Eleanore Pettersen Architectural 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:

Collection is open to research.

The accessible information has been transferred to Special Collections server space, please contact Special Collections Staff for assistance in accessing this material.

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], Eleanore Pettersen Architectural Collection, Ms2003-018, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
296 Cubic Feet 219 boxes; 7 map cases
Abstract:
Eleanore K. Pettersen (1916-2003) received a Certificate in Architecture from Cooper Union for Advancement of Science and Art in 1941, and was an apprentice to Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin from 1941-1943. She was one of the first women licensed as an architect in the state of New Jersey in 1950, and was the first woman in New Jersey to open her own architectural office. She primarily designed residences and was also very active in professional and civic organizations. She became a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA) in 1991. The collection consists of project files, sketches, blueprints, drawings, models, photographs, and other material relating to over 600 of Pettersen's projects as well as material relating to her participation in various professional and civic organizations. The materials in the collection range in date from 1915-2003 with the bulk of the material dating 1950-2000.
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], Eleanore Pettersen Architectural Collection, Ms2003-018, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

Pettersen's collection encompasses over fifty years of architectural practice including project files, sketches, drawings, blueprints, models, slides and photographs representing approximately 600 designs. The collection also contains Pettersen's personal papers including biographical information, family papers, and photographs. The materials range in date from 1915-2003 (bulk 1950-2000) and are divided into five series: Personal Papers, Professional Papers, Office Records, Project Records, and Artifacts and Models. See the contents list below for more detail about the individual series.

The Personal Papers series contains Pettersen's family papers, biographical information, and personal correspondence (1963-1999). The series also contains a subseries of photographs and slides.

The subseries photographs/slides are divided further into Family Portraits and Photographs, Miscellaneous. The miscellaneous photographs are mostly unidentified snapshots. Major subjects present include: Altrusa meetings; Pettersen's barn/studio and pets; Pettersen's travels to visit friends; parties/gatherings; house models; Taliesin West Half Century celebration; and a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright's Grand Waikapu Country Club in Maui, Hawaii.

The Professional Papers series consists of material relating to Pettersen's participation in various professional and civic organizations, material (collected by Pettersen) documenting Frank Lloyd Wright and Taliesin, various awards received by Pettersen, correspondence, and general reference files.

Pettersen was active locally and nationally in professional organizations, as a member of the New Jersey Society of Architects and the American Institute of Architects, and in civic organizations, as a member of the Altrusa Club, YWCA, and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. She was also involved in various local groups/projects, such as the Housing Development Corporation of Bergen County, Bergen Community College Women's Institute Advisory Council, and the Uniform Construction Code Advisory Board. Materials relating to these activities primarily include minutes, correspondence, agendas, reports, notes, and printed material.

Professional and civic awards presented to Pettersen.

Pettersen served as an apprentice to Frank Lloyd Wright as part of the Taliesin Fellowship from 1941 to 1943. Over the years, she collected material, such as newspaper and magazine clippings, newsletters (Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy and FLLW Update), documenting Frank Lloyd Wright, his buildings, and his legacy. She also collected material, such as correspondence, publications, and clippings relating to Taliesin Fellows.

The Office Records series consists of materials relating to the day to day operations of a private architectural practice including financial materials, exhibit materials, publicity, clippings and scrapbooks featuring Pettersen and her practice, and photographs.

The General subseries focuses on the daily operations of the practices with an emphasis on financial matters. Materials present include: invoices, architectural fees, budget correspondence, purchase order books (1972-2000) and appointment books (1993-1998).

The Clippings/Scrapbook subseries includes newspaper and magazine clippings (1957- 2000) about Pettersen and her practice, real estate ads for houses designed by Pettersen, and two scrapbooks compiled by Pettersen.

The Presentation Materials subseries contain exhibit boards, publicity, and other materials for three exhibits featuring Pettersen.

The Public Relations series contains materials relating to the promotion of Pettersen's practice including press clippings, correspondence between Pettersen and interviewers/media outlets, and photograph albums containing a selection of Pettersen's projects.

The Photographs subseries contain glass slides, photographs, and slides of a mixture of unidentified structures and buildings designed by Pettersen. The photographs are mostly snapshots and Polaroids.

The Computer Disks subseries contains 5 ¼-inch and 3 ½-inch diskettes. They contain office records and project files. 1986-1988 and undated

The Project Records series consists of files, specifications, drawings, and other material relating to over 650 design and construction projects carried by Pettersen with her consecutive firms Eleanore Pettersen Associates and Design Collaborative.

Arrangement note: The Project Index is a way to organize the various formats of architectural records from the same project. The project index is organized alphabetically by client's last name and then by project number. Researchers should note that several distinct projects share project numbers.

The Files subseries consists of standard forms of agreement, change orders, invoices for architectural service, applications and certificates of payment, specifications, photographs, notes, correspondence, drawings and sketches, purchase orders, job reports, schedules, and other material created by Pettersen (and, to a certain extent, her associates) in the course of work on various residential and commercial projects. Projects primarily include the design and construction of new residences, and additions and alterations to existing residences. Most projects are located in New Jersey although there are also projects in New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, Maine, Michigan, Colorado, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida.

Pettersen classified some of her files as "Dead Files." This classification has been retained and is indicated in the Project Index with an italicized box number. The "Dead Files" include boxes 40-47.

The Specifications subseries consist primarily of master copies, but also some draft and office copies, of specifications for various projects. Copies of specifications can also be found in the Files subseries; these copies were maintained distinct from the project files and therefore seem to warrant arrangement as a separate subseries.

The Drawings subseries includes architectural plans and sketches on a variety of formats including trace paper, diazo prints, blueprints, and CAD drawings.

The Artifacts, Models series contains memorabilia, material samples, and models associated with Pettersen and her practice as well as Design Collaborative.

Biographical / historical:
Ageless Perceptions IV: Senior Women in Architecture
1991 will be my fortieth year as an architectural principal with my own office. Architecture has been a total commitment. If I were to make a choice all over again, the choice would be the same. Architecture has imbued me with a sense of self worth and has given me the privilege of contributing a new sense of life and meaning to my clients and their families.
Ageless Perceptions IV – Senior Women in ArchitectureEleanore Pettersen, FAIA/Four DecadesTaliesin Legacy: The Independent Work of Frank Lloyd Wright Apprentices
Acquisition information:
The Eleanore Pettersen Architectural Collection was donated to Special Collections in September 2003. Additions were received in April 2010 and August 2011.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement and description of the Eleanore Pettersen Architectural Collection commenced in February, 2009 and was completed in February, 2010. Preliminary processing was untaken by Amy Vilelle in 2007.

Arrangement:

The Eleanore Pettersen Architecture Collection is divided into five series: Personal Papers, Professional Papers, Office Records, Project Records, and Art, Artifacts, Models. The series are arranged alphabetically by subject except for the Project Records. They are arranged in a project index alphabetically by client's name.

Physical description:
Some of the materials in the collection were matted for inclusion in "Glass Ceilings: Highlights from the IAWA Center" an exhibit held at the Virginia Center for Architecture, Richmond, VA, 2010.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard