Orion B. Dawson papers , 1917-2009

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Dawson, Orion B., 1896-1977
Title
Orion B. Dawson papers
Dates
1917-2009
Quantity
9 linear feet, (5 containers and 2 folders)
Collection Number
Coll 463
Summary
Orion B. Dawson (1896-1977) was known as a master blacksmith for his iron work across Oregon. His projects include the Dads' Gates at the University of Oregon, Gates at Oregon State University, the Gates at Timberline lodge and the Doors at Gresham Union High School. The majority of the Orion B. Dawson Papers include Drawings and photographs of various iron works that he produced during his time under the Federal Arts Project as well as independently. Additionally, the collection includes various drafts and manuscripts written by Dawson as well as photo albums of his family and personal life.
Repository
University of Oregon Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives
UO Libraries--SCUA
1299 University of Oregon
Eugene OR
97403-1299
Telephone: 5413463068
spcarref@uoregon.edu
Access Restrictions

Collection is open to the public. Collection must be used in Special Collections and University Archives Reading Room. Collection or parts of collection may be stored offsite. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives in advance of your visit to allow for transportation time.

Additional Reference Guides

See the Current Collection Guide for detailed description and requesting options.

Languages
English

Historical NoteReturn to Top

Orion B. Dawson, born in 1896, was known as a master blacksmith for his iron work across Oregon. His projects include the Dads' Gates at the University of Oregon, Gates at Oregon State University, the Gates at Timberline lodge and the Doors at Gresham Union High School.

Dawson was born in Arkansas in 1896. After his move to Los Angeles California, Dawson attended Polytectnic High School, studying engineering. This study included experience in blacksmithing and steam hammer smithing. Thus, with the onset of World War I, Dawson was sent to serve the US army as a horseshoer.

With the wars end, Dawson returned to the West Coast, first working in a steel ship yard and then as an apprentice for a metal craftsman. Dawson spent one year studying at the University Of Oregon in the school of architecture before he decided to move to Portland, Oregon and open his own studio.

When the great depression hit in 1929, the US government, though The Works Progress Administration (WPA), a New Deal agency, funded the Federal Art Project. Dawson was one of the many artists employed by the project, aiming to curb the unemployment caused by the depression. Through this program, Dawson was able to build numerous iron works across Oregon, including the above mentioned Dads' Gates at the University of Oregon, the Cascade dining room gates at Timberline Lodge, gates at Oregon State University and even the gates at the federal building at the New York World's Fair in 1939.

Apart from his iron work, Orion B. Dawson was also very interested in Performance art and voice. He acted as a public singer for 60 years, even recording some songs. Dawson conducted his own personal study on the use of voice, writing a manuscript titled Bel Canto and the Aesthetics of Voice.

In Addition to Bel Canto and the Aesthetics of Voice, Dawson wrote various other manuscripts concerning blacksmithing as well as his time in the army. These writings include The Old Blacksmiths, Why Die that Way, and An Old Soldier Speaks out Against the Draft and What to Do About It.

Dawson passed away in 1977, leaving behind a legacy of art left for the enjoyment of Oregonians and many generations to come.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The majority of the Orion B. Dawson Papers include Drawings and photographs of various iron works that he produced during his time under the Federal Arts Project as well as independently. The collection was organized into albums by the donor, Dawson's daughter, Dolores Dawson Ford. These albums include Dawson's sketches, photographs of his public works and photographs of personal pieces given to family and friends.

Additionally, the collection includes various drafts and manuscripts written by Dawson. Included are manuscripts concerning the work of blacksmithing, his opinion and time in the army and his study of voice. The collection contains manuscripts titled The Old Blacksmiths, Why Die that Way, An Old Soldier Speaks out Against the Draft and What to Do About It and Bel Canto and the Aesthetics of Voice.

Along with the iron works albums, the donor also compiled albums of photographs of Dawson's young life and family. Family photo albums are included in the collection along with photos from his time in the army and his time as a child.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Arts--Oregon
  • Blacksmiths--Oregon
  • Metal-work
  • Performing arts

Corporate Names

  • United States. Works Progress Administration. Oregon

Geographical Names

  • University of Oregon--Photographs

Form or Genre Terms

  • Architectural drawings
  • Correspondence
  • Manuscripts for publication
  • Photograph albums