Lawrence Kreisman papers, 1962-2025
Table of Contents
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Kreisman, Lawrence
- Title
- Lawrence Kreisman papers
- Dates
- 1962-2025 (inclusive)19622025
- Quantity
- 3.99 cubic feet, (7 boxes, 2 oversize folders)
- Collection Number
- 6392-001
- Repository
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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
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No restrictions on access to paper materials. No user access copy is currently available for audio and videocassettes but users may obtain a reproduction of the media for a fee by contacting Special Collections.
- Languages
- English
Biographical Note
Larry Kreisman is a Seattle architectural historian who built public awareness of design history and the Pacific Northwest's architectural heritage. He graduated from the University of Washington Master of Architecture program in 1980. He published eleven books and wrote for numerous publications regarding architectural design and preservation.
Kreisman was an integral voice in architectural preservation foundations in the Seattle area. He served as the Seattle Architectural Foundation's Viewpoints Tour Program Director from 1990 to 2003 developing and publicizing tours and training docents. Kreisman also helped research and curate the centennial exhibit for the American Institute of Architects Seattle chapter in 1994, which became a permanent exhibit at the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI). He is most known for serving as Historic Seattle's Program Director for 20 years (1997-2017). In his honor, May 31, 2017 was declared Larry Kreisman Day in the City of Seattle. Historic Seattle also set up a fund to commemorate Kreisman's contributions to the historic preservation field.
In his retirement, Kreisman continues to bring awareness to the architectural history of the Seattle area by giving lectures to foundations like Historic Seattle and Washington Trust for Historic Preservation.
He is the author of a number of books on architecture, including:
Westhome Yakima, Washington: Celebrating a Century 1916-2016. Westhome Association, 2016
Tradition and Change on Seattle's First Hill: Propriety, Profanity, Pills, and Preservation. (Lead author and general editor) Documentary Media and Historic Seattle, 2014.
Dard Hunter: The Graphic Works. Pomegranate, 2012
The Arts and Crafts Movement in the Pacific Northwest. Lawrence Kreisman and Glenn Mason, Timber Press, 2007
Made to Last: Historic Preservation in Seattle and King County. Historic Seattle Preservation Foundation in association with University of Washington Press, 1999
The Stimson Legacy: Architecture in the Urban West. Willows Press, 1992
The Bloedel Reserve: Gardens in the Forest. The Arbor Fund, 1988
Historic Preservation in Seattle. Historic Seattle Preservation and Development Authority, 1985
West Queen Anne School: Renaissance of a Landmark.West Queen Anne Associates Ltd., 1984
Art Deco Seattle. Allied Arts of Seattle, 1979
Apartments by Anhalt. City of Seattle, 1978. Reprinted by Kreisman Exhibit Design in 1982
Content Description
Papers, audiocassettes and photographs documenting Mr. Kreisman's career as a historian of Pacific Northwest architecture and his work with Historic Seattle and the Seattle Architectural Foundation. Includes personal research materials, correspondence, exhibit ephemera, interviews, and some published and unpublished works.
Use of the Collection
Restrictions on Use
To the extent that they own the copyright, the donor has transferred the copyright of the materials to the University of Washington; however, copyright in some items in this collection may be held by their respective creators. Users are responsible for researching copyright status before use.
