Collection Summary
Rolfe, Walter T.,
1900-1967
Walter T. Rolfe
(1900-1967) Archival records, drawings and paintings, Architectural education;
personal papers
1920-1967
ROLFE Accession numbers: 1984006, 1986014, 2003005,
2007030
26 drawings, 1.25
linear feet of archival records, 7 paintings, 94 photographs, 4 medals, 3
pins
Alexander Architectural Archive,
University of Texas Libraries, The University of Texas at
Austin.
Rolfe (1900-1967)
taught at the University of Texas School of Architecture (1924-1946); practiced
architecture in Houston and Beaumont, Tex. (1946-1967); won the Order of the
Sun of Peru (1965) for "outstanding contribution to the furtherance of
architectural education and practice in Peru." Summary: Personal papers,
correspondence, manuscripts, printed material, photographs, books, awards and
medals, seven paintings and 26 drawings make up this record group documenting
portions of Rolfe's life (1920-1967).
Materials are in English.
Biographical sketch of Walter Thomas Rolfe
Walter Thomas Rolfe was born on August 22, 1900 in Wetmore, Kansas. He
grew up there and graduated from Wetmore High School in 1918. He received a
bachelor of science degree in architecture from Kansas State College in 1922
and his masters in architectural design from MIT in 1923.
He started his teaching career as associate professor of architecture
at Auburn University in 1923 where he met his future partner, Albert S.
Golemon, who was one of his best students. Rolfe moved to North Dakota State
College where he taught for four years before going to the University of Texas
in 1924. He spent the next eighteen years at the University of Texas School of
Architecture and was chair of the department from 1936 to 1946.
"In February of 1946, he and Albert Golemon... formed the nucleus of
one of the largest and most experienced architectural firms in the Southwest
[at that time].... A number of the Southwest's most modern hospitals, churches
and schools were designed by them. They reflect individuality and functional
efficiency. Golemon & Rolfe was one of the first architectural firms to
research and recommended the compact type, year-round air conditioned school
building for more efficient teacher and pupil performance; Walter Rolfe was
greatly responsible for the concept. The idea was accepted and acclaimed
nationally."*
Rolfe was representative from the AIA to the US Commission to UNESCO
from 1953 to 1955 and was active in other committee work in the AIA. He had a
heart attack in 1957 which reduced his participation in the activities of the
firm to the role of consultant. "He was acclaimed as one of the best public
speakers in the architectural profession. On may occasions he spoke at
conventions of the various segments of the AIA, at the local, state and
national level. He made numerous talks for the engineering profession and for
service organizations."*
In 1965, Rolfe was awarded the Order of the Sun of Peru, for
"outstanding contribution to the furtherance of architectural education and
practice in Peru,"* through his having been the professional teacher of Peru's
President Fernando Belaúnde Terry.
Rolfe was in Houston when he died of a heart attack in June 1967.
Sources
- *Memorial booklet printed by Golemon & Rolfe, Architects,
1967.
- [Obituary] Texas Architect (August
1967): p. 4.
Scope and Content of the collection
Personal papers, correspondence, manuscripts, printed material,
photographs, books, awards and medals, 7 paintings and 26 drawings make up this
record group documenting portions of Walter T. Rolfe's life from 1920 to 1967.
The papers, correspondence, manuscripts and printed material measure 1.25
linear feet.
The personal papers include biographical information, certificates,
awards and quotes he collected to use in speeches. A memorial brochure, printed
by his firm, Golemon & Rolfe gives one of the few overviews of his
life.
Correspondence focuses on two major themes: the Order of the Sun of
Peru and the memorial brochure printed by the firm. Letters and telegrams
arrived at Rolfe's door when he won the award including congratulations from
Peru's president, Fernando Belaúnde Terry, who was one of Rolfe's former
students. The comments about the memorial brochure were sent to Rolfe's
partner, Albert Golemon, or Rolfe's wife, Bessie Mae.
Manuscripts show that Rolfe was a prolific writer. The varied types of
manuscripts included in this series were presented as speeches, articles, short
fiction and poetry. Rolfe wrote a book in 1935 called Texas which he described as "a 32-page booklet
illustrated in black and white, front page in color, treating the cultural
background, history and opportunity of Texas." Several copies of the book are
in with his papers.
Printed material is comprised of an assortment of articles about
architecture.
The photographs are portraits of Rolfe and his wife. The paintings are
watercolors by Rolfe and the drawings represent Rolfe's residence.
The series called awards and medals contains Rolfe's medals and
awards. Highlights in this series are the Order of the Sun of Peru Plate
(silver) and medal (gold) and his FAIA medal.
Other Finding Aids
Unpublished inventory in Archive.
References to works by or about Walter T. Rolfe (1900-1967)
"AIA National Committeeman."
Texas Architect (June 1951): p. 9.
"The American Architectural Foundation."
American Institute of Architects Journal 15 (May
1951): p. 214, 219.
"The American Architectural Foundation, its
opportunities and its needs." American Institute of
Architects Journal 24 (September 1955): p. 111-5.
"Architect and his community."
Texas Architect (December 1956): p. 5.
"At AIA Convention." Texas Architect (July 1954): p. 7.
"Bellaire High School." Texas Architect (April 1958): p. 6 and cover.
"Center Medical Building, Houston, Texas."
Progressive Architecture 35 (January 1954): p.
90.
"Elementary Schools." Progressive Architecture 29 (November 1948): p.
51-64.
"Hospital: Alexandria, Louisiana."
Progressive Architecture 32 (February 1951): p.
79-85.
"Hospitals: trends in planning. Building types
study 363." Architectural Record 140 (October
1966): p. 197-216.
"Jack Tar Orange House." Texas Architect (May 1957): p. 7 and cover.
Kohl, George S., ed. American Architects Directory. New York: R.R. Bowker,
1962.
"Medical Towers." Texas
Architect (July 1960): p. 11.
"Medical Towers win AIA award."
Texas Architect (April 1957): p. 9.
"Memorial to Goldwin Goldsmith."
Texas Architect (February 1962): p. 4.
"Moderates TSA Seminar." Texas Architect (November 1955): p. 6.
"Named to UNESCO Commission."
Texas Architect (December 1952): p. 20.
"Named to UNESCO Post." Texas Architect (January 1953): p. 11.
[Obituary] Texas
Architect (August 1967): p. 4.
"Presides at TSA Seminar."
Texas Architect (November 1953): p. 4.
"Professional Offices, Houston, Texas."
Progressive Architecture 36 (September 1955): p.
102-3.
"Research and the Architect." Texas
Architect (June 1961): p. 4.
Rolfe, Walter Thomas. Texas. Austin: The Steck Company, 1935.
"Speaks to Clay Products Institute."
Texas Architect (January 1955): p. 9.
"Twentieth Street Medical Plaza."
Texas Architect (March 1961): p. 8.
"Wins award from Peru." Texas Architect (December 1965): p. 20.
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.
Subjects (Persons):
Rolfe, Walter T.,
1900-1967
Belaúnde Terry, Fernando,
1912-
Subjects (Organizations):
Golemon & Rolfe
(Houston, Tex.)
Subjects:
Rolfe, Walter T.,
1900-1967--Archives.
University of Texas at Austin. School of
Architecture.--Faculty.
Document types:
Manuscripts.
Architectural
drawings.
Watercolor
drawings.
Paintings.
Restrictions on Access
Access is by appointment only to any serious scholar. Boxes stored off
site or rolled drawings that will need to be humidified and flattened for
viewing will require a minimum of three working days advance notice.
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 Archive's Use
Policy.
Preferred Citation
Walter T. Rolfe (1900-1967) Archival records. Alexander Architectural
Archive, University of Texas Libraries, The University of Texas at Austin
Processing Information
Drawings processed by Lila Knight,
Summer 1986; other material processed by Nancy
Sparrow.
Detailed Description of the Collection
The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in
the collection.
Series A: Personal Papers
Series Abstract
The personal papers include biographical information,
certificates, awards and quotes he collected to use in speeches. A memorial
brochure, printed by his firm, Golemon & Rolfe gives one of the few
overviews of his life.
1
1
Biographical Information
(1940-1967)
1
2
A Great History of the Class of
1923, Mass. Institute of Technology
1
3
Certificates and Awards
(1920-1959)
1
4
AIA Fellowship
(1947)
1
5
Announcement of Walter Rolfe Scholarship
(1967)
1
6
Quotes for Speeches
1
7
Memorial Brochure
1
8
Memorial Book
1
9
Bessie Coulter Rolfe's Certificates
(1921)
Series B: Correspondence
Series Abstract
The Correspondence series includes references to Rolfe's health,
general incoming and outgoing mail, AIA tours, the Order of the Sun of Peru,
correspondence with Lyndon Baines Johnson, and that discussing Rolfe's memorial
tribute.
1
10
Outgoing: Concerning Rolfe's heart attack
(1957)
1
11
Incoming General
(1965-1977)
1
12
Outgoing
(1965)
1
13
Incoming: AIA tour highlights
(1952-1954)
1
14
Incoming: pertaining to the Order of the Sun
1
15
Incoming: from Lyndon Baines Johnson
(1946-1958)
1
16
Correspondence with Fernando Belaúnde Terry
(1965-1967)
1
17
Incoming: Copies of letters received by Albert Goleman
pertaining to Rolfe's Memorial Tribute
(1967)
Series C: Manuscripts
Series Abstract
The Manuscripts series reflects Rolfe's prolific writing career.
