H. May Steinmesch Papers, 1915 - 1975 (bulk 1915-1950)

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:

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], H. May Steinmesch Papers, 1915-1975, Ms2023-122, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
2.5 Cubic Feet
Creator:
Steinmesch, H. May, 1893-1979
Abstract:
Henrietta May Steinmesch was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1893. After graduating from the University of Washington in St. Louis, she worked on local governmental and residential projects; during World War II she worked for the Army of Engineers and Air Force, drafting maps and plotting airfields. In 1943, she moved West to California, where she remained until her death in 1979. Materials in the collection consist of watercolors, sketches, block prints, photographs, taped interviews, clippings, and several architectural drawings.
Language:
Materials are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], H. May Steinmesch Papers, 1915-1975, Ms2023-122, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The Steinmesch papers are comprised of photographs, clippings and printed material related to Alpha Alpha Gamma (later the Association for Women in Architecture), personal artwork, watercolors, sketches, rug patterns and designs, three audiocassette tapes of an oral history interview conducted in 1975, additional biographical documentation, and some limited project drawings for the St. Louis City Planning Commission.

Oral history interviews with Steinmesch, conducted by Dorothy Harrison, over two days in February and April 1975; recorded on three tapes. Harrison was also an active member and former president of AWA.

These tapes have been digitized and transcribed. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives to discuss access options.

Many patterns and designs appear to be for client Jenny Davida Johnson. Media include watercolors, pen, pencil, and diazo copies.

Biographical / historical:

(Henrietta) May Steinmesch was born on May 9, 1893, to parents Henry Steinmesch and Adelaide Caldwell, in St. Louis, Missouri. She received a B.S. in Architecture from the University of Washington in St. Louis in 1916. Following her graduation, she worked for the St. Louis City Planning Commission until 1923 as a draftsperson, designer, and delineator. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s she strung together several jobs, teaching drafting and interior design courses, working for St. Louis firms, and building a small business around private interior design commissions and consultations.

During World War II, Steinmesch worked for the U.S. Army of Engineers and Air Force; her work included plotting airfields and teaching drafting and map-making skills to naval officers. After requesting to be discharged in 1943, she went to work for the Western division of the United Services Organization, where she stayed until 1946, after which, she worked for various firms and agencies in California until her retirement in 1958.

In 1915, while Steinmesch was still at the University of Washington she founded an undergraduate organization for women studying architecture called "La Confrerie Alongive." Later, Steinmesch, along with the other women studying at UW, organized with women in programs at the Universities of Minnesota, Texas, and California. In 1922, the four chapters formed a national organization called Alpha Alpha Gamma, for which Steinmesch served as president from 1928 to 1930. Alpha Alpha Gamma eventually became the Association for Women in Architecture (AWA) in 1948. Although AWA later dissolved as a national organization, its California chapter remains active as a professional organization, now called the Association for Women in Architecture and Design, or AWA+D.

H. May Steinmesch passed away on May 21, 1979.

Acquisition information:
Materials were transferred to Special Collections and University Archives in August 2023.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the H. May Steinmesch Papers was completed in May 2024.

Arrangement:

The H. May Steinmesch papers are organized into the three following series: Personal papers, Professional papers, and Project records. Items are arranged chronologically within series and sub-series.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard