- Creator
- Baermann, Walter, 1903-
- Size
- 13 linear feet (15 archival boxes, 2 card boxes, 10 flat boxes, 4 flat folders)
- Call number
- MC 00244
Contains photographs, records of Baermann Associates architectural firm, client files, biographical materials relating to Baermann, files on the N.C. State University Program on Science and Society . The collection also contains artifacts, prints, sketches, drawings, and blueprints.
Walter Peter Baermann was born on September 1, 1903 in southwest Germany. He earned an M.A. in architecture (1924), and a M.A. in mechanical engineering (1926), both from the Institute of Technology in Munich. In 1927, Baermann received a Ph.D. from the University of Munich. He moved to the United States in 1929, beginning his career with well-known designers such as Joseph Urban, Norman Bel Geddes, and Henry Dreyfuss. Baermann, by 1931, became the chief designer for Howe and Lescaze, an architectural firm with offices in New York and Philadelphia. During this period he spearheaded the design for the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society Building, one of the prototypes for the modern skyscraper.
Biographical/historical note
Walter Peter Baermann was born on September 1, 1903 in southwest Germany. He earned an M.A. in architecture (1924), and a M.A. in mechanical engineering (1926), both from the Institute of Technology in Munich. In 1927, Baermann received a Ph.D. from the University of Munich. He moved to the United States in 1929, beginning his career with well-known designers such as Joseph Urban, Norman Bel Geddes, and Henry Dreyfuss. Baermann, by 1931, became the chief designer for Howe and Lescaze, an architectural firm with offices in New York and Philadelphia. During this period he spearheaded the design for the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society Building, one of the prototypes for the modern skyscraper. In 1932, Fortune Magazine listed him among the first twelve successful practitioners of industrial design. One year later, Baermann volunteered as an apprentice in New England industries to familiarize himself with American manufacturing methods, labor conditions, markets, and management methods. In November, 1933, he opened his own industrial design office in Holyoke, Massachusetts. During this time, Baermann began to exhibit his work throughout the region and authored articles in The Architectural Record and The Commonweal.
Combining his interest design and academics, Baermann joined, in 1937, the California Institute of Technology's faculty. He helped organize the Graduate Department of Industrial Design Engineering and was appointed professor and director of the new department. While still in private practice, Baermann lectured widely at universities throughout the United States. Baermann was also a member of the California Division of the President's National Resources Planning Board, and worked as a consultant (labor training specialist) to the War Production Board. In 1941, Baermann continued his academic career as head of the Design Department of Cranbrook Academy in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan; later that year, he became Chief of Graphics in the Office of Civilian Defense in Washington, D.C.
Resuming his design career in 1944, first in New York, then in North Carolina, Baermann formed his design company, Baermann & Associates. In 1964, Henry Kamphoefner recruited Baermann to teach at the School of Design at NC State University in Raleigh, NC. Baermann taught in the School of Design, believing that psychology, sociology, engineering, production technology, ecology, and cultural considerations should all be a part of the curriculum. At NC State, Baermann was an active member of the Educational Policy and Continuing Education Committees of the Faculty Senate, and participated in the University Program on Science and Society, securing a Foundation research grant. From 1969-1972 he worked at the Center for Urban Affairs and Community Services; and until the time of his death at the age of sixty nine in November, 1972, he was involved in a joint project on Engineering and Design with the Engineering School of Duke University and NC State University.
Scope/content
The Walter Peter Baermann Papers are divided into nine series and, where appropriate, are alphabetically arranged by subject within each series. The first and most extensive series, Baermann Associates is divided into three subseries: Photographs, Firm Records, and Client Files. The Photograph subseries, which has been kept in its original order, deals almost exclusively with Baermann's work as a design engineer and product design professor. The majority of these photographs depict products that Baermann designed during the career extended from 1930-1972. Firm Records, second subseries, contains general information about Baermann's design practice. This series contains news clippings and magazine articles, documenting Baermann's growing reputation, including a small amount of information about Baermann's architectural designs. The third subseries, Client Files, testify to the extent of Baermann's client base as a practicing design engineer. These files are alphabetically arranged, in keeping with Baermann's file arrangement.They contain brochures, correspondence, design notes, and some photographs. The second series, Baermann Biographical Files, contains general biographical information on Baermann, much of it compiled by either Baermann or his wife, Christine M. Baermann, for press releases, entries in Who's Who, or similar publications. This series houses Baermann's lectures and articles, and some photographic portraits of Baermann. The next series, N.C. State - University Program on Science and Society includes the records from Baermann's work, from 1968-71, as a part of this project. This series reflects the broad base of Baermann's interest in education, and his goal of educating the whole person to become a contributing member of society. Overlapping this interest in education is captured in the series that follows: NC State Design School. The files contain course materials, curriculum studies, and other records relating to Baermann's activities as a professor at the N.C. State. The Artifacts series contains three examples of actual products created by Baermann. Audiotapes and Slides, small part of the collection contain taped interviews between Baermann and clients. The last series, Prints, Sketches, Drawings and Blueprints contains pencil sketches, watercolors, charcoal and ink sketches done by Baermann. Although most of the drawings are relating to his design practice, there are a number of sketches from the 1920-30s that show Baermann's varied interests.
