Collection Summary
Creer, Philip (1903-1993)
Philip Creer papers,
1927-1990CREER Accession numbers: 2001009, 2003006, 2004016, 2008014, 2009005
2.5 linear feet of papers, 5 artifacts, 204 photographic prints, 48 rolls of negatives, 66 slide transparencies, 267 sheets drawings, and 9 watercolors.
Alexander Architectural Archive,
University of Texas Libraries, The University of Texas at Austin.
Philip Douglas Creer (1903-1993), educated in Pennsylvania, was head of the Department of Architecture at the Rhode Island School of Design for twenty-three years before serving as dean of the School of Architecture at The University of Texas at Austin from 1956 to 1967. The collection is includes personal, professional, and faculty papers, project records, and drawings.
Materials are in English.
Biographical Sketch of Philip Creer
"Professor Philip Douglas Creer was born on August 31, 1903 in Springfield, Pennsylvania. He received his bachelor's degree in architecture from the University of Pennsylvania in 1927. Professor Creer served as head of the Department of Architecture at the Rhode Island School of Design from 1933 to 1956. He joined the faculty of The University of Texas at Austin in 1956, serving as dean of the School of Architecture from 1956 to 1967.
"Professor Creer participated in a wide array of professional endeavors. He was a partner with Creer and Roessner Architects. He belonged to the Texas Society of Architects and the American Institute of Architects (AIA), serving as a member of the board of directors for AIA from 1952 to 1955. He also received the Edward C. Kemper Award from AIA in 1960. He was executive director for the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners from 1974 to 1984. In addition, Professor Creer served as the first chairman of the Austin Historic Landmark Commission.
"In 1989, the Heritage Society of Austin established the Philip Creer Fellowship in Historic Preservation at The University of Texas School of Architecture. Philip Douglas Creer, professor emeritus of architecture, died on October 8, 1993."
(Biographical sketch prepared by Teresa Palomo Acosta and posted on the UT Faculty Council web site on November 17, 2000.)
Scope and Content of the collection
The Philip Creer papers consist of 2.5 linear feet of papers, 5 artifacts, 204 photographic prints, 48 rolls of negatives, 66 slide transparencies, 267 sheets drawings, and 9 watercolors. The collection is arranged into five series: Personal Papers, Professional Papers, Faculty Papers, Project Records, and Drawings.
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 Archive's Use Policy.
Preferred Citation
Philip Creer papers, the Alexander Architectural Archive, University of Texas Libraries, The University of Texas at Austin
Processing Information
Drawings processed by: Ben Allen, June 2002; Donna Coates, January 2009
Papers processed by: Donna Coates, September 2009
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
Creators (persons):
Creer, Philip Douglas, 1903-1993
Subjects (organizations):
University of Texas - School of Architecture - Faculty
Subjects:
Architecture--Texas
Architecture--Rhode IslandLow-income housingPublic housing
Document types:
Faculty papersArchitectural drawings
PhotographsNegativesSlides (photographs)
Related Material
University of Texas at Austin, School of Architecture: An Inventory of the Collection, 1911-2002 (bulk 1960-1992), Alexander Architectural Archive
Detailed Description of the Collection
The Philip Creer papers consist of 2.5 linear feet of papers, 5 artifacts, 204 photographic prints, 48 rolls of negatives, 66 slide transparencies, 267 sheets drawings, and 9 watercolors. The collection is arranged into five series: Personal Papers, Professional Papers, Faculty Papers, Project Records, and Drawings.
Series A: Personal Papers, 1918-1982, undated
Series Abstract
Personal Papers include (.4 linear feet, 1 manuscript box) of personal correspondence, calendars, momemtos, and photographs.
11Correspondence, 1918-1982, undated
1
2
Military records, 1942-1943
13Family momentos, ephemera, and greeting cards14Mrs. Creer's correspondence15Mrs. Creer's calendars and receipts, 1936, 1961-196216Social organization directories17Clippings18Photographs of Creer (3 black and white photographic prints)19Photographs, mostly unidentified (31 black and white photographic prints) 110Photographs and negatives (33 black and white photographic prints)81Photographs of Creer and descendants (2 black and white photographic prints, 3 hand-colored prints mounted on board)Student works (5 drawings on boards)Art works (9 watercolors)
Series B: Professional Papers, 1942-1990
Series Abstract
The Professional Papers series (.8 linear feet, 3 manuscript boxes) includes materials created or collected by Creer as a practicing architect, administrator and consultant. Creer practiced architecture under his own name from 1937 to 1946; as a Senior Partner of Creer, Kent, Cruise and Aldrich, Providence, Rhode Island, from 1946-1956; as a partner with R. Gommel Roessner, Austin, Texas from 1959-1964; and as P. D. Creer after 1964. He served as executive director of the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners from 1974-1984. Materials include curriculum vitae, correspondence, financial records, awards and certificates, professional organization programs and meetings, firm brochures and reference files.
