University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections1648Johnston, Norman J.Norman J. Johnston papers1918-2015approximately 16.26 cubic feet (22 boxes, 1 oversize
folder, 1 vertical file, and 1 phonodisc)Collection materials
are in English.Papers of a University of Washington
School of Architecture professorNorman 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)
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
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.
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.
Request at UW
Restrictions may exist on copying, quotation, or publication for some
accessions. Contact Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries for
details.
Bley, WolfgangFoster, MarkGould, Carl Freylinghuysen, 1873-1939Gutkind, E. AHartman, GeorgeHerrman, Arthur PJohnston, Norman JLowther, Malcolm ARay, Dixy LeeRoss, Richard NStark, Joan SThiry, Paul A., 1904-1993Thomas, Harlan, 1870-1953Allied Arts of Seattle, IncAmerican Institute of Architects. Seattle ChapterAmerican Institute of Architects FoundationAmerican Institute of PlannersFactory Of Visual ArtsFriends of Seattle's Olmsted ParksGeneral Insurance CoKhandekar, SyhamLambda Alpha. Puget Sound ChapterNational Council of Architectural Registration Boards. Professional Examination Review CommitteeSeattle (Wash.). Pioneer Square Historic District Preservation BoardSeattle Center Disney Study Advisory GroupUniversity of Washington. University ArchivesUniversity of Washington. Ad Hoc Triangle Parking Garage Programming CommitteeUniversity of Washington. Admissions CommitteeUniversity of Washington. Center for Urban HorticultureUniversity of Washington. College of Architecture and Urban PlanningUniversity of Washington. College of Architecture and Urban Planning. Audio-Visual Collection CommitteeUniversity of Washington. College of Architecture and Urban Planning. Interdisciplinary/Interdepartmental Task ForceUniversity of Washington. College of Architecture and Urban Planning. Library CommitteeUniversity of Washington. College of Architecture and Urban Planning. Student Awards CommitteeUniversity of Washington. College of Architecture and Urban Planning. Visiting Lecturer CommitteeUniversity of Washington. Curriculum Board. Curricular Review CommitteeUniversity of Washington. Dept. of Architecture. History GroupUniversity of Washington. Dept. of Urban Design and PlanningUniversity of Washington. Dept. of Urban Planning. Planning Advisory CommitteeUniversity of Washington. Dept. of Urban Planning. Promotion CommitteeUniversity of Washington. Special Admissions CommitteeUniversity of Washington. Transportation and Grounds Projects Advisory CommitteeUniversity of Washington. University Historical and Architectural Landmarks Advisory CommitteeUniversity of Washington. University Reaccreditation Steering CommitteeUW. College of Architecture and Urban PlanningUW. Husky Union BuildingWashington (State). Capitol Campus Design and Architectural Advisor CommitteeWashington (State). Expo '86 World's Fair CommissionWashington (State). Legislative Murals Blue Ribbon Review CommitteeWashington (State). Legislature. Capitol Building Centennial Project Review CommitteeWashington (State). Legislature. Legislative Art Work JuryWashington Roadside CouncilWillcox, Walter Ross BaumesUniversity Archives/Faculty Papers (University of Washington)SeattleCivic ActivismCivil Procedure and Courts
Accession No. 1648-001: Norman Johnson papers, 1961-1966.21 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].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, 1959-19854 cu.ft.Scope and Content: Correspondence, speeches and writings, curriculum files,
clippings, reports, dissertation, and subject series, 1959-1985.
View inventory/container list for this accession
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, 1970-19882 cu.ft.Scope and Content: Correspondence, publications, research files, grant files,
speeches and writings, photographs, minutes, reports and newspaper clippings,
1856-1988 (1970-1988)
View inventory/container list for this accession
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, 1974-19902 cu.ft.Scope and Content: Correspondence, committee files, minutes of meetings, and
curriculum files, 1974-1990.
View inventory/container list for this accession
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, 1964-19902 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, 1985-1993.21 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, 1962-1993.21 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, 1972-19951.21 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, 1959-19832.00 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, 1939-20040.21 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, 1958-19891 vertical fileScope 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, 1918-20152 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
11648-013Articles by Norman Johnston1965-198311648-013Books by Norman Johnston Materials1983-2006Scope 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.
11648-013Projects and Lectures1959-2010Scope 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.
11648-013Course Materials1989Scope and Content: Includes materials for LARC 352: History of Landscape
Architecture and UDP 471: History of Urban Planning.
Restrictions on Access: 3 restricted folders.
21648-013NotecardsundatedScope and Content: Notecards containing information pertaining to professional and
research career.
11648-013Early Life: Childhood and Education1918-2006Scope 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.
11648-013Correspondence1941-1990Scope and Content: Includes correspondence during travel in Europe, professional
and academic correspondence, retirement cards, and messages.
11648-013Awards, Recognitions, and Certificates1967-2015Scope and Content: Includes memorial materials after Johnston's passing.
21648-013Medals, Pins, and Donor CardsundatedScope and Content: Includes architectural and fraternity related medals and UW
affiliated pins.
31648-013Awards, Recognitions, Certificates, and
Plaques1942-200011648-013Photographic Prints and Negatives1981-2002OS Folder 11648-013Washington State Capitol Photograph2000Scope 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."
31648-013ArtworkundatedOS Folder 11648-013ArtworkundatedScope and Content: Includes two oversized art pieces.
Phonodisc Box 11648-013Sigma Chi Chorus Disc1943-1947Scope 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"