Administrative Information
Arrangement
Arranged in 8 series:
- Series 1: Biographical Features
- Series 2: Writings
- Series 3: Exhibit projects
- Series 4: Seattle Architecture Foundation
- Series 5: Subject Files
- Series 6: Architectural research
- Series 7: Ephemera
- Series 8: Media
Detailed Description of the Collection
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Series 1: Biographical Materials
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Description: Curriculum VitaeDates: 2025Container: Box 6392-001 Box 1, Folder 1
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Description: CorrespondenceDates: 1995-2001Container: Box 6392-001 Box 1, Folder 2
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Description: Mentions in the MediaDates: 1979-2009Container: Box 6392-001 Box 1, Folder 3
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Description: ReviewsDates: 1988-2010Container: Box 6392-001 Box 1, Folder 4
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Series 2: Writings
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Subseries A: Published
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Description: Magazine Articles
Magazines include: Arts & Crafts Homes and the Revival, Art & Antiques, American Bungalow, Old House Journal, Style 1900, Old-House Interior, Seattle Met
Dates: 1979-2011Container: Box 6392-001 Box 1 -
Description: Northwest Living Columns - Seattle Times Sunday featuresDates: 1988-2024Container: Box 6392-001 Box 3, Folder 1-5
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Description: Miscellaneous Article ClippingsDates: 1979-2001Container: Box 6392-001 Box 1, Folder 5-6
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Subseries B: Unpublished
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Description: The Shaping of a Downtown: Seattle Plans - an illustrated historic overview of civic design and planning in a major American cityDates: undatedContainer: Box 6392-001 Box 1, Folder 7-9
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Description: Perspectives on Seattle: 1960-1980: Two Decades of People, Places and the ArtsDates: 1996-1997Container: Box 6392-001 Box 1, Folder 10
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Description: Perspectives on Seattle: 1960-1980: Two Decades of People, Places and the ArtsDates: 1996-1997Container: Box 6392-001 Box 2, Folder 1-2
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Subseries C: Projects Researched and Prepared for Various Agencies
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Description: Georgetown Steam Plant Advisory Committee NotebookDates: 2016Container: Box 6392-001 Box 2, Folder 3
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Description: Georgetown Steam Plant Marketing ReportDates: 1982Container: Box 6392-001 Box 2, Folder 4
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Description: Office of Urban Conservation and Landmarks Preservation Board ReportsDates: 1979Container: Box 6392-001 Box 2, Folder 5
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Description: King County Department of Planning and Community Development - Study Unit ReportsDates: 1978Container: Box 6392-001 Box 2, Folder 6
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Description: King County Landmarks Commission Anniversary Report 1982-1987Dates: 1987Container: Box 6392-001 Box 2, Folder 7
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Description: Interbay Seattle - Final Concept ReportContainer: Box 6392-001 Box 6
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Description: Interbay Seattle
Findings for the first phase of an Urban Design Study of Interbay. Kreisman was a member of the Urban Design Study Group.
Dates: 1979Container: Box 6392-001 Box 6
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Series 3: Exhibit Projects
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Description: Blueprints: 100 Years of Seattle Architecture (MOHAI)Dates: 1994Container: Box 6392-001 Box 2, Folder 8
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Description: Blueprints: 100 Years of Seattle Architecture (MOHAI) - Work LabelsDates: 1994Container: Box 6392-001 Box 2, Folder 9
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Description: Blueprints: 100 Years of Seattle Architecture (MOHAI) - Social & Recreational Labels, Pod Labels, Residential LabelsDates: 1994Container: Box 6392-001 Box 2, Folder 10
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Description: School Zone Institute: Architecture and Children ProjectDates: 1990-1998Container: Box 6392-001 Box 2, Folder 11
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Description: School Zone Institute: Architecture and Children Project - Preliminary Design ReviewDates: 1987Container: Box 6392-001 Box 2, Folder 12
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Description: Architecture and Children - "Guidelines for Artists Working in Schools"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 6392-001 Box 2, Folder 13
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Description: Architecture and Children - Related Symposium and CoursesDates: 1993Container: Box 6392-001 Box 2, Folder 14
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Description: School Zone Institute: Architecture and Children postersContainer: Oversize Folder 6392-001 OS Folder 1
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Description: Kalakala (MOHAI)Dates: 1996-1998Container: Box 6392-001 Box 2, Folder 15
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Description: 1900: Adornment for the Home and Body (Frye Museum)Dates: 2015Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 1
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Series 4: Seattle Architecture Foundation
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Description: Anhalt Apartments Tour Guide Script and Historical Background Research MaterialsDates: 1996Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 2
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Description: Art and Architecture Tour Guide Scripts and Historical Background Research MaterialsDates: 1998Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 3
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Description: Art Deco Tour Guide ScriptsDates: 1995, 2001Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 4
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Description: At First Glance Tour Guide ScriptDates: 1992Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 5
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Description: Ballard Avenue Tour Guide ScriptDates: undatedContainer: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 6
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Description: Bainbridge Island Tour Guide Script and Historical Background Research MaterialsDates: 1996Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 7
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Description: Beaux Arts Seattle Tour Guide ScriptDates: 1996Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 8
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Description: Belltown Tour Guide Script and Historical Background Research MaterialsDates: 1997-1999Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 9
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Description: Central Area Tour Guide ScriptDates: 1998Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 10
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Description: Columbia City Tour Guide ScriptsDates: 2001Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 11
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Description: Denny/Blaine Neighborhood Tour Guide ScriptDates: 1997Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 12
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Description: Downtown Seattle Tour Guide Script DraftDates: undatedContainer: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 13
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Description: Eastlake Tour Guide Script and Historical Background Research MaterialsDates: 1995Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 14
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Description: East Side of Bellevue Tour Guide ScriptDates: 1994Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 15
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Description: Graham, Gould, Bittman Tour Guide ScriptDates: 1999Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 16
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Description: Harvard Belmont Tour Guide ScriptDates: 1992-1994Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 17
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Description: Harvard Belmont Tour Guide Script and Historical Background Research MaterialsDates: 1997-2000Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 18
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Description: Historic Theatres Tour Guide ScriptDates: 1995-1997Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 19
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Description: Houses of Worship Tour Guide Script and Historical Background Research MaterialsDates: 1996-1999Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 20
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Description: International District Tour Guide Script and Historical Background Research MaterialsDates: 1996-1999Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 21
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Description: North Capitol Hill Tour Guide ScriptsDates: 1995-1996Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 22
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Description: Olmsted Legacy Tour Guide ScriptDates: 1995Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 23
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Description: Queen Anne Tour Guide ScriptDates: undatedContainer: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 24
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Description: Pacific Avenue Tour Guide ScriptDates: undatedContainer: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 25
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Description: Ravenna Bungalows Tour Guide ScriptsDates: 1995-2001Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 26
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Description: Seattle Center Tour Guide ScriptDates: 1996Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 27
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Description: Seattle University Campus Tour Guide ScriptDates: 2000Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 28
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Description: Terra Cotta Seattle Tour Guide ScriptDates: 1996Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 29
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Description: Three Hour Architectural Tour Guide Scripts and Historical Background Research MaterialsDates: 1997Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 30
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Description: Wallingford Bungalows Tour Guide Scripts and Historical Background Research MaterialsDates: 1997-1999Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 31
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Description: Wallingford Bungalows Tour Guide Scripts and Historical Background Research MaterialsDates: 2002-2005Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 32
