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University of Texas, Alexander Architectural Archive

Philip Creer:

An Inventory of his Papers, 1927-1990


Collection Summary

Creator: Creer, Philip (1903-1993)
Title: Philip Creer papers,
Dates: 1927-1990
Abstract: 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.
Identification: CREER Accession numbers: 2001009, 2003006, 2004016, 2008014, 2009005
Quantity: 2.5 linear feet of papers, 5 artifacts, 204 photographic prints, 48 rolls of negatives, 66 slide transparencies, 267 sheets drawings, and 9 watercolors.
Language: Materials are in English.
Repository: Alexander Architectural Archive, University of Texas Libraries, The University of Texas at Austin.

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

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.

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 Island
Low-income housing
Public housing
Document types:
Faculty papers
Architectural drawings
Photographs
Negatives
Slides (photographs)

Related Material

University of Texas at Austin, School of Architecture: An Inventory of the Collection, 1911-2002 (bulk 1960-1992), Alexander Architectural Archive

Administrative Information

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

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.
box folder
1 1 Correspondence, 1918-1982, undated
2 Military records, 1942-1943
3 Family momentos, ephemera, and greeting cards
4 Mrs. Creer's correspondence
5 Mrs. Creer's calendars and receipts, 1936, 1961-1962
6 Social organization directories
7 Clippings
8 Photographs of Creer (3 black and white photographic prints)
9 Photographs, mostly unidentified (31 black and white photographic prints)
10 Photographs and negatives (33 black and white photographic prints)
box folder
8 1 Photographs 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.
box folder
2 1 Biographical information
2 Correspondence, 1942-1975
3 Correspondence, 1976-1990
4 Consulting log, 1964-1970
5 Creer, Kent, Cruise and Aldrich (1946-1956)
6 Creer, Roessner, McAdams, Associated Architects and Consultants (1959-1964)
7 Texas Board of Architectural Examiners, 1973, 1984-1986
8 Awards
box folder
8 2 Awards and certificates
box folder
7 Artifacts (3 medals, 1 AIA pin, State of Texas Registered Architect stamp)
box folder
2 9 American Institute of Architects Craftsmanship medal, 1955
10 American Institute of Architects Honor Award plaque, 1952-1954
box folder
3 1 Texas Society of Architects First Annual Convention, Austin, Tex., September 1940
2 American Institute of Architects Convention, Boston, June 1954
3 American Institute of Architects, Rhode Island Chapter, Annual Journalism Awards, Providence, 1955
4 Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, 48th Annual Assembly, Halifax, Novia Scotia, June 1955
5 American Institute of Architects Convention, Washington DC, May 1957
6 Texas Concrete Masonry Association, Semi-Annual Meeting, El Paso, Tex., April 1960
7 American Institute of Architects Convention, Philadelphia, April 1961
8, 9 Texas Society of Architects, Professional Development Program, Dallas, Tex., September 1971
box folder
6 1 Lectures, speeches and articles, 1950, 1953, 1954
box folder
3 10 Clippings
box folder
8 Communicating the value of an Architect (series of advertisements sponsored by Honeywell, 36 pages), undated
box folder
3 11 Photo album and scrapbook
12 Product brochures and catalogs
13 Fire Resistive Manual, 1962
box folder
4 1 Metal buildings, brochures and catalogs
2 Regulation of the practice of architecture, notes and draft
3 Standard Contract Form (American Institute of Architects)
4 Timber (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
box folder
4 5 University of Pennsylvania (1928-1931), 1927-1931
6 Rhode Island School of Design (1933-1956), 1932-1977
Subseries C2: University of Texas School of Architecture
box folder
4 7 Correspondence, 1956-1978, undated
8 Correspondence, letters of appointment, and retirement information, 1958-1988
9 Correspondence, Goldwin Goldsmith bequest, 1965
box folder
6 2 Correspondence between Creer and UT administration regarding the "Future of the School of Architecture," 1966
box folder
4 10 University of Texas School of Architecture material
11 University of Texas Commencement Program, June 1957
12 Photographs (35 black and white and 2 color photographic prints)
Subseries C3: Presentations and Writings
box folder
4 13 Lectures, speeches, articles, 1955, 1958, 1960, 1962, 1977, undated
14 American Institute of Architects, Dallas Chapter, Civic Achievement Banquet, September 1956
15 American Institute of Architects, California Council, October 1958
16 National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials [NAHRO] Southwest Regional Council Conference, Austin, May 1960
17 Alumni seminars, 1962
Subseries C4: Course Materials and Reference Files
box folder
5 1 Notes re: course materials, curriculum, 1972, undated
2 ARC 579: Community Involvement, Low Income Housing, 1972-1973
3 ARC 579: Community Involvement, Low Income Housing, Grants on Housing for Disadvantaged
4 ARC 579: Community Involvement, Low Income Housing, Modular Housing brochure originals
5 ARC 579: Community Involvement, Low Income Housing, drawings
6 ARC 579: Community Involvement, Low Income Housing, notes and clippings
box folder
6 3 Reference files: clippings of house designs
box folder
5 7 Reference files: clippings and brochures
8 Reference files: journals
9 Reference files: Austin Historic Landmark Program
10 Reference files: Low income [modular] housing
11 Reference files: Pencil Point series
12 Reference files: The Urban Design Series: The Architecture of Towns and Cities, American Institute of Architects, circa 1963
Subseries C5: Students' Work
box folder
6 4 "Specifications for the Erection of Emanuel Reform Jewish Temple," Dallas, Tex., Thomas C. Hilker, 1964
box folder
5 14 Thesis: "A Fresh Approach to Problems of Student Housing in Bangkok," by Phisit Phisitthakorn," University of Texas, December 1967
box folder
6 5 ARC 261L: Projects in Technical Communications, Gary L. Blevins, 1968
box folder
5 13 The 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.
box folder
6 6 Project files
7 Boy Scout camp cabin, circa 1962
14 Creer residences, 1605 Gaston and 1811 Middle Court, Austin, Tex.
8 Oakland Beach Park, Restoration, Expansion, and Redevelopment, Warwick, R.I.
9 Rhode Island School of Design. Auditorium, Providence, R.I., 1941
10 Round Rock town pump and rose cottage, Round Rock, Tex., circa 1967
11 YMCA Building, Westerly, R.I., 1951
12 Photographs (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)
box folder
8 3 Photographs (7 black and white photographic prints)
Barrington Congregational Church School, Barrington, R.I., 1955-56
Hartford Park Public Housing Development, Providence, R.I., 1952-1952 (2 prints)
Rhode Island School of Design. Auditorium, Providence, R.I., 1941
Rhode Island Veterans Home, Bristol, R.I., 1953
Valley View Veterans Housing Development, Providence, R.I., 1947
YMCA Building, Provindence, R.I., 1954
box folder
6 13 Photographs, low income housing models (10 black and white photos mounted on board, 35 mm negatives)
Photographs mounted on exhibit board (9 b/w prints)
box folder
7 Slides and negatives (mostly unidentified)