21Biographical information22Correspondence, 1942-197523Correspondence, 1976-199024Consulting log, 1964-197025Creer, Kent, Cruise and Aldrich (1946-1956)26Creer, Roessner, McAdams, Associated Architects and Consultants (1959-1964)27Texas Board of Architectural Examiners, 1973, 1984-198628Awards82Awards and certificates7Artifacts (3 medals, 1 AIA pin, State of Texas Registered Architect stamp)29American Institute of Architects Craftsmanship medal, 1955210American Institute of Architects Honor Award plaque, 1952-195431Texas Society of Architects First Annual Convention, Austin, Tex., September 194032American Institute of Architects Convention, Boston, June 195433American Institute of Architects, Rhode Island Chapter, Annual Journalism Awards, Providence, 195534Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, 48th Annual Assembly, Halifax, Novia Scotia, June 195535American Institute of Architects Convention, Washington DC, May 195736Texas Concrete Masonry Association, Semi-Annual Meeting, El Paso, Tex., April 196037American Institute of Architects Convention, Philadelphia, April 196138, 9Texas Society of Architects, Professional Development Program, Dallas, Tex., September 197161Lectures, speeches and articles, 1950, 1953, 1954310Clippings8Communicating the value of an Architect (series of advertisements sponsored by Honeywell, 36 pages), undated311Photo album and scrapbook312Product brochures and catalogs313Fire Resistive Manual, 196241Metal buildings, brochures and catalogs42Regulation of the practice of architecture, notes and draft43Standard Contract Form (American Institute of Architects)44Timber (structural), brochures and catalogs
Series C: Faculty Papers, 1927-1988
Series Abstract
Records related to teaching and education (1.7 lin. ft., 5 manuscript boxes). Materials include manuscript and printed material, drawings and photographs relating to administrative issues, course materials, students' work, research and reference materials. The Faculty Papers series is divided into 5 subseries: Early Teaching Positions, University of Texas School of Architecture, Presentations and Writings, Course Materials and Reference Files, and Students' Work. The course materials and reference files primarily pertain to low income and modular housing.
Subseries C1: Early Teaching Positions
45University of Pennsylvania (1928-1931), 1927-1931
4
6
Rhode Island School of Design (1933-1956), 1932-1977
Subseries C2: University of Texas School of Architecture 47Correspondence, 1956-1978, undated48Correspondence, letters of appointment, and retirement information, 1958-198849Correspondence, Goldwin Goldsmith bequest, 196562Correspondence between Creer and UT administration regarding the "Future of the School of Architecture," 1966410University of Texas School of Architecture material411University of Texas Commencement Program, June 1957412Photographs (35 black and white and 2 color photographic prints)Subseries C3: Presentations and Writings413Lectures, speeches, articles, 1955, 1958, 1960, 1962, 1977, undated414American Institute of Architects, Dallas Chapter, Civic Achievement Banquet, September 1956415American Institute of Architects, California Council, October 1958416National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials [NAHRO] Southwest Regional Council Conference, Austin, May 1960417Alumni seminars, 1962Subseries C4: Course Materials and Reference Files 51Notes re: course materials, curriculum, 1972, undated52ARC 579: Community Involvement, Low Income Housing, 1972-197353ARC 579: Community Involvement, Low Income Housing, Grants on Housing for Disadvantaged54ARC 579: Community Involvement, Low Income Housing, Modular Housing brochure originals55ARC 579: Community Involvement, Low Income Housing, drawings56ARC 579: Community Involvement, Low Income Housing, notes and clippings63Reference files: clippings of house designs57Reference files: clippings and brochures58Reference files: journals59Reference files: Austin Historic Landmark Program510Reference files: Low income [modular] housing511Reference files: Pencil Point series512Reference files: The Urban Design Series: The Architecture of Towns and Cities, American Institute of Architects, circa 1963Subseries C5: Students' Work 64"Specifications for the Erection of Emanuel Reform Jewish Temple," Dallas, Tex., Thomas C. Hilker, 1964514Thesis: "A Fresh Approach to Problems of Student Housing in Bangkok," by Phisit Phisitthakorn," University of Texas, December 196765ARC 261L: Projects in Technical Communications, Gary L. Blevins, 1968513The Courthouse Square, Lockhart, Texas, Garland Sadler Anderson, 1968?Series D: Project Records The Project Records series includes (.5 linear feet of papers, 72 photographic prints, 66 slide transparancies) architectural work by by Philip Creer and his associates. Materials include project files, brochures, photographs and drawings.