Arrangement
Organized into nine series:
- Baermann Associates Photographs, 1930s-1972
- Baermann Biographical Files, 1945-1972
- Baermann Associates Firm Records, 1950-1972
- Baermann Associates Client Files, 1940-1972
- University Program on Science and Society, 1968-1971
- NC State Design School, 1964-1973
- Artifacts, 1960s
- Audiotapes and Slides, 1968 and undated
- Prints, Sketches, Drawings and Blueprints, 1920-1972
Use of these materials
The nature of the NC State University Libraries' Special Collections means that copyright or other information about restrictions may be difficult or even impossible to determine despite reasonable efforts. The NC State University Libraries claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials.
The materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source.
This collection may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations. Researchers are advised that the disclosure of certain information pertaining to identifiable living individuals represented in this collection without the consent of those individuals may have legal ramifications (e.g., a cause of action under common law for invasion of privacy may arise if facts concerning an individual's private life are published that would be deemed highly offensive to a reasonable person) for which North Carolina State University assumes no responsibility.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Walter Peter Baermann Papers, MC 00244,
Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC
Source of acquisition
Given by Christine Marting Baermann (Mrs. Walter P. Baermann), July 1997
Processing information
Nell Medlin; Cilla Golas, 1997 October 10
Steven Mandeville-Gamble, 2005 December
The collection is organized into ten principal series:
Baermann Associates Photographs 1930s-1972 (MC 244 Series 01)
The Baermann Associates-subseries, photographs, is the most significant part of the collection, containing hundreds of photographs of varying size and quality that document the range of products whose design Baermann influenced in some way, large or small, during his career. The photographs of furniture groups offers the widest range of Baermann's work, though there are also portrait photographs of Baermann and his staff. Note: additional photographs housed elsewhere among Baermann's papers; it was in these cases judged more appropriate to keep photographs with their subjects.
Baermann Designs - "Historic, " 1920-40s (1-.20)
Images of sofas, chairs, tables, lamps (1920s) appliances, machinery, gas heaters (1938), IBM typewriter, 1945
After review, access to the digital copies may be provided for use in the
SCRC Reading Room upon request.
Baermann Designs--"Historic, " 1940s (21-.42)
Images of sofas, chairs, tables, appliances, machinery, home furnishings
Corning Glass Company; Hardwick Stoves 1950s (43-.50)
Furniture, lamps, luggage, machinery 1950-60s (1-.25)
Furniture 1950-60s (26-.56)
Furniture 1950-60s (57-.72)
Upholstered furniture--sofas, chairs, loveseats 1950s (1-.43)
Upholstered furniture--sofas, chairs, also tables and stands 1950s (1-.46)
Tables and bedroom sets, "Cherokee" 1950s (1-.31)
Tables and stands, "Candlelight" 1950s (1-.22)
"Candlelight Collection" furniture with press releases and brochures (1-.9)
Prestige Furniture Collection; Image 1960s (1-.17)
Furniture and appliances, "Unagusta," 1950-60s (1-.21)
Furniture--bedroom sets and dinette sets 1950s (1-.19)
Furniture, appliances, machinery 1940-60s (1-.22)
Machinery, seating for mass transit, Bore-Matic Co.; factory interior, boats 1940-60s (23-.51)
Cherry-Burrell tablet press (machine used to make aspirin tablets) (1-.10)
Upholstered furniture--chairs and sofas, loveseats, "King Size Chair," (1950s; no dates) (1-.20)
Upholstered furniture--sofas and sectional sofas (21-.44)
Upholstered furniture--sofas, sectional sofas, and chairs (45-.62)
Upholstered furniture--sofas and chairs (63-.91)
Upolstered furniture--sofas, chairs, and sectional sofas (92-.106)
Products Manufacturers including: Rich's, Inc.--display units; Royal Metal Manufacturing Company; Marbon Chemical--first aid kits; Cherry-Burrell--tablet press; Medical Supply Company-thermometer sleeves and first aid kits (1-.15)
Products Manufacturers including: Taylor Instruments--barometers and thermometers; Fastex--industrial fasteners; ITT(telecomunications); Kendall; Hawley Products-- luggage; Prestige Furniture Company--"small cut-away" (1-.10)
Negatives of office furniture and interiors (1-.14)
Two unidentified men in outdoor alpine setting ca. 1930s (1)
House and car with cacti in foreground ca. 1930s (2)
Stoves (negatives) (1-.11)
Saco-Lowell spinning mill (1-.10)
Saco-Lowell spinning mill (1-.9)
Saco-Lowell spinning mill (1-.10)
Portraits of Walter Baermann (1-.10)
Portraits of Walter Baermann (1-.10)
Portraits of Walter Baermann (1-.10)
Portraits of Walter Baermann (1-.10)
Portraits of Walter Baermann (1-.9)
Bernice Abbott photo of Walter Baermann (negative) (1)
Portraits of Walter Baermann (1-.7)
Home Modernizing Guide (1-.3)
Baermann Associates Office Staff (1-.14)
J. Roger Chastain of Baermann Associate (1-.4)
Arnold Joslin of Baermann Associates (1-.5)
Vincent Foote of Baermann Associates (1-.4)
Cherry Burrell machine equipment (1-.11)
Cherry-Burrell machine equipment (1-.11)
Cherry-Burrell machine equipment (1-.15)
Cherry-Burrell machine equipment (1-.10)
Cherry-Burrell machine equipment (1-.10)
Cherry-Burrell machine equipment (1-.10)
Precision Fit (includes negatives) (1-.5)
Taylor Instrument Company (prize-winning golden barometer) (1-.10)
Taylor Instrument Company (1-.11)
Taylor Instrument Company (1-.11)
Medical Supply Company (1-.10)
Medical Supply Company (1-.14)
Medical Supply Company (1-.11)
Medical Supply Company (1-.15)
Medical Supply Company (1-.8)
Medical Supply Company (1-.11)
Prestige Furniture Company--chair (1-.15)
Prestige Furniture Company--chair construction (1-.7)
Prestige Furniture Company--chair construction (1-.8)
Baermann Biographical Files 1945-1972 (MC 244 Series 02)
This series contains typed and handwritten articles by Baermann, biographical data assembled by either Baermann himself or Mrs. Baermann both before and after he came to Raleigh, some personal letters and notes, a few photographs of Baermann, news clippings that reflect a glimpse of the private man, and the manuscripts of several lectures and speeches that Baermann made. For example, this series contains both a typed manuscript and a set of note cards scribbled in Baermann's handwriting for a speech he made sometime in the 1960s to a group of women, entitled, "The Ideal Wife of the Designer." Comparison of the two versions of the same speech imparts some interesting information on Baermann's speaking style and sense of humor.
Articles by Walter P. Baermann, typed and handwritten manuscripts (1960s)
Articles by Walter P. Baermann, typed manuscripts (1960s)
Biographical file relating to Raleigh, North Carolina
Biographical file relating to Waynesville, North Carolina
Lectures (Oct. 1966)
"The Social Abuse of Language," presented to AIA Southern California Chapter, 1938; Robinson Furniture Co, 1957; NC State Forestry School, 1968; "Trends in Furniture Design," presented to Forest Products Research Society
Excerpts from letters to Rino Petrini (1970)
Memoirs, handwritten manuscript (Spring, 1970)
News clippings: Cinti. Eng. [sic] (Aug. 1964); News & Observer (December, 1969)
Photographs-- Portraits of Walter Baermann (1940-60s)
Publicity Press Releases (1966-1967)
Eight pencil sketches of tables and chairs undated
Speeches: IDSA annual meeting, Lake Geneva, WI (Oct. 1968); Southern Furniture Manufacturer's Association (Spring, 1965); "The Furniture Designer and Design Engineering," (undated); "The Necktie and the Morals of Product Development (August 1961); "The Ideal Wife of the Designer," (undated); "Unashamed Witnessing to Faith in Inner Life Values," NC State Design Student Series (April 18, 1966)
Baermann Associates Firm Records 1950-1972 (MC 244 Series 03)
This subseries, includes general information on Baermann's design firm, Walter P. Baermann & Associates, Inc. that operated in Waynesville, North Carolina and Raleigh from 1950-1972. Also present are notes and records from interviews conducted between Baermann and assorted furniture industry executives. Articles from magazines and trade publications both by Baermann and about his work are found in this series. In addition, there are many news clippings from the North Carolina and Midwest area about Baermann's activities, including several dozen newspaper advertisements from the Detroit News and The Detroit Free Press, promoting furniture made from Baermann's designs. These news clippings and advertisements serve to document the broad base of influence in the 1950-60s that Baermann exerted over the furniture industry. Finally, this series contains a small amount of information that exists about Baermann's work as a residential architect in western North Carolina.