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Description: Viewpoints Tours Miscellaneous PhotographsDates: 1996-1997Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 33
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Description: Seattle Architectural Foundation City Walks for Kids Curriculum and Tour Guide ScriptsDates: 1995-1996Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 34
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Description: Seattle Architectural Foundation City Walks for Kids Workshop and Kits Documents for TeachersDates: 1991- 2000Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 35
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Description: Society of Architectural Historians Asian American History in Seattle Tour Guide ScriptDates: 1995Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 36
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Description: Initial Plans and Brochures for Viewpoints ToursDates: 1995-1996Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 37
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Description: Tour Guide Educational MaterialsDates: 1996-2000Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 38
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Description: Annual Tour Planning DraftsDates: 1995-1999Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 39
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Description: Community Meeting MinutesDates: 1994-2000Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 40
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Series 5: Subject Files
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Subseries A: Historical Preservation of Seattle Buildings
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Description: Historical Survey and Planning Study of Fremont's Commercial AreaDates: 1991Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 41
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Description: Beasley Bungalow Seattle Landmark Nomination FormDates: 1979Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 42
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Description: Brehm Brothers Residences Seattle Landmark and National Historical Places Nomination FormsDates: 1979Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 43
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Description: International District National Register of Historic Places Nomination FormDates: 1987Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 44
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Description: St. James Cathedral Seattle Landmark Nomination FormDates: 1979Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 45
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Description: Seattle Preservation NewslettersDates: 1996Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 46
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Description: Inventory of Buildings ReportsDates: 1976Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 47
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Description: Publication of Japanese Historians regarding Seattle BungalowsDates: 1997Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 48
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Description: Miscellaneous City of Seattle Landmark NominationsDates: 1985Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 49
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Subseries B: Research Files
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Description: Rob Anglin - Miscellaneous Research FilesDates: undatedContainer: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 50
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Description: Rob Anglin - Research Files - Ellsworth P. StoreyDates: undatedContainer: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 51
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Description: Rob Anglin - Research Files - BungalowsDates: undatedContainer: Box 6392-001 Box 6, Folder 1
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Description: Rob Anglin - Research Files - Andrew Willatz and Barry ByrneDates: undatedContainer: Box 6392-001 Box 6, Folder 2
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Description: James CutlerDates: undatedContainer: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 52
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Description: Ibsen Andreas Nelson - Interview TranscriptDates: 1999Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 53
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Description: Ibsen Andreas NelsonDates: 1972-2001Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 54
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Description: Robert ReamerDates: 1938-1987Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 55
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Description: Robert Reamer - draftDates: 1977-1978Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 56
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Description: Frank Lloyd Wright - Chauncey Griggs HouseDates: 1962-1997Container: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 57
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Description: Northern Life TowerDates: undatedContainer: Box 6392-001 Box 4, Folder 58
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Description: In Search of the City Beautiful - Stephen Wilen (unpublished manuscript)Dates: undatedContainer: Box 6392-001 Box 5, Folder 1-2
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Description: Jeepers, Creepers! How 'Bout Them Beezers? - Ralph S. Wilcox (unpublished manuscript)
Includes correspondence and manuscript about the Beezer Brothers Architecture Firm
