Clinton H. Cowgill Collection

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials. Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Clinton H. Cowgill Collection, Ms1978-009, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.5 Cubic Feet 1 box; 2 oversize folders
Creator:
Cowgill, Clinton Harriman, 1890-1975
Abstract:
The Clinton H. Cowgill Collection contains selected personal and professional correspondence, writing, incomplete architectural drawings, and career documentation of the founder of Virginia Polytechnic Institute's architecture program, Clinton H. Cowgill (1890-1975).
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Clinton H. Cowgill Collection, Ms1978-009, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The Clinton H. Cowgill Collection, 1916-1977, contains information concerning Mr. Cowgill's association with Virginia Polytechnic Institute (now Virginia Tech) and its architecture department, the founding of Cowgill Hall, Cowgill's involvement with the American Institute of Architects, the publication of Cowgill's books, and incomplete architectural drawings of a residence. The collection also contains personal documents such as a family tree, condolence letters following Cowgill's death, and various certificates and accolades. A humorous scrapbook entitled "Handbook of Architectural Malpractice" includes an assortment of personal photos and clippings.

Biographical / historical:

In 1916, Clinton H. Cowgill (1890-1975) graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Architecture and later received a master's degree from the same institution. In conjunction with an independent practice, Cowgill was in charge of teaching architectural design at Iowa State College for eight years until 1928. Changing universities, Cowgill founded the architectural engineering department at Virginia Polytechnic Institute (now Virginia Tech) in 1928 - establishing, at the time, the only architecture program in Virginia. Serving as head of the department for 28 years, Cowgill later became the namesake of the architecture building dedicated in 1960. During his time at Tech, Cowgill designed two houses in Blacksburg which are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Besides teaching, Cowgill published Architecture Practice and Building for Investment and was highly involved in professional organizations. Cowgill's professional involvement is apparent in his 1950 tenure as the President of the National Council of Architecture Registration Boards (NCARB) and his designation as a fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA). Cowgill acted as the editor for the AIA until his retirement in 1961. Clinton H. Cowgill spent his retirement years in La Jolla, California, with his wife, Mabel, until his death in 1975.

Acquisition information:
The Clinton H. Cowgill Collection was donated to Newman Library in 1978. The addition of the 6 Whittemore Residence drawings were donated to the Art and Architecture Library in 2005 and transferred to Special Collections in 2008.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement and description of the Clinton H. Cowgill Collection commenced in January 2008 and was completed in February 2008.

Arrangement:

Organized by subject, the larger sections include correspondence, photographs, and printed material (both published and non-published works).

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard