John G. Williams Papers

Collection

Identifier: MC 1015

Staff Only

Scope and Content Note

Materials include the professional papers of John Gilbert Williams. These relate to Williams' work as member of the faculty and an administrator at the University of Arkansas and as an architect and landscape architect. The academic materials include documentation courses taught, committee work, curricula, accreditation, scholarly research and professional affiliations. Extensive records of Williams' work as the Architectural Advisor to the University of Arkansas, helping shape the built environment of the campus, are included. Other materials relate to Williams' work as a design professional both as an architect and landscape architect. These include projects files, drawings, reference materials, photographs and the labeled leather briefcase Williams used professionally.

Dates

circa 1935-2005
Majority of material found within 1946–1985

Creator

Williams, John G. (John Gilbert), 1915-2008 (Person)

Language of Materials

Materials are in English.

Access Information

Please call (479) 575-8444 or email specoll@uark.edu at least two weeks in advance of your arrival to ensure availability of the materials.

Use Information

Restricted materials not available to protect privacy. No Interlibrary Loan. Standard Federal Copyright Laws Apply (U.S. Title 17).)

Biographical Note

John G. Williams (1915–2008) was an architect, landscape architect, and the founding faculty member of the Department of Architecture at the University of Arkansas. John G. Williams was born April 30, 1915 in Van Buren, Arkansas to Vera Jane Wallace Williams and Charles Bunyan Williams. Williams earned his bachelor’s degree in architecture from Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College after studying engineering at Arkansas Polytechnic College. After graduation he returned to teach both math and drawing at Arkansas Polytechnic College. While in Russellville, he met Faye Millard, and they married in 1941. They had one daughter, Diana Sue. After teaching for 4 years in Oklahoma, Williams began his long association with the University of Arkansas in 1946. Hired as a professor, Williams served as chairman of the Department of Architecture for the next twenty years and continued to teach until his retirement in 1985. His contributions extended far beyond the classroom and included initiating the steps required for the Department of Architecture to earn its full accreditation in 1960. Much of Williams' history in the School of Architecture is chronicled in his 1984 book, The Curious and the Beautiful. On April 11, 2008 Williams died from a bone marrow disease. He is buried at Van Buren Fairview Cemetery.

Extent

31 Linear Feet (15 boxes, 13 Oversize Folders)

Additional Description

Arrangement of the Papers

The papers are organized by topic. Folders relating to Williams' book The Curious and the Beautiful have been consolidated. Professional papers remain in their original relative order.

Material is arranged and described in two series:

I. Professional Papers
II. Project Records

Acquisition Information

Materials were donated to Special Collections by John G. Williams of Fayetteville, AR on February 21, 2008. Additional donations were made by Diana Sue Williams in 2012 thru 2018.