Hitchcock & Hitchcock records, 1907-2003

Wilbur A. Hitchcock (1886-1930) came to Laramie, Wyoming, in 1908 hoping to find relief from asthma. He graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1912 and in 1916 he received a degree in civil engineering from the University of Colorado. Wilbur Hitchcock taught civil engineering at the University of Wyoming from 1912 through 1921. In 1921 he resigned his position as professor of civil engineering to open an architectural office in Laramie.

In 1922 Wilbur's proposal for the original University Library building currently named the Aven Nelson building was chosen in a statewide competition. Other designs for the university include McWhinnie Hall, the Engineering Hall, Half Acre Gym, and the Cooper Mansion. He also designed the following Laramie buildings: Ivinson Home For Aged Ladies, Laramie Plains Civic Center, the original Ivinson Hospital, the old Laramie High School, and the Albany County Courthouse. Wilbur also developed a master plan for the University of Wyoming campus.

Wilbur Hitchcock and his wife Gladys Corthell had four children; Eliot, David, Clinton and Elinor. Eliot and Clinton followed in their father's footsteps as architects. Wilbur and Gladys were active in the musical circles of early-day Laramie. Both took part in University musical productions and Wilbur arranged music for the University of Wyoming Orchestra. Gladys died in 1925, and Wilbur later married Verna Johannesen. Tragically he died in an automobile accident on their honeymoon. Following his death the firm was sold to William Dubois of Cheyenne. Dubois and Wilbur Hitchcock had previously collaborated on several projects such as the Albany County Courthouse and the University's Half Acre Gym.

Eliot Hitchcock, born in 1915, received an engineering degree from the University of Wyoming and his master's degree in structural and architectural engineering from Iowa State College in 1937. In October, 1940 he opened an architectural firm in Laramie but closed his practice since government controls discouraged civilian building. He did consulting work on a defense project for the Area Engineer in Oklahoma between February and November of 1942 until he enlisted in the Navy. He served with the 111th United States Naval Construction Battalion, better known as the SeaBees, from 1943 to 1945. In January of 1946 he reopened his practice in Laramie and was joined later that year by his younger brother Clinton.

Clinton (1919-) also graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in civil engineering. Clinton served in World War II as a captain for the United States Army Corps of Engineers where he earned six Bronze Service Stars. The architectural firm of Hitchcock & Hitchcock was formed in 1948 when Clinton became a full partner.

Glenn Mullens, the husband of Elinor Hitchcock, received degrees from the University of Wyoming and the University of Illinois. He served in World War II as a Captain in the United States Air Force where he received several medals and a Distinguished Flying Cross. Glenn worked as a structural consultant for Hitchcock and Hitchcock.

Between 1946 and 1987 Hitchcock & Hitchcock designed many distinctive buildings across the Rocky Mountain region mostly for the University of Wyoming and in Laramie, Wyoming. Some of these include the University of Wyoming Classroom Building, the renovation of the Wyoming State Capitol Building and the regilding of the dome in 1979, and a J.C. Penney store in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Hitchcock & Hitchcock played a significant role in the design and construction of the University of Wyoming and designed the following buildings: several fraternity and sorority houses, Coe Library, the remodeling of the Aven Nelson and Old Main buildings, the old College of Law building, the Petroleum-Aeronautics wing of the Engineering Hall, public schools, residences, and various commercial buildings. The firm was dissolved in 1989.