Brochure, master copy (1968); Brochure, updated (1969) 1968-1969
Correspondence - Permission for reference
History and function of Baermann Associates
Articles: typed manuscript and galleys of article for Industrial Design Magazine (August, 1965); Harry Gehman Good, "Education Through Work," Epsilon Pi Tau Founders' Day Address (March 13, 1943)
Interview - Nathan Ancell, Baumritter Corporation (ca. 1963)
Interview - [no first name] Brunn, Drexel Furniture (no date)
Interview - Tom Finch (no date)
Interview - Rome Jones (no date)
Interview - Bob Spellman (no date)
Interview - Stanley Furniture (no date)
Interview - Thayer-Coggin (no date)
Interview - Ed Thrower (no date)
Magazine articles (Business Week article about Baermann's "Image" Line for Prestige Furniture ( February, 1961); Furniture Design and Manufacturing article about Baermann's "Candlelight" Line, (March, 1959); Unagusta trade literature, undated; other articles from Furniture Manufacturer and National Furniture Design re: Baermann's designs early 1960s)
Articles by Baermann from Journal of the Industrial Designers Society of America (1968, 1969); Furniture Design and Manufacturing (1964); Industrial Design (1961, 1965, 1967) 1961-1969
Magazine articles, including Family Circle, May 1961; Saturday Review articles on various aspects of science, philosophy, and education, (early 1960s)
Paul McCobb, newsletter discussing trends and future of furniture industry (1967)
News clippings (1952-1964) Asheville Citizen; Waynesville Mountaineer; Raleigh Times; News & Observer; Cincinnati Box Folder/Contents Inquirer; Canton Enterprise; High Point Enterprise; inter alia
Newspaper advertisements, primarily from Detroit News and Detroit Free Press (1955)
Photographs - Office Staff at Baermann Associates
Promotional materials about Baermann Associates
Residence - Leo Feichter; 2 photos of house exterior under construction, price quotations; contract
Residence - A.L. Freedlander; 2 photos; negatives; specifications; correspondence; survey blueprint (1955)
Residence - H.C. Kersten; survey blueprint; invoices; estimates; correspondence (1954)
Residence - R.L. Prevost; correspondence; estimates (1955)
Residence - A.R. Riegg; design services estimate (1954)
Residence - Jonathan H. Winters; estimates; invoices; correspondence; pencil sketches of floor plan (1955-1957)
Office Building lease agreement--W.C. Norris Company to Baermann (1958)
Baermann Associates Client Files 1940-1972 (MC 244 Series 04)
This subseries is the largest one in the collection. Its size alone testifies to the extent and variety of Baermann's activities as a practicing design engineer. The files contain correspondence, notes, drawings, sketches, photographs, brochures and other corporate publications. The Taylor Instrument Company file provides information about Baermann's award-winning design for the "golden ceramic barometer." Another, the Schieffelin file, offers a glimpse of various cosmetic packaging designs ideas and samples. Finally, this series includes Baermann's work on Liberty Magazine in the late 1940s, reflecting only a few of Baermann's graphic design projects. Note: there is also a file containing Braille language.
Aid Corp.-kitchen accessories (1960)
BASF Technical Information (1970)
Baumritter Corp.; contains 19 photos (1963-64)
Braille language articles and other information about Mary Duke Biddle Semans Gallery for the Blind
Canvas Association in NC and VA; contains photographs (1960s)
Charlotte, NC Chamber of Commerce, visitor's promotional materials
Cherry-Burrell Corp. - Photographs of "Sonifer Power Supply," (1960)
Cherry-Burrell Corp. - Baermann designs, drawings, and correspondence
Corning--Acetonometer, Colorimeter, Blood type meter Alcoholometer; contains 3 photographs (1960)
Creslon - Disposable toothbrush (1960s)
Creslon - Fasteners (general) (1960s)
Creslon - Garter fasteners (1960s)
Creslon - Hair curlers (1960s)
Creslon - Paintbrush (1960s)
Creslon - Security belt fastener (1960s)
Creslon - Screw fastener (1960s)
Creslon - Upholstery, cabinet latches, picture hooks, and others (1960s)
Crest, Inc. - correspondence; 1 photo; negatives (1960s)
Fastex Company-milk dispenser; 3 photos, negatives (1967)
Hardwick Stove Co.-brochures and correspondence 1;3;6 .2 Hardwick Stove Co.- competitors
Hawley Products Co.- brochures and correspondence
Hawley Products- 3 photos plus negatives
ITT Telecommunications; 20 photos; 20 sketches; negatives
Katherine Rug Mills - includes sketches, correspondence, brochures, news clippings
Kendall Co. (Bauer & Black Division); includes sketch, negatives
Liberty Magazine (Baermann worked on concept for consistent layout and cover style) (1948-1949)
Marbon Chemical; catalogs and company information regarding Cycolac, a type of plastic used by Baermann in designing his lightweight chairs (1960s)
Marbon Chemical; 11 photos of chair shells; blueprint of Baermann design for air cushion vehicle (1969)
Marsh, Owen T.; correspondence regarding milk carton patent; lid catch assembly (1963)
Medical Supply Co.; includes blueprints of tear gas gun designs, news clipping, brochures, correspondence, 3 photos of "Tammi" (the resuscitation model designed by Baermann); article: "Recent Advances in Emergency Resuscitation," presented at Semiannual Meeting of Maryland Medical and Chirurgical Faculty September 16, 1960
Mersman Tables; 16 pencil drawings (no date)
Middletown Manufacturing; includes notes; approximately 30 photos of tilt-swivel device, plus negatives (1964)
Milo Baughman royalty contract for Thayer-Coggin Cycolac chairs; company brochures (1960s)
Mobile Mission Church; correspondence; 11 photos (1961)
Monsanto Chemical (Plastics Division)
New Building - Robinson photos of interior and exterior of chair manufacturing plant (1960s?)
