuit High School, the Dallas Public Health Center, Mrs. Baird's Bakery, and Sears on Ross Avenue. Outside Dallas, he designed 26 buildings for the University of Texas at Austin, 32 stores for Sears, Roebuck and Co. and 15 prisons for the Texas Department of Corrections. Materials are in English. Biographical Sketch of George Dahl (1894-1987)

George Dahl, one of Dallas' most prominent architects, was born in Minneapolis in 1894, of Norwegian immigrants. He learned to speak English in school at age 7. After graduating from college with a bachelor's degree in architecture from the University of Minnesota, he received his Masters from Harvard in 1923. In 1926, he began work for the Herbert M. Greene Co. in Dallas, Texas. He became a partner in Greene's firm in 1928, and the name of the firm was changed to Herbert M. Greene, LaRoche, and Dahl and later LaRoche and Dahl after Greene passed away.

In 1943, Dahl founded his own company, George Leighton Dahl, Architects and Engineers, Incorporated. It was during his time that his career reached soaring heights. Upon his retirement in 1973, he had produced some 3,000 projects throughout the country that are estimated to be worth $3 billion. After 1973, Dahl continued to make appearances at architectural events in Dallas and lived to see his most famous project, Fair Park (1936), fastidiously restored and named a National Historic Landmark.

Dallas buildings that he designed include the Methodist Hospital, the Earle Cabell Federal Building, Owen Fine Art Center at Southern Methodist University, The Dallas Morning News building, Jesuit High School, the Dallas Public Health Center, Mrs. Baird's Bakery, and Sears on Ross Avenue. Outside Dallas, he designed 26 buildings for the University of Texas at Austin, 32 stores for Sears, Roebuck and Co. and 15 prisons for the Texas Department of Corrections. His firm also worked on projects for the Federal government, the Navy, the Bureau of Yards and Docks, Army Engineers, General Services Administration, and the U.S. Air Force. Other works include banks, office buildings, churches, department stores, schools, hospitals, stadiums, and shopping centers. He also designed, managed, and owned Gold Crest Apartments, the apartment building in which he lived until his death in July of 1987.

Dahl was active in professional organizations. He was one of the founders of the Texas Society of Architects and served as the Society's second President. Dahl was also President of AIA Dallas in 1959, and was elected to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects. He was admired by the people who worked with him. David Braden, who was a partner in the firm for which Dahl was consultant after his retirement, admiringly summed up the true legacy of his mentor, While the public will remember his buildings, his professional colleagues will remember him as an innovator and organizer.... He spent most of his professional life pioneering activities which are now common in the profession, but which were unheard of or strenuously resisted by his colleagues at the time.

Dahl, who was survived by his wife Joan, was an active contributor to the Dallas community as well as the skyline. He provided leadership and support for numerous Dallas organizations including the Hella Temple Shrine, Louis Preister Masonic Lodge, and Scottish Rite, and the Rotary Club.

 Scope and Content of the collection

Creative works, correspondence, printed material, photographs, financial documentation, works of art on paper, audio recordings, and a scrapbook, document the life and work of architect, George Dahl. The material has been arranged into four series: Personal Papers, Professional Papers, Office Records and Project Records. The Personal Papers contain records about the life and activities of Dahl. Of note is George Dahl's correspondence and sketches to friends in the 1980's which he terms "dazzlers," and a scrapbook created by Dahl's wife, Joan, documenting the last decade of his personal life. The Professional Papers contain records related to Dahl's activities in the architectural profession. The Office Records series is primarily records created by Dahl and his company, Dahl Architects and Engineers Inc. (1948-1973). The Project Records series are largely project files, and includes photographs and drawings.

Other Finding Aids

Unpublished inventory in Archive.

 References to works by George Leighton Dahl Portals, Doorways and Windows of France. New York, The Architectural Book Publishing Company, P. Wenzel & M. Krakow, 1925. Related Material

Greene LaRoche and Dahl: An Inventory of their Collection, 1902-1953, Alexander Architectural Archive

University of Texas Buildings Collection: An Inventory of Drawings and Papers, 1882-ongoing, Alexander Architectural Archive

 Index Terms

This collection is indexed under the following headings in the University of Texas Online Catalog. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons, or places should search the catalog using these headings.

Persons: Dahl, George Leighton, 1894- Dahl, Joan (wife) Braden, David (business partner) Organizations: Fair Park (Dallas, Tex.) Restrictions on Access

Access is by appointment only to any serious scholar. Rolled materials must be flattened before viewing. A three day advance notice is required to flatten rolled materials.

Restrictions on Use

Permission for publication is given on behalf of the University of Texas as the owner of the collection and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder which must be obtained by the researcher. For more information please see the Alexander Architectural Archives Use Policy.

 Preferred Citation

George Dahl papers, Alexander Architectural Archive, University of Texas Libraries, The University of Texas at Austin

 Processing information

Sarah Hardie and Jill Wood, Fall 1999

Arrangement and finding aid edited by Donna Coates, April 2009

 Detailed Description of the Collection

The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.

Series A: Personal Papers, 1949-1991 .5 linear feet, including 4 audio cassettes, 9 color photographs Series Abstract

The Personal Papers series contains records that describe the life and of George L. Dahl, including correspondence, drawings, news clippings, oral history interviews, and a scrapbook and genealogical information collected by his wife Joan Dahl. Dahl was an active contributor to Dallas the community and papers include material about his involvement with community activities.

 11Correspondence and notes, 1971-1982 12Correspondence with sketches "dazzlers,"1980-198713Scottish Rites Bodies, 1969-198914Dallas Public Library,1980-198515Rotary Club,1982-198816Joan Dahl correspondence with President Ronald Reagan,1982, 198917Joan Dahl correspondence with Ingvald Olsen regarding family genealogy, 1983-198618"The Glover-White Story" [genealogy],undated19Drawings by George Dahl given to Joan Dahl,1981-1987110Clippings,1987-1991111Clipppings, George Dahl obituaries, 1987112House expenses,1957-1964113Travel documents,1949-1969114Photographs (9 color snapshots)George DahlPires Memorial Oakland CemeteryTexas Society of Architects award13Scrapbook, "Memoirs and Bear Tracks, of Joan and GLD,"1978- Audio recording: Oral History interview by Alan Mason (40 minutes), 1979 Audio recording: Interview by Kenneth Ragsdale, 1978 Audio recording: Funeral Service for George L. Dahl, July 20, 1987 Series B: Professional Papers, 1916-1987 .6 linear feet, including 2 video cassettes, 3 audio cassettes Series Abstract

The Professional Papers contain records related to Dahl's activities in the architectural profession.

 115Resumes, 1959-1960, undated 101Selections From the Work of Herbert M. Greene, LaRoche & Dahl, Architects, Dallas, Texas, May 1935 (2 copies)116George Leighton Dahl and his works, Volume 1, Introduction and Index,ca. 1978117Correspondence and notes, 1964-1986, undated118Correspondence with David Braden, 1973-1987119Awards and recognitions, 1979, 1981120George Dahl notebooks and notes, undated21George Dahl notebook,1916-1932Includes class notes, drawings, reference material, and personal research from University of Minnesota School of Architecture, Harvard School of Architecture and early career with Green, La Roche, and Dahl. The first page has two addresses under Dahl's name: 3125 Tremont Ave. So., Minneapolis, Minnesota and 2227 Garfield Ave. So. Loose pages in notebook are notes regarding University of Texas Building Program, 1932.22Pocket calendar, 196514George Leighton Dahl, F.A.I.A. Selected Drawings,1966Imprinted page: "With Esteem and Affection We Present This Book To Our Conductor GEORGE LEIGHTON DAHL - December Twenty Fifth Nineteen Hundred and Sixty Six - The Musicians of George L. Dahl Inc. Architects & EngineersAudio recording: Dallas Historical Society interview with George Dahl regarding the Texas Centennial Exposition of 1936, February 24, 1984Audio recording: "A Celebration of Dallas Architecture" Symposium, Adolphus Hotel, Dallas, October 30, 1985Participants include Overton Shelmire, moderator, Howard Meyer, Arch Swank, George Dahl, Larry Good, Bill Booziotes, Gary Cunningham, Frank Aldredge, and Weiming Lu.Video recording: "George Dahl," WFAA-TV, 1987Video recording: "Architect George Dahl's Career," KXAS-TV,1987 Series C: Office Records, ca. 1940-1973 2 linear feet Series Abstract

The Office Records series contains records created by the architectural firm in any capacity other than the design and construction of projects. This series has office records, office brochures, project brochure books, photographs and reference material.

