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 will require additional advanced notice.
The Henry Leveke Kamphoefner Papers dates from 1924 to 1990 and include correspondence, magazine articles, news clippings, speeches, photographs, architectural drawings, and artifacts. The collection documents Kamphoefner's professional life as an architect and as a professor and dean at North Carolina State University and other academic institutions. It also includes information about Kamphoefner's personal life.
Henry Leveke Kamphoefner was dean of the North Carolina State College (later North Carolina State University) School of Design, 1948-1973, and continued to teach architecture at North Carolina State Universtiy until 1979. Kamphoefner practiced architecture in Sioux City, Iowa, 1932-1936; was associate architect for the Rural Resettlement Administration in Washington, D.C., 1936-1937; and taught architecture at the University of Oklahoma, 1937-1948.
Henry Leveke Kamphoefner, the son of a Methodist preacher, was born in Des Moines, Iowa in 1907. He attended Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa from 1924 to 1926 and graduated in 1930 from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science degree in architecture. In 1931, he received a