 

Series D: Drawings

Project name: Adair residence.
Primary archt/firm: Philip Creer.
Client Adair
County: Travis
State/Province: Tex.
Country: U.S.
Project name: Boy Scouts of America. Ranger's house and service building.
Primary archt/firm: Philip Creer.
Client: Boy Scouts of America
Country: U.S.
Project name: Boy Scouts of America. Troop 20 scout cabin.
Date on drawings: circa 1962
Primary archt/firm: Philip Creer.
Client: Boy Scouts of America
Country: U.S.
Project name: Burns residence.
Date on drawings: 1969
Primary archt/firm: Philip Creer.
Client Burns, Roberta (Mrs.)
City: Austin
County: Travis
State/Province: Tex.
Country: U.S.
Project name: Carrington residence.
Date on drawings: 1970, 1972
Primary archt/firm: Philip Creer.
Client Carrington, Walter (Mr. and Mrs.)
Street address: 4800 Ridge Oak
City: Austin
County: Travis
State/Province: Tex.
Country: U.S.
Project name: Creer residence.
Primary archt/firm: Philip Creer.
Client Creer, Philip D. (Mr. and Mrs.)
Street address: Section 3, Lot 390
City: Lakeway
County: Travis
State/Province: Tex.
Country: U.S.
Project name: Cummings residence.
Primary archt/firm: Philip Creer.
Client Cummings
City: Austin
County: Travis
State/Province: Tex.
Country: U.S.
Project name: Holtzman residence.
Date on drawings: 1970, 1971
Primary archt/firm: Philip Creer.
Client Holtzman, Wayne (Mr. and Mrs.)
Street address: Section 17, Lot 1465
City: Lakeway
County: Travis
State/Province: Tex.
Country: U.S.
Project name: Kivlin residence.
Primary archt/firm: Philip Creer.
Client Kivlin, Andy (Mr. and Mrs.)
Street address: Section 7, Lot 789
City: Lakeway
County: Travis
State/Province: Tex.
Country: U.S.
Project name: Condominiums and townhouses.
Primary archt/firm: Philip Creer.
Client: Larkin Property
City: Austin/New Braunfels
County: Travis/Comal
State/Province: Tex.
Country: U.S.
Project name: Rose cottage. Restoration.
Date on drawings: circa 1967
Primary archt/firm: Philip Creer.
Client Rutland, James (Mr. and Mrs.)
City: Round Rock
County: Williamson
State/Province: Tex.
Country: U.S.
Project name: Duplex study.
Primary archt/firm: Philip Creer.
State/Province: Tex.
Country: U.S.
Project name: Low cost housing
Date on drawings: 1972?
Primary archt/firm: Philip Creer.
State/Province: Tex.
Country: U.S.
Project name: Modular low-income housing.
Primary archt/firm: Philip Creer.
Country: U.S.
Project name: "Small houses for Mona."
Primary archt/firm: Philip Creer.
Country: U.S.
Project name: Unidentified building.
Primary archt/firm: Philip Creer.
Country: U.S.
Project name: Unidentified residence.
Primary archt/firm: Philip Creer.
Country: U.S.