No-Sag Spring Co.; includes blueprint sketches, correspondence, brochures, notes (1950s)
Prestige Furniture Co.; 25 photos of "Image" line of upholstered furniture; press conference (early 1960s)
Prestige Furniture Co.; 35 pictures of "Image" line chairs and sofas (early 1960s)
Production Engineering Co.; cost analysis, brochure, correspondence (1963)
Schieffelin Sketches; designs for cosmetic packaging (1965)
Seng Co.; coils, springs, revolving fixtures
Stanley Furniture Company
Stryker; brochures re medical instruments and equipment (1968)
Stryker; notes, correspondence (1968)
Sverdrup, Parcel & Assoc., Inc. (Transportation Technology Division)
Taylor Instrument Co.; includes "golden ceramic barometer" award-winning design (1965-1970)
Unagusta; 30 photos of living room and bedroom furniture
Unagusta; sketches and correspondence
West Virginia Pulp and Paper
West Virginia University wood/plastic combination furniture
University Program on Science and Society 1968-1971 (MC 244 Series 05)
In 1968 NC State, UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke University, St. Augustine's College, and Shaw University launched a cooperative program among faculty and students whose purpose was to provide the colleges and universities with a means of focusing curricula and departmental resources upon major social problems related to the growth of science and technology. The idea was to explore ways to bridge the isolation of "campus" from "community." Baermann was an active participant in this program, serving as a task group leader on "The Vital University." Since Baermann had long been interested the interdisciplinary aspects of design, he applied his energy and talent to this program. This series contains a number of background articles that Baermann collected in connection with his activities in the program, as well as general correspondence, memoranda, information about meetings, and some of the writings of Don W. Shriver, Jr., the NC State professor who served as overall head of this program.
Biological Research Task Group
Conference of Campus Chaplains (February, 1970)
Curriculum Changes & Grading Survey
Duke University Engineering Project
Engineering Curriculum (Baermann writings)
Experimental Study of Religion and Technology
Food and Population Problems Task Group
Shriver, Don W., Jr.; articles:
"From Industrial to Cybernetic Man," typed manuscript (c. 1969) -- "On Interdisciplinary Teaching and Learning," typed manuscript (c. 1969) -- "America is ruled by people with a 1940 consciousness," Technician (Spring 1970) inter alia
Societal engineering; Baermann typed manuscripts: "Engineering and Religion;" "Societal Engineering" (1970)
State Planning Task Group
Study of education for environmental design
Summary of current developments
University and World Affairs Task Group
Articles by Baermann: class lecture (1971); "Conflict and Creative Confrontation" (1970); "The New University" (1970, no date)
Articles from research centers and universities, e.g., Hampshire College, Bowdoin College, Florida State University, University of Chicago, Human Development Corporation, Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions
Articles including Paul Erlich, "Eco-Catastrophe!" Ramparts (1969); "The Cities that Came too Soon," The Economist 1969; Institute for Psychedelic Research of San Francisco State College, "Use of Psychedelic Agents to Facilitate Creative Problem Solving," (no date)
Articles including Fred M. Hechinger, "Some Campus Reforms Come Quietly," New York Times (May 18, 1969); Johanna Grimes, "A New Way of Teaching," News & Observer (March 1, 1970); "How to Make Physics 'Relevant,'" North Carolina Leader (March 12, 1969); George B. Leonard, "Visiting Day 2001 A.D.," Look (October 1, 1968); entire issue of New York Review of Books (July 31, 1969)
Articles on science and technology from Saturday Review (1968-70)
Articles, unpublished, e.g.: Jack Porter, "A Proposal for a Centralized 'Learning Resources' Program at North Carolina State University," (February 1, 1968); Henry Sanoff, "Proposal for a Center for Urban and Regional Development at North Carolina State University, Raleigh," (no date); Lloyd J. Averill, "Social Policy and the Liberal Arts," (no date)
Courses for man-made environment
Philosophy of "Vital University Program
Reorganization, newsletters, reports
Residential college for N.C. State - studies of science, technology and society (1960s)
"Vital University" - Science, Technology & Society Task Group 1968-1969
Biological Research Task Group
Conference of Campus Chaplains (February, 1970)
Curriculum Changes & Grading Survey
Duke University Engineering Project
Engineering Curriculum (Baermann writings)
Experimental Study of Religion and Technology
