Norman J. Johnston papers, 1918-2015

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Johnston, Norman J.
Title
Norman J. Johnston papers
Dates
1918-2015 (inclusive)
Quantity
approximately 16.26 cubic feet (22 boxes, 1 oversize folder, 1 vertical file, and 1 phonodisc)
Collection Number
1648
Summary
Papers of a University of Washington School of Architecture professor
Repository
University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu
Access Restrictions

Access to portions of the collection is restricted. Contact University of Washington Libraries Special Collections for details. No user access copy is currently available for the phonodisc. Users may obtain a reproduction of the media for a fee by contacting Special Collections.

Languages
English

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

Norman John Johnston was born in Seattle on December 3, 1918, and died March 16, 2015. Johnston grew up in Olympia watching the building of the State Capitol complex, an experience that would shape his later career. He enrolled at the University of Washington in architecture, then changed to art. He was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and graduated with a B.A. degree in 1942. After serving in the US Army Signal Corps in Alaska for three years he went back to college at the University of Oregon where he earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1949. He then served on staff of the Seattle Planning Commission, worked with the architectural firm of Nelson, Sabin & Varey, and became a registered architect. The University of Oregon then invited him to join its architecture faculty. Johnston went on to earn his master's degree in City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania in 1959, and his doctorate in 1964.

Johnston joined the University of Washington College of Architecture and Urban Planning (CAUP) in 1960. During his UW career (1960-1989) he was: Associate Professor and Professor of Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design and Planning; Associate Dean of CAUP; and Chair of the Department of Architecture. His primary teaching focus was on urban history, the history of landscape architecture and architecture of the 19th and 20th centuries. He was an inaugural member of the UW Landscape Advisory Committee which reviews campus projects with site planning and landscaping implications. He was twice its chair and continued as a member in retirement. He was also a founding member of the friends of the UW Libraries.

Johnston was a founding member and president of Allied Arts of Seattle, a member of the Washington State Board of Registration for Architects and of the Examining Committee of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards by which American and Canadian architects achieve their professional registration. He was the founder of the Washington State Capitol Campus Design Advisory Commission, on which he served for 18 years to ensure and augment the campus' quality. Johnston's honors and awards included: a Fulbright Fellowship to Turkey in 1958-59; teaching appointments at Tokyo Institute of Technology 1991 and 1998; Fellow (FAIA) American Institute of Architects (AIA) Medal in 1982; Washington State Book Award in 1989; The AIA Seattle Chapter Medal of Honor in 1990; the Washington State Distinguished Citizen Award in 1991; the Jennie Sue Brown Award in 1997; co-recipient of the College of Fellows' Leslie N. Boney Award in 2003 with his wife Jane Hastings; and selection to CAUP Roll of Honor, with his name permanently inscribed on the frieze of Architecture Hall's auditorium. In 2014 the College of Built Environments (formerly CAUP), unveiled the Norman Johnston and L. Jane Hastings Gallery in Gould Hall, a permanent exhibit & teaching space honoring the legacy of Norman and Jane at UW and the College.

Notable among Johnston's publications are Cities in the Round (1983); The Fountain and the Mountain: the University of Washington Campus (1985; 1995) the University of Washington Campus Guide (2001), and Washington's Audacious State Capitol and Its Builders (1987).

(Source: Norman Johnston Obituary, The Seattle Times, accessed June 7, 2023)

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

Correspondence, speeches, publications, curriculum files, clippings, reports, subject series, notes, grantn files, photographs, meeting minutes, committee files, memos, surveys, forms, research materials, ephemera, awards, certificates, memorial materials, medals, diplomas, and a phonodisc pertaining to Johnston's personal, academic, and professional life.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

Restrictions may exist on copying, quotation, or publication for some accessions. Contact Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries for details.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Arrangement

Organized into 13 accessions.

  • Accession No. 1648-001, Norman Johnson papers, 1961-1966
  • Accession No. 1648-002, Norman Johnson papers, [Information not available]
  • Accession No. 1648-003, Norman Johnson papers, 1959-1985
  • Accession No. 1648-004, Norman Johnson papers, 1970-1988
  • Accession No. 1648-005, Norman Johnson papers, 1974-1990
  • Accession No. 1648-006, Norman Johnson papers, 1964-1990
  • Accession No. 1648-007, Norman Johnson papers, 1985-1993
  • Accession No. 1648-008, Norman Johnson papers, 1962-1993
  • Accession No. 1648-009, Norman J. Johnston papers, 1972-1995
  • Accession No. 1648-010, Norman J. Johnston papers, 1959-1983
  • Accession No. 1648-011, Norman J. Johnston papers, 1939-2004
  • Accession No. 1648-012, Norman J. Johnston papers, 1958-1989
  • Accession No. 1648-013, Norman J. Johnston papers, 1918-2015

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

 

Accession No. 1648-001: Norman Johnson papers, 1961-1966Return to Top

.21 cu.ft.

Scope and Content: Correspondence, legislation papers, court papers, and related items, 1961-1966.

Records relate partly to opposition to billboards, highway advertising, and General Insurance Co. sign while Johnston was President of Allied Arts of Seattle and a representative of Allied Arts. (see: R.C. correspondence)

Restrictions on Access: Access restricted: For terms of access contact repository.

Restrictions on Use: Creator's literary rights not transferred to the University of Washington Libraries.

Acquisition Info: Norman J. Johnston, 1971-06-23

Accession No. 1648-002: Norman Johnson papers, [Information not available]Return to Top

.21 cu.ft.

Scope and Content:

Restrictions on Access: Access restricted: For terms of access contact repository.

Restrictions on Use: Creator's literary rights not transferred to the University of Washington Libraries.

Acquisition Info: None Given

Accession No. 1648-003: Norman Johnson papers, 1959-1985Return to Top

4 cu.ft.

Scope and Content: Correspondence, speeches and writings, curriculum files, clippings, reports, dissertation, and subject series, 1959-1985.

Restrictions on Access: Access restricted: For terms of access contact repository.

Restrictions on Use: Creator's literary rights transferred to the University of Washington Libraries.

Acquisition Info: Norman Johnston, 1985-08-07

Accession No. 1648-004: Norman Johnson papers, 1970-1988Return to Top

2 cu.ft.

Scope and Content: Correspondence, publications, research files, grant files, speeches and writings, photographs, minutes, reports and newspaper clippings, 1856-1988 (1970-1988)

Restrictions on Access: Open to all users.

Restrictions on Use: Creator's literary rights transferred to the University of Washington Libraries.

Acquisition Info: Norman J. Johnston, 1988-11-01

Accession No. 1648-005: Norman Johnson papers, 1974-1990Return to Top

2 cu.ft.

Scope and Content: Correspondence, committee files, minutes of meetings, and curriculum files, 1974-1990.

Restrictions on Access: Access restricted: For terms of access contact repository.

Restrictions on Use: Creator's literary rights transferred to the University of Washington Libraries.

Acquisition Info: Norman Johnston, 1990-08-01

Accession No. 1648-006: Norman Johnson papers, 1964-1990Return to Top

2 cu.ft.

Scope and Content: Correspondence, memoranda, writings, interview notes, reports, surveys, Alumni Questionnaire, course files, publications, photograph, clippings, subject series, 1964-1990.

Materials were used to write his history of the College of Architecture and Urban Planning.

Restrictions on Access: Open to all users.

Restrictions on Use: Creator's literary rights transferred to the University of Washington Libraries.

Acquisition Info: Norman Johnston, 1991-11-25

Accession No. 1648-007: Norman Johnson papers, 1985-1993Return to Top

.21 cu.ft.

Scope and Content: Correspondence, 1985-1993.

Restrictions on Access: Open to all users.

Restrictions on Use: Creator's literary rights transferred to the University of Washington Libraries.

Acquisition Info: Norman J. Johnston, 1993-12-14

Accession No. 1648-008: Norman Johnson papers, 1962-1993Return to Top

.21 cu.ft.

Scope and Content: Writings by Norman Johnston about architects Harlan Thomas and Walter Ross Baumes Willcox, 1992; subject series on Paul Thiry, architect, 1962-1993.

Restrictions on Access: Open to all users.

Restrictions on Use: Creator's literary rights transferred to the University of Washington Libraries.

Acquisition Info: Norman Johnston, 1994-03-28

Accession No. 1648-009: Norman J. Johnston papers, 1972-1995Return to Top

1.21 cu. ft. (2 boxes)

Scope and Content: Primarily research materials relating to Johnston's book the Fountain and the Mountain. Also includes materials documenting Johnston's service on the Capitol Campus Design Advisory Committee, his book on the Washington state capitol building, one file of correspondence and some ephemera. Span dates are 1972-1995.

Restrictions on Access: Open to all users. except the last folder in box two which is restricted.

Restrictions on Use: Creator's literary rights transferred to the University of Washington Libraries.

Acquisition Info: Norman Johnston, 1994-04-12

Accession No. 1648-010: Norman J. Johnston papers, 1959-1983Return to Top

2.00 cu. ft. (2 boxes)

Scope and Content: Curriculum files developed for the following courses: Landscape Architecture 231, 331 and 352 (History of Landscape Architecture), Urban Planning 489 and 460 (History of City Development), and Urban Planning & Design 498 and 471 (History of Urban Design); also lecture notes and syllabi; 1959-1983.

Restrictions on Access: Open to all users.

Restrictions on Use: Creator's literary rights transferred to the University of Washington Libraries.

Acquisition Info: Norman J. Johnston, 1996-07-21

Accession No. 1648-011: Norman J. Johnston papers, 1939-2004Return to Top

0.21 cubic ft. (1 box);

Scope and Content: Correspondence, forms, marketing materials, flyers, brochures, speeches and remarks, awards, certificates, recognitions, clippings, CVs and biographical information, and photographs. These materials pertain to Johnston's academic and professional career including teaching at the University of Oregon and being a part of the Capitol Campus Design Advisory Committee.

Restrictions on Access: No restrictions on access.

Restrictions on Use: Creator's literary rights transferred to the University of Washington Libraries.

Acquisition Info: Norman J. Johnston, 2005

Accession No. 1648-012: Norman J. Johnston papers, 1958-1989Return to Top

1 vertical file

Scope and Content: Annual faculty reports created by Johnston highlighting yearly academic and professional achievements. Also includes correspondence, CVs.

Restrictions on Access: No restrictions on access.

Restrictions on Use: Creator's copyrights transferred to the University of Washington Libraries Special Collections.

Acquisition Info: Norman J. Johnston, received prior to 2015

Accession No. 1648-013: Norman J. Johnston papers, 1918-2015Return to Top

2 cubic feet (3 boxes, 1 oversized folder, 1 phonodisc)

Scope and Content: Correspondence, articles and publications, project files, lectures and course materials, pins, photographs, notecards, artwork, certificates, medals, diplomas, awards, tributes and memorials, and a phonodisc pertaining to Johnston's professional and academic career pertaining to architecture and personal materials pertaining to his youth and end of life.

Restrictions on Access: Access to portions of the collection is restricted; no user access copy is available for phonodisc. Users may be able to obtain a reproduction of the media for a fee. Contact Special Collections for more information.

Restrictions on Use: Creator's literary rights transferred to the University of Washington Libraries.

Acquisition Info: Jane Hastings via Betty Wagner and Joshua Polansky (Built Environments), 2015

Container(s) Description Dates
Box Accession
1 1648-013
Articles by Norman Johnston
1965-1983
1 1648-013
Books by Norman Johnston Materials
Scope and Content: Includes paper materials pertaining to the following books: Cities in the Round (1983), Washington's Audacious State Capitol and Its Builders (1987), College of Architecture and Urban Planning: Seventy-Five Years At the University of Washington (1992), The Foundain & the Mountain: The University of Washington Campus in Seattle (1995), and an unpublished manuscript titled Europe, 1948.
1983-2006
1 1648-013
Projects and Lectures
Scope and Content: Includes a University of Pennsylvania museum project in Guatemala, UW campus tour materials, UW and University of Oregon Libraries donation materials, lectures in Japan on Western spatial design, materials pertaining to the Capitol Lake Improvement and Protection Association, a lecture on Renaissance and Baroque Rome, and Washington State Capitol design guidelines.
1959-2010
1 1648-013
Course Materials
Scope and Content: Includes materials for LARC 352: History of Landscape Architecture and UDP 471: History of Urban Planning.
Restrictions on Access: 3 restricted folders.
1989
2 1648-013
Notecards
Scope and Content: Notecards containing information pertaining to professional and research career.
undated
1 1648-013
Early Life: Childhood and Education
Scope and Content: Includes a baby book featuring Johnston's infancy, passports and draft cards, materials from Nome (Alaska) where Johnston was drafted to, a University of Washington School of Architecture yearbook from Johnston's undergraduate studies, materials pertaining to the Sigma Chi fraternity, diplomas, and materials pertaining to Olympia High School class reunions.
1918-2006
1 1648-013
Correspondence
Scope and Content: Includes correspondence during travel in Europe, professional and academic correspondence, retirement cards, and messages.
1941-1990
1 1648-013
Awards, Recognitions, and Certificates
Scope and Content: Includes memorial materials after Johnston's passing.
1967-2015
2 1648-013
Medals, Pins, and Donor Cards
Scope and Content: Includes architectural and fraternity related medals and UW affiliated pins.
undated
3 1648-013
Awards, Recognitions, Certificates, and Plaques
1942-2000
1 1648-013
Photographic Prints and Negatives
1981-2002
folder:oversize
OS Folder 1 1648-013
Washington State Capitol Photograph
Scope and Content: Includes a small plaque on the mat frame with the text, "Capitol Campus Design Advisory Committee, Norman Johnston, February 26, 1982 to November 14, 2000."
2000
Box
3 1648-013
Artwork
undated
folder:oversize
OS Folder 1 1648-013
Artwork
Scope and Content: Includes two oversized art pieces.
undated
box:oversize
Phonodisc Box 1 1648-013
Sigma Chi Chorus Disc
Scope and Content: Contains the following text on one side, "Hunter Recording Studios, Oregon Trail, Sigma Chi Chorus, All Campus Sing, May 9, 1947, 2nd place" and on the other side, "Hunter Recording Studios, Sweetheart of Sigma Chi, Sigmi Chi Chorus, May 1943"
1943-1947