66Project files67Boy Scout camp cabin, circa 1962614Creer residences, 1605 Gaston and 1811 Middle Court, Austin, Tex.68Oakland Beach Park, Restoration, Expansion, and Redevelopment, Warwick, R.I.69Rhode Island School of Design. Auditorium, Providence, R.I., 1941610Round Rock town pump and rose cottage, Round Rock, Tex., circa 1967611YMCA Building, Westerly, R.I., 1951612Photographs (1 color and 35 black and white photographic prints)Barrington Congregational Church School, Barrington, Rhode Island (10 b/w prints)Beneficent Congregational Church-School (1 b/w print)Chaffee Memorial Hospital, R.I. (1 b/w print)Dartmouth. Gymnasium, Hanover, N.H. (1 b/w print)Examination Exhibit [6 images per panel] (3 b/w prints)Gladdings Wayland Square (1 b/w print)Hartford Park Public Housing Development (2 b/w prints)Lincoln Lower School. Art Room (1 b/w print)Park View Junior High School (2 b/w prints)Rhode Island School of Design. Auditorium, Providence, R.I. (1 color, 1 b/w print)Rhode Island Veteran's Home, Bristol, R.I. (5 b/w prints)Stadium Elementary School, Cranston, R.I. (1 b/w print)Super Highway planned for town of Warwich (2 b/w prints)Valley View Veterans' Housing Development, Providence, R.I. (1 b/w print)YMCA Building, Boy's Branch, Providence, R.I. (3 b/w prints)YMCA Building, Westerly, R.I. (3 b/w prints)83Photographs (7 black and white photographic prints)Barrington Congregational Church School, Barrington, R.I., 1955-56Hartford Park Public Housing Development, Providence, R.I., 1952-1952 (2 prints)Rhode Island School of Design. Auditorium, Providence, R.I., 1941Rhode Island Veterans Home, Bristol, R.I., 1953Valley View Veterans Housing Development, Providence, R.I., 1947YMCA Building, Provindence, R.I., 1954613Photographs, low
income housing models (10 black and white photos mounted on board, 35 mm negatives)Photographs mounted on exhibit board (9 b/w prints)7Slides and negatives (mostly unidentified)Series D: Drawings
Adair residence.
Philip Creer.
Adair
Travis
Tex.
U.S.
Boy Scouts of America. Ranger's house and service building.
Philip Creer.
Boy Scouts of America
U.S.
Boy Scouts of America. Troop 20 scout cabin.
circa 1962
Philip Creer.
Boy Scouts of America
U.S.
Burns residence.
1969
Philip Creer.
Burns, Roberta (Mrs.)
Austin
Travis
Tex.
U.S.
Carrington residence.
1970, 1972
Philip Creer.
Carrington, Walter (Mr. and Mrs.)
4800 Ridge Oak
Austin
Travis
Tex.
U.S.
Creer residence.
Philip Creer.
Creer, Philip D. (Mr. and Mrs.)
Section 3, Lot 390
Lakeway
Travis
Tex.
U.S.
Cummings residence.
Philip Creer.
Cummings
Austin
Travis
Tex.
U.S.
Holtzman residence.
1970, 1971
Philip Creer.
Holtzman, Wayne (Mr. and Mrs.)
Section 17, Lot 1465
Lakeway
Travis
Tex.
U.S.
Kivlin residence.
Philip Creer.
Kivlin, Andy (Mr. and Mrs.)
Section 7, Lot 789
Lakeway
Travis
Tex.
U.S.
Condominiums and townhouses.
Philip Creer.
Larkin Property
Austin/New Braunfels
Travis/Comal
Tex.
U.S.
Rose cottage. Restoration.
circa 1967
Philip Creer.
Rutland, James (Mr. and Mrs.)
Round Rock
Williamson
Tex.
U.S.
Duplex study.
Philip Creer.
Tex.
U.S.
Low cost housing
1972?
Philip Creer.
Tex.
U.S.
Modular low-income housing.
Philip Creer.
U.S.
"Small houses for Mona."
Philip Creer.
U.S.
Unidentified building.
Philip Creer.
U.S.
Unidentified residence.
Philip Creer.
U.S.