Food and Population Problems Task Group
Shriver, Don W., Jr.; articles: "From Industrial to Cybernetic Man," typed manuscript (c. 1969) "On Interdisciplinary Teaching and Learning," typed manuscript (c. 1969); "America is ruled by people with a 1940 consciousness," Technician (Spring 1970) inter alia
Societal engineering; Baermann typed manuscripts: "Engineering and Religion;" "Societal Engineering" (1970)
State Planning Task Group
Study of education for environmental design
Summary of current developments
University and World Affairs Task Group
Articles by Baermann: class lecture (1971); "Conflict and Creative Confrontation" (1970); "The New University" (1970, no date)
Articles from research centers and universities, e.g., Hampshire College, Bowdoin College, Florida State University, University of Chicago, Human Development Corporation, Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions
Articles including Paul Erlich, "Eco-Catastrophe!" Ramparts (1969); "The Cities that Came too Soon," The Economist 1969; Institute for Psychedelic Research of San Francisco State College, "Use of Psychedelic Agents to Facilitate Creative Problem Solving," (no date)
Articles including Fred M. Hechinger, "Some Campus Reforms Come Quietly," New York Times (May 18, 1969); Johanna Grimes, "A New Way of Teaching," News & Observer (March 1, 1970); "How to Make Physics 'Relevant,'" North Carolina Leader (March 12, 1969); George B. Leonard, "Visiting Day 2001 A.D.," Look (October 1, 1968); entire issue of New York Review of Books (July 31, 1969)
Articles on science and technology from Saturday Review (1968-70)
Articles, unpublished, e.g.: Jack Porter, "A Proposal for a Centralized 'Learning Resources' Program at North Carolina State University," (February 1, 1968); Henry Sanoff, "Proposal for a Center for Urban and Regional Development at North Carolina State University, Raleigh," (no date); Lloyd J. Averill, "Social Policy and the Liberal Arts," (no date)
Courses for man-made environment
Philosophy of "Vital University Program
Reorganization, newsletters, reports
Residential college for N.C. State - studies of science, technology and society (1960s)
"Vital University" - Science, Technology & Society Task Group 1968-1969
NC State Design School 1964-1973 (MC 244 Series 06)
Limited in scope and size, the series contains correspondence, articles, brochures, and activities of the NC State Design School. Included in this series are course proposals, annual reports, regulations and policy.
Appointment & promotion regulations & policies
Articles and Brochures on activities of the Design School (1960-70s)
Assumption of professorship by Baermann (1959-64)
City/University coordinator (1973)
Correspondence; annual reports (1960-70s)
Curriculum development (1960s)
Cybernetics--includes a special report on automation (1965)
Correspondence from other design schools including Stanford University, Cornell University, University of Bridgeport, CT, University of Kansas (1967-68)
Educational Policy Committee (1970)
Environmental Education (1970)
Executive Committee (1969)
Housing, Commercial; brochures, notes (1970)
Housing, Industrialized (1970)
US Dept of Housing and Urban Development "Breakthrough" Program
Lanczos, Cornelius (Hungarian physicist who visited NCSU in 1965)
North Carolina Design Foundation
Product Design - courses taught by Baermann
Product Design curriculum development
Product Design Dept. Head selection (1966)
Product Design exhibit (1966)
Product Design graduate students
Appointment & promotion regulations & policies
Articles and Brochures on activities of the Design School (1960-70s)
Assumption of professorship by Baermann (1959-64)
City/University coordinator (1973)
Correspondence; annual reports (1960-70s)
Curriculum development (1960s)
Cybernetics--includes a special report on automation (1965)
Correspondence from other design schools including Stanford University, Cornell University, University of Bridgeport, CT, University of Kansas (1967-68)
Educational Policy Committee (1970)
Environmental Education (1970)
Executive Committee (1969)
Housing, Commercial; brochures, notes (1970)
Housing, Industrialized (1970)
US Dept of Housing and Urban Development "Breakthrough" Program
Lanczos, Cornelius (Hungarian physicist who visited NCSU in 1965)
North Carolina Design Foundation
Product Design - courses taught by Baermann
Product Design curriculum development
Product Design Dept. Head selection (1966)
Product Design exhibit (1966)
Product Design graduate students
Artifacts 1960s (MC 244 Series 07)
The smallest part of the collection offers three examples of product designs: the Creslon company's manufacture of security belt fasteners and hair curlers and Baermann's design of hospital thermometer sleeves.