Dates: 1997Container: Box 6392-001 Box 6, Folder 3-4 -
Description: E.W. HoughtonDates: undatedContainer: Box 6392-001 Box 6, Folder 5
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Description: Seattle BungalowsDates: 1902-2002Container: Box 6392-001 Box 5, Folder 3
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Description: Church ArchitectureDates: undatedContainer: Box 6392-001 Box 5, Folder 4
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Description: Miscellaneous Architecture ResearchDates: undatedContainer: Box 6392-001 Box 5, Folder 5
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Description: Miscellaneous Architecture ResearchDates: undatedContainer: Box 6392-001 Box 6, Folder 6
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Series 7: Ephemera
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Description: Nomination of Mary Randlett for Artist Trust Lifetime Achievement AwardDates: 2001Container: Box 6392-001 Box 5, Folder 6
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Description: Kreisman Exhibit DesignDates: undatedContainer: Box 6392-001 Box 5, Folder 7
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Description: Washington State Capital Tour BrochuresDates: 1996Container: Box 6392-001 Box 5, Folder 8
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Description: Tour Brochures and Maps of and Around SeattleContainer: Box 6392-001 Box 5, Folder 9
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Description: Seattle Arts and Music PublicationsContainer: Box 6392-001 Box 5, Folder 10
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Description: Architectural and Design Conference EphemeraContainer: Box 6392-001 Box 5, Folder 11
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Description: Miscellaneous PhotographsContainer: Box 6392-001 Box 5, Folder 12
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Description: Miscellaneous Oversize PhotographsContainer: Box 6392-001 Box 3, Folder 6
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Description: Arts & Crafts Movement in the Pacific Northwest Exhibition Poster (Washington State History Museum)Dates: 2010Container: Oversize Folder 6392-001 OS Folder 2
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Description: The Arts & Crafts Movement in the Pacific Northwest Exhibit Poster (MOHAI)Dates: 2009-2010Container: Oversize Folder 6392-001 OS Folder 2
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Description: The Arts & Crafts Movement in the Pacific Northwest Exhibit Poster (Washington State History Museum)Container: Oversize Folder 6392-001 OS Folder 2
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Description: Seattle Art Museum Architectural Tour of Homes on Magnolia BluffContainer: Oversize Folder 6392-001 OS Folder 2
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Series 8: Media
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Description: Ibsen Nelsen Interview #1
Interview conducted by Lawrence Kreisman and Mary Randlett
1 audiocassette
Dates: 1999Container: Box 6392-001 Box 7 -
Description: Ibsen Nelsen Interview #2
Interview conducted by Lawrence Kreisman and Mary Randlett
1 audiocassette
Dates: 1999Container: Box 6392-001 Box 7 -
Description: Ibsen Nelsen Interview #3
Interview conducted by Lawrence Kreisman and Mary Randlett
1 audiocassette
Dates: 1999Container: Box 6392-001 Box 7 -
Description: Richard Haag Interview
Interview conducted at Haag's office. Participants: Ruch Haag, Fred Bassetti, Ibsen Nelsen, Ralph Anderson, Lee Soper, Mary Randlett
1 audiocassette
Dates: 1992Container: Box 6392-001 Box 7 -
Description: Paul Thiry Interview #1
Interview conducted at Thiry's retirement home, Regent, Bellevue; Lawrence Kreisman and Mary Randlett
1 audiocassette
Dates: 1992 December 1Container: Box 6392-001 Box 7 -
Description: Paul Thiry Interview #2
Interview conducted at Thiry's retirement home, Regent, Bellevue; Lawrence Kreisman and Mary Randlett
1 audiocassette
Dates: 1992 December 8Container: Box 6392-001 Box 7 -
Description: Marjorie Graham (ex-wife of John Graham Jr.) Interview
Interview conducted by Mary Randlett
1 audiocassette
Dates: 1993 September 9Container: Box 6392-001 Box 7 -
Description: James Cutler Interview
Interview for Northwest Living (Seattle Times) article and other articles about architectural projects
1 audiocassette
Dates: 1997Container: Box 6392-001 Box 7 -
Description: Perspectives on Seattle: 1960-1980 Brainstorm Meetings
1 audiocassette
Dates: 1996 November 23Container: Box 6392-001 Box 7 -
Description: Perspectives on Seattle: 1960-1980 Brainstorm Meetings
1 audiocassette
Dates: 1997 February 15Container: Box 6392-001 Box 7 -
Description: Perspectives on Seattle: 1960-1980 Brainstorm Meetings
1 audiocassette
Dates: 1992 December 9Container: Box 6392-001 Box 7 -
Description: John Braseth (Woodside/Braseth Gallery) Interview
1 audiocassette
Container: Box 6392-001 Box 7 -
Description: William Tracy Interview
Tracy was the owner and builder of the Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian house in Normandy Park, Seattle, Washington.
1 audiocassette
Container: Box 6392-001 Box 7 -
Description: KUOW: Dream Palaces. Marci Sillman Narrator/interviewer
Sections with comments by Lawrence Kreisman
1 audiocassette
Container: Box 6392-001 Box 7 -
Description: American Snapshots: Lawrence Kreisman
1 VHS videocassette
Dates: 1988Container: Box 6392-001 Box 6 -
Description: American Snapshots: Lawrence Kreisman
1 DVD
Dates: 1988Container: Box 6392-001 Box 6
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Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Geographical Names
- Historic buildings--Washington (State)--History
- Seattle
Occupations
- Architects--Washington (State)--Seattle (Wash.)
