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Patrick Lee Lucas Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MSS 0193

Scope and Contents

The Patrick Lee Lucas Papers contain materials from the files of Patrick Lee Lucas who was a faculty member in the UNCG Department of Interior Architecture from 2002 to 2013. The collection contains materials describing mid-twentieth century architecture, particularly the work of architect Edward Loewenstein of Greensboro. Included are descriptions and photos of Loewenstein-designed houses as well as notes, designs, and brochures for several exhibits and symposia focused on Loewenstein's work. Also included are Loewenstein's personal files kept during his time in Greensboro (1945-1970). These provide information about public buildings designed by Loewenstein and include an extensive set of files describing the design and construction of his family's house in 1953-1954. Architectural plans for the Loewenstein residence and 12 other Loewenstein-designed houses are included.

Series 1 contains files regarding the academic work of Lucas which was focused primarily on the architecture of Loewenstein but also included mid-twentieth century modern architecture throughout the Southeast. In addition to descriptions and photos of Loewenstein-designed houses built for individuals, there are files on Commencement Homes, which were part of a Woman's College class taught by Loewenstein for students in art and home economics in the 1950s-1960s, and on the demolition of one of those homes in 2009. Lucas organized several exhibitions and symposia on Loewenstein's work, and the collection contains materials describing the plans for these events. Also included are materials on the UNCG campus, descriptions and photographs of Greensboro architecture, and information on interior designers Sarah Hunter Kelly and Gregory Ivy.

Series 2 comprises files maintained by Edward Loewenstein, including biographical information, information about Loewenstein's architectural firms, and descriptions of public buildings and houses in Greensboro designed by Loewenstein. Personal and professional financial records from 1952-1954 are included. The collection also contains a complete set of files labeled by Loewenstein and describing specific aspects of the design and construction of the Loewenstein house in Greensboro, built in 1953-1954.

Dates

  • 1950 - 2013
  • Other: Date acquired: 2013 June 27

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright is retained by the creators of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.

Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information. Please see our Sensitive Materials Statement.

Biographical or Historical Information

Patrick Lee Lucas received a PhD in American Studies from Michigan State University in 2002 and was a member of the UNCG faculty in the Department of Interior Architecture from 2002-2013.

Edward Loewenstein (1913-1970) was born in Chicago and earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1935. After serving in the US Army during World War II, Loewenstein moved to Greensboro in 1945 with his wife, Frances Stern, a Greensboro native. In 1953, he established the Loewenstein-Atkinson architectural firm with partner Robert A. Atkinson, Jr. Loewenstein's architectural designs were predominantly in the Modernist style, and in addition to more than twenty residences in this style he designed traditional homes and many public buildings in Greensboro including schools, hospitals, and the public library (1964). The Loewenstein-Atkinson firm designed buldings for Bennett College in Greensboro and the Physical Education Building at Woman's College (now UNCG). Loewenstein taught art and architecture classes at Woman's College from 1958 through the late 1960s, including classes in which art and home economics students designed and built Modernist houses, labeled Commencement Homes and featured in McCall's magazine.

Extent

5.20 Linear Feet (5 boxes, 1 oversized box, 3 blueprints)

Language of Materials

English

Arrangement Note

The papers are arranged in two series: 1. Academic and research files of Patrick Lee Lucas, 2002-2013. 2. Edward Loewenstein records, 1945-1970.

Method of Acquisition

Gift of Patrick Lee Lucas.

Offensive Language Statement

The UNC Greensboro University Libraries collects, preserves, and makes accessible unique and historical materials for learning and research. The nature of historical materials is such that some material may represent positions, norms, and values that are offensive and objectionable. These materials represent the opinions and actions of their creators. By providing access to these records in our reading room and through our digital collections, we recognize that archives and rare books can play a vital role in holding those creators accountable and in helping us learn from the past.

Our finding aids and other collection descriptions may occasionally re-use language provided by creators or former holders of the materials, but we strive to place outdated or offensive terminology in context. That said, we recognize that we may not always make the right decision and welcome feedback from all sources so we can learn and adjust our practices. Please contact us at scua@uncg.edu if you encounter problematic language in our finding aids or other collection description. We will review the language and, as appropriate, update it in a way that balances preservation of the original context with our ongoing commitment to describing materials with respectful and inclusive language.

Processing Information

Processed by Marion O'Brien in March, 2014

Title
Patrick Lee Lucas Papers
Author
Marion O'Brien
Date
03/10/2014
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
eng

Repository Details

Part of the Martha Blakeney Hodges Special Collections and University Archives Repository

Contact:
P.O. Box 26170
320 College Ave.
Greensboro NC 27402-6170 US
336-334-5246