The varied types of manuscripts included in this series were presented as
speeches, articles, short fiction and poetry. Rolfe wrote a book in 1935 called
Texas which he described as "a 32-page booklet
illustrated in black and white, front page in color, treating the cultural
background, history and opportunity of Texas." Several copies of the book are
in with his papers.
Series C1: Speeches
2
1
Outlines for lectures
2
2
"The Architect, Color and Light"
2
3
"Competence - The Key to Excellence"
2
4
"Houston - Large or Great - or Both"
(1965)
2
5
"Mexico"
2
6
"To Open More Doors"
(1956)
Series C2: Articles
2
7
"What has the School a Right to Expect of Its
Graduates?"
(1948)
2
8
"One Architect's Home"
2
9
"Department of Architecture at the University of Texas
1910-1948," [draft] with Werner Dornberger and Hugh McMath
(1962)
2
10
"A Research Program in Architecture"
(1964)
2
11
"The Need for a Certifying Program in Any Profession"
(1956)
Series C3: Prose
2
12
Prose Manuscripts
(1962-1964)
2
13
"High on a Kansas Hill"
(1963)
2
14
"Sincerely Yours" [draft]
(1965)
2
14
"Sincerely Yours" [notes]
(1955-1965)
3
1
"Bless Your Heart" [rough draft]
(1966)
3
2-5
"Worry"
(1965)
3
6
"Trouper"
(1965)
3
7
"Miraculous Man"
4
1-3
"Miraculous Man "
Series C4: Poetry
4
4-5
"Dust and Stars"
4
6
Poetry
(undated)
Series D: Texas [Rolfe's
Book]
Series Abstract
Rolfe's description of the book: A 32-page booklet, illustrated in
black and white, front page in color, treating the cultural background, history
and opportunity of Texas. Published by Steck and Co., Austin, 1935.
5
1
Mock-up for Texas
5
2
Texas (without
covers)
5
3
Texas
(two copies)
flat file
Mechanicals for the book. (illustrations)
Series E: Printed Material
Series Abstract
Printed material is comprised of books and articles about
architecture by or about Rolfe, as well as clippings about Rolfe.
5
4
Clippings about Walter Rolfe
(1947-1965)
5
5
AIA Journal,
January 1964
(see full description in bibliography)
5
6
Architecture: A Profession and
Career
(1954)
5
7
El Architecto,
March/April
1954.
5
8
Ernest Langford Architecture Center at A&M
Dedication Brochure,
1976
5
9
Texas Architect,
December 1965
5
10
Remembrances of Things
Past, by Ernest Langford, 1975
Series F: Photographs
93 black and white prints and 1 color print
Series Abstract
The photographs series contains portraits of Rolfe, his wife
Betty, friends and associates.
5
11
Walter T. Rolfe (Kodak date on verso of photograph:
August 1967
5
12
Walter and Betty Rolfe's Wedding Portraits (2)
[September
1925]
5
13
Portraits of Rolfe
(undated)
flat file
Rolfe in studio, painting
5
13
Portraits of Rolfe
(undated)
5
14
Rolfe receiving Order of the Sun
(undated)
5
15
Unidentified
(1963,
undated)
5
16
Texas Society of Architects convention, Houston, Tex.
1955
5
17
Texas Society of Architects convention, Corpus Christi,
Tex.
1968
5
18
Texas Society of Architects convention, Dallas, Tex.,
undated
Series G: Awards and Medals
Series Abstract
The series called awards and medals contains Rolfe's medals and
awards. Highlights in this series are the Order of the Sun of Peru Plate
(silver) and medal (gold) and his FAIA medal.
6
1
Order of the Sun Plate. Engraved Signature of Fernando
Belaúnde Terry.
(inscription)
6
2
FAIA Medal. Silver with red ribbon.
Inscription.
6
3
Princeton Medal (bronze)
6
4
Order of the Sun Medal (gold) Masonic Tie Pin (25 year
member) Two Fraternity Pins (Kappa Delta) Silver Pin (possibly a tie
clip)
Series H: Paintings
Series Abstract
The paintings are watercolors by Rolfe. They are all acrylic on
crescent board unless otherwise stated.
"Fulfilment" - watercolor sketch of a futuristic
city
Landscape (with golf course)
21-1/2 × 28-1/2"
Abstract (organic)
22 × 27-3/4"
Abstract (organic)
22 × 27-3/4"
Abstract
19 × 25"
Seascape with bubbles
22 × 30"
Landscape in blue
19 × 22"
Pyramids,
1960
21 × 26"
Series I: Drawings
The drawings series represents Rolfe's residence.
Residence for Mr. and Mrs. Walter Rolfe, Commission
5700