 23LaRoche and Dahl letterhead, ca. 1937-1942 24Memorandum: List of books missing from the Office Library,June 6, 1963 25George L. Dahl, Inc. Inventory of Furniture and Fixtures, 1963, 1971-1973 26George L. Dahl Architects & Engineers, Personnel List, November 13, 1958 27Letters of Recommendation, 1962-196328George L. Dahl Architects and Engineers office brochure,195129George L. Dahl Architects and Engineers office brochure (No.74),1955210George L. Dahl Architects and Engineers office brochure, Hospitals and Kindred Facilities, 1958211George L. Dahl Architects and Engineers office brochure (No. 264), 196131George L. Dahl Architects and Engineers office brochure, 196232George L. Dahl Architects and Engineers office brochure, ca. 1963128George L. Dahl Architects and Engineers office brochure, ca. 1964121George L. Dahl Architects and Engineers office brochure, ca. 196633George L. Dahl Architects and Engineers office brochure, Vol.1, ca. 196934George L. Dahl Architects and Engineers office brochure, Vol.2, ca. 196935George L. Dahl Architects and Engineers office brochure, ca. 197036George L. Dahl Architects and Engineers office brochure,ca. 197141George L. Dahl Architects and Engineers office brochure (bound),ca. 196342George L. Dahl Architects and Engineers office brochure (bound),ca. 196343Dahl, Braden, Chapman, Inc. office brochure, 198044U. S. Government Architect-Engineer questionnaire (form 251), 197345U. S. Government Architect-Engineer questionnaire (form 251), 197446George L. Dahl Inc. brochure brief: Banks, Offices, Stores, May 196447George L. Dahl Architects and Engineers brochure (No. 75): Banks and Office Buildings,195651George L. Dahl Architects and Engineers brochure: Churches, 195852George L. Dahl Architects and Engineers brochure: Correctional Facilities, ca. 197053George L. Dahl Architects and Engineers brochure: Department and Retail Stores, undated54George L. Dahl Architects and Engineers brochure: Hospitals and Medical Buildings, 196655George L. Dahl Architects and Engineers brochure: Office Buildings (part 1 of 2), 196456George L. Dahl Architects and Engineers brochure: Office Buildings (part 2 of 2), 196457George L. Dahl Architects and Engineers brochure: Recent Projects, ca. 196858George L. Dahl Architects and Engineers brochure brief: Retail and Commercial Buildings, ca. 196859Stadium Design Application and Statement of Qualification [incomplete], undated102Stadiums (part 1 of 2),1964103Stadiums (part 2 of 2), 196461Brochure pages (photographs)Dallas Memorial Auditorium (4 color prints, 1 b/w print)First National Bank of Dallas (1 color print)Southwestern Life Insurance Company, Dallas (3 color prints, 3 b/w prints)Tampa Convention Center, Tampa, Florida (5 b/w prints)62Photographs Autocar Trucks (1 b/w print)Braniff International Air Cargo Terminal, Dallas-Fort Worth Regional Airport (1 b/w print)Braniff International Air Cargo Terminal (1 b/w print)East Texas Sate University, Methodist Student Center, Commerce, Tex. (1 b/w print)East Texas Sate University, Student Housing, Commerce, Tex. (1 b/w print)Electro Parts de Matamoros (1 b/w print)Hospital Addition, Odessa, Tex. (1 b/w print)Hockaday School, Dallas, Tex. (1 b/w print)Industrial Development, Atlanta, Ga. (1 b/w print)Insuromedic Insurance Company, Dallas, Tex. (1 b/w print)Methodist Hospital, Dallas, Tex. (2 b/w prints)Mexia State School, Mexia, Tex. (4 b/w prints)Park Cities YMCA, Dallas, Tex. (4 b/w prints)Sears Roebuck & Co. Warehouse, Oklahoma City, Okla. (1 b/w print)Shadybrook Schools, Recreation Building, Richardson, Tex. (1 b/w print)Southern Methodist University, Teaching Facility for Fine Arts, Music, and Drama, Dallas, Tex. (1 b/w print)Texas Department of Corrections, Ramsey Unit No.2 Addition (12 b/w prints)Texas Prison System, Goree State Farm (2 b/w prints)University of Texas, Physics Mathematics and Astronomy Building, Austin, Tex. (1 b/w print, 1 b/w negative)Unidentified (6 b/w prints)122Copy of firm brochure for Wood & Associates, Inc., Architects, Dallas, ca. 1964 Series D: Project Records,1931-2.4 lin. ft.