2 Creslon security belt fasteners
Audiotapes and Slides 1968; undated (MC 244 Series 08)
There are twelve audiotaped interviews in this series, including telephone conversations related to "Tammi," the resusitation model; staff conference calls between Carl Beal and Walter Baermann, again relevant to "Tammi;" a School of Forestry lecture; and a speech by Baermann, dated 1968. Dates are absent from the audiotapes. Twelve color slides are also provided in this series, dated, spring, 1968, and two reels indicate a 1968 presentation [Strycer?].
Thayer Coggin, Inc.; Meeting with Carl Beal on "Tammi" (resuscitation model) (no date)
Drexel Furniture Co. Interview for ID article; Telephone conversations relevant to "Tammi," (no date)
Medical Supply Co., Carl Beal, and staff-conference with Baermann regarding "Tammi," (no date)
Medical Supply Co., Carl Beal, and staff-conference with Baermann regarding "Tammi," (no date)
Carl Beal, Nov. 30 [no year]; Baermann article (no date)
Bob Spellman-Interview for ID article (no date)
Stanley Furniture-Interview for ID article (no date)
Telcon's U-Sonic Press (no date)
Pat McDonald Telcon; Branson Telcon (no date)
JM and RJC-Branson Electronics (no date)
School of Forestry Lecture (no date)
Baermann Speech - Quail's Roost (Jan 28-30, 1968)
Unmarked audiotapes (believed to be blank)
Card box 22A, Folder 13-16
IDSA (Southeast) at Darien Spring 1968
Three reels--one empty, one unmarked, other: 7/868, [Strycer?] presentation
Thayer Coggin, Inc.; Meeting with Carl Beal on "Tammi" (resuscitation model, audiotape (no date)
Drexel Furniture Co. Interview for ID article; Telephone conversations relevant to "Tammi," audiotape (no date)
Medical Supply Co., Carl Beal, and staff-conference with Baermann regarding "Tammi," audiotape (no date)
Medical Supply Co., Carl Beal, and staff-conference with Baermann regarding "Tammi," audiotape (no date)
Carl Beal, Nov. 30 [no year]; Baermann article, audiotape (no date)
Bob Spellman-Interview for ID article, audiotape (no date)
Stanley Furniture-Interview for ID article, audiotape (no date)
Telcon's U-Sonic Press, audiotape (no date)
Pat McDonald Telcon; Branson Telcon, audiotape (no date)
JM and RJC-Branson Electronics, audiotape (no date)
School of Forestry Lecture, audiotape (no date)
Baermann Speech - Quail's Roost, audiotape (Jan 28-30, 1968)
Unmarked audiotapes (believed to be blank)
Card box 22A, Folder 13-16
IDSA (Southeast) at Darien Spring 1968 ((12 color slides))
Three reels--one empty, one unmarked, other: 7/868, [Strycer?] presentation
Prints, Sketches, Drawings and Blueprints 1920-1972 (MC 244 Series 09)
The final series in the collection combines over one hundred items ranging from Baermann's early years as an artist, and later, his career as a product designer. The drawings vary in size and subject, featuring a variety of water colors on fiberboard, pen and ink drawings, blueprints, and pencil sketches. These include female nude models; hands and feet; portraits of men and women; and furniture and home designs. There are a number of blueprints of homes, interiors, and a church. Some art work by others are included in the collection. Many are unidentified and dates are often excluded. Index cards identify each client (by alphabetical order) and furniture pieces are in order by subject.
Chairs - detailed pencil sketches (1-6)
Chairs - rough pencil sketches (1-32)
After review, access to the digital copies may be provided for use in the
SCRC Reading Room upon request.