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • University Archives/Faculty Papers (University of Washington)

Personal Names

  • Gould, Carl Freylinghuysen, 1873-1939
  • Thiry, Paul A., 1904-1993
  • Thomas, Harlan, 1870-1953

Corporate Names

  • General Insurance Co
  • Seattle (Wash.). Pioneer Square Historic District Preservation Board
  • UW. College of Architecture and Urban Planning
  • UW. Husky Union Building
  • University of Washington. Center for Urban Horticulture
  • University of Washington. College of Architecture and Urban Planning
  • Willcox, Walter Ross Baumes

Other Creators

  • Personal Names
    • Bley, Wolfgang (creator)
    • Foster, Mark (creator)
    • Gutkind, E. A (creator)
    • Hartman, George (creator)
    • Herrman, Arthur P (creator)
    • Johnston, Norman J (creator)
    • Lowther, Malcolm A (creator)
    • Ray, Dixy Lee (creator)
    • Ross, Richard N (creator)
    • Stark, Joan S (creator)
    Corporate Names
    • Allied Arts of Seattle, Inc (creator)
    • American Institute of Architects Foundation (creator)
    • American Institute of Architects. Seattle Chapter (creator)
    • American Institute of Planners (creator)
    • Factory Of Visual Arts (creator)
    • Friends of Seattle's Olmsted Parks (creator)
    • Khandekar, Syham (creator)
    • Lambda Alpha. Puget Sound Chapter (creator)
    • National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. Professional Examination Review Committee (creator)
    • Seattle Center Disney Study Advisory Group (creator)
    • University of Washington. Ad Hoc Triangle Parking Garage Programming Committee (creator)
    • University of Washington. Admissions Committee (creator)
    • University of Washington. College of Architecture and Urban Planning. Audio-Visual Collection Committee (creator)
    • University of Washington. College of Architecture and Urban Planning. Interdisciplinary/Interdepartmental Task Force (creator)
    • University of Washington. College of Architecture and Urban Planning. Library Committee (creator)
    • University of Washington. College of Architecture and Urban Planning. Student Awards Committee (creator)
    • University of Washington. College of Architecture and Urban Planning. Visiting Lecturer Committee (creator)
    • University of Washington. Curriculum Board. Curricular Review Committee (creator)
    • University of Washington. Dept. of Architecture. History Group (creator)
    • University of Washington. Dept. of Urban Design and Planning (creator)
    • University of Washington. Dept. of Urban Planning. Planning Advisory Committee (creator)
    • University of Washington. Dept. of Urban Planning. Promotion Committee (creator)
    • University of Washington. Special Admissions Committee (creator)
    • University of Washington. Transportation and Grounds Projects Advisory Committee (creator)
    • University of Washington. University Historical and Architectural Landmarks Advisory Committee (creator)
    • University of Washington. University Reaccreditation Steering Committee (creator)
    • University of Washington. University Archives
    • Washington (State). Capitol Campus Design and Architectural Advisor Committee (creator)
    • Washington (State). Expo '86 World's Fair Commission (creator)
    • Washington (State). Legislative Murals Blue Ribbon Review Committee (creator)
    • Washington (State). Legislature. Capitol Building Centennial Project Review Committee (creator)
    • Washington (State). Legislature. Legislative Art Work Jury (creator)
    • Washington Roadside Council (creator)