The Project Records series is largely project files and drawings. Project files may contain brochures created for the project, correspondence, contracts, clippings, drawings, reference material, and photographs.

D1: Project Files11Project file boxOriginal metal filing box contains 3 x 5 inch index cards arranged by project number and alphbetically by project name.631001 Apartments, 1001 lake Air Drive, Waco, Tex., 1967647519 Linwood [residence], Dallas, Tex., 196765Dallas Memorial Auditorium, Dallas, Tex., 195766District of Columbia Stadium, Washington, DC, 1962127District of Columbia Stadium, Washington, DC, 196267East Texas State College [letters of recommendation], Commerce, Tex., 195968Fair Park [Texas Centennial Exposition], Dallas, Tex. ,193669Fair Park, Dallas, Tex., Clippings, 1980-1990610Fair Park, Dallas Historical Society, 1983, 1989Includes text copy of 1984 inteview by Sarah Hunter with George Dahl as part of a project to document the artists and architects of the Texas Centennial Exposition of 1936.611Fair Park, Friends of Fair Park, 1985 612Federal Savings and Loan Association, Dallas, Tex., 1955613First National Bank, Big Spring, Tex.,1960614First National Bank, Dallas, Tex., 1961615First National Bank, Odessa, Tex., 1961123Forest Lane Clinic, Dallas, Tex.71Forest Lane Development, Dallas, Tex.104Gerontology Center for the Moody Foundation, Galveston, Tex.105Gold Crest Apartments, 3601 Turtle Creek, Dallas, Tex., Sales brochure.72Gold Crest Apartments, 3601 Turtle Creek, Dallas, Tex., Brochure.73-8Gold Crest Apartments, 3601 Turtle Creek, Dallas, Tex., Inventory.197181Hart Bowl [bowling alley], Dallas, Tex., 195882Harwood and McKinney Building, Dallas, Tex., 196083Jesuit High School of Dallas, Tex., 195984Malek Shahr Housing Project, Isfahan, Iran, 1976126Medical Building, Shreveport, La., 195785Miracle Mile, Texarkana, Tex., 195486Multi-Purpose Coliseum Proposal, Oakland, Cal., 1961124Office and Parking Building, Block 231, Dallas, Tex. [Thomas E. Stanley Architects & Engineers, Dallas]125Off-Street Parking Inventory, Dallas Central Area, A Joint Project of the Central Business District Association and Traffic Control Department, City of Dallas, June 196887Omaha Bank, 196788Royal Lane Apartments, Dallas, Tex., 197189Singer Sewing Machine Company, 6101 Cedar Springs, Dallas, Tex., 1971810Sunset Center, Amarillo, Tex., 1956811Terminal Warehouses, Theran, Iran, 1976812Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation. Terrell State Hospital Project Analysis, Terrell, Tex., 1970813Texas Radiation and Tumor Institute. Maxfield Clinic Additions, Dallas, Tex.814, 15United States Air Force, Proposal for Lunar Shelter, 1961816United States Department of State. Presentation to the Office of Foreign Buildings (copy 1), 196291United States Department of State. Presentation to the Office of Foreign Buildings (copy 2), 196292United States, NASA, Team Concept for Construction of Saturn Launch Facilities (part 1 of 2)93United States, NASA, Team Concept for Construction of Saturn Launch Facilities (part 1 of 2)94United States Navy Department,194895Venzuela Projects,ca. 1960s96Waco Center, A Regional Shopping Area, Waco, Tex.,196697A World in Space [restaurant], Dallas, Tex., 1963Series D2: Drawings, 1931, 1932, 19375 sheets University of Texas. Chemistry Building. 1931 Herbert M. Greene LaRoche and Dahl Austin Travis Tex. U.S. University of Texas. Engineering Building. 1932 Herbert M. Greene LaRoche and Dahl Paul P. Cret, Consulting Architect Austin Travis Tex. U.S. University of Texas. Geology Building. 1932 Herbert M. Greene LaRoche and Dahl Austin Tex. Tex. U.S. University of Texas. Library Building (Main Building and Tower). 1932 Herbert M. Greene LaRoche and Dahl Paul P. Cret, Consulting Architect Austin Travis Tex. U.S. University of Texas. Medical Laboratory Building. 1937 Herbert M. Greene LaRoche and Dahl Galveston Galveston Tex. U.S.