Tables, luggage and cabinets - rough pencil sketches (1-7)
Watercolors on fiberboard - sofas
Watercolors on fiberboard - chairs
Watercolors on fiberboard - cabinets and tables
Flat box 23, Folder 10-20
Watercolors on fiberboard - headboards
Flat box 23, Folder 21-22
Watercolors on fiberboard - upholstery and fabric designs
Flat box 23, Folder 23-27
Small fiberboard watercolor - chest of drawers
Small fiberboard watercolor - chairs
Flat box 23, Folder 30-33
Small fiberboard watercolor - drawer pulls
Flat box 23, Folder 34-35
Small fiberboard watercolor - tables
Flat box 23, Folder 36-44
Pencil sketches - sofas (1959)
Flat box 23, Folder 45-52
Flat box 23, Folder 53-62
Pencil sketches - tables, cabinets, desk
After review, access to the digital copies may be provided for use in the
SCRC Reading Room upon request.
Flat box 23, Folder 63-67
Pencil sketches - convertible sleeper/couch
Flat box 23, Folder 71-74
Exterior of house (1954); trailer plan
Flat box 23, Folder 75-78
Flat box 23, Folder 79-82
Seven pencil sketches of tables
Liberty Magazine-galley proofs, kitchen appliances (1940)
Thirteen sketches (ink/pencil) of male busts, one arm/two feet (1920s)
Seven sketches-charcoal; pen; ink-male and female portraits, nudes, hands (1920s)
Nine sketches of male and female portraits, hands, tea cups (1920-1930s)
Thirteen various sized pen and ink sketches, pencil sketches-includes Valentine sketch
Six sketches of tables, chairs and other furnishings (1950s)
One group scene-pencil sketch
One portrait of elderly woman wearing glasses-pencil sketch
One sketch-watering can on table "Klassenarbeit" (April 24,1920)
Two sketches--three women (color) and candle holder and book
Works by others[?]-Two water colors, two pen and ink sketches
Color sketch of "US Security Award" emblem (1943)
Sixty-five color sketches of furniture (1960s)
Index cards: clients by alphabetical order; furniture pieces arranged by subject
A1-A7 "A mobile church for the Diocese of Western North Carolina-architect, James R. Washburn
A8 Hillsboro Residence, Hillsboro Beach, Florida-plumbing plan (1951)
A9 Residence for Feichter, exterior
A10 Kitchen blueprint for Freedlander by Paul Robinson
A12 Ultrasonic Demonstrator (1967)
AB13-22 Pencil sketches of chairs, sofas, tables (1959)
AB23-27 Design plans for Oak Park Motor Court Extension, Waynesville, NC (1950s) modernization by Baermann
AB28 Medical Supply thermometer sterilization package, blueprint (1964)
A14 Converta Sofa of Grand Rapids, Michigan (1960)
A15-18 Seng Company Revolving Rocker-prints
After review, access to the digital copies may be provided for use in the
SCRC Reading Room upon request.
A19-26 Pencil sketches of dressers and drawers
A27-34 Pencil sketches of dressers and drawers
B9-16 Saginaw Furniture Shops-sketches of cabinets
B17 Cavalier Corporation-front grille
B18 Proposed summer residence design for Mr. and Mrs. Horace Cordes
B19 Product Engineering Company, Georgia- child's padded chaise
B24 Plastic arm chaise and chair
B27 Child's padded arm chair-rocker
B28 Deluxe folding lounge
B29-30 Folding "Tot" rocker
C1-C10 Royal Metal Manufacturing-hospital and institutional furnishings
C11-26 Various chairs and tables sketches
C27 Welsh Plywood Corporation-eight color sketches (1959)
C28 Residence-exteriors, two sketches (1955)
C29 One decorative paper strip, gold/black
Addition 1951-1966
Contained in this series are personal correspondence and photographs. The correspondence is from Baermann to his wife Christine while on business trips to Europe. The photographs mainly show Walter and Christine Baermann.
Personal Correspondence 1958, undated (Accession 2018.0260)
Photographs 1951-1966 (Accession 2018.0260)
Access to the collection
This collection is open for research; access requires at least 48 hours advance notice.
Because of the nature of certain archival formats, including digital and audio-visual materials,
access to digital files may require additional advanced notice.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Walter Peter Baermann Papers, MC 00244,
Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC
Use of these materials
The nature of the NC State University Libraries' Special Collections means that copyright or other information about restrictions may be difficult or even impossible to determine despite reasonable efforts. The NC State University Libraries claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials.
The materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source.
This collection may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations. Researchers are advised that the disclosure of certain information pertaining to identifiable living individuals represented in this collection without the consent of those individuals may have legal ramifications (e.g., a cause of action under common law for invasion of privacy may arise if facts concerning an individual's private life are published that would be deemed highly offensive to a reasonable person) for which North Carolina State University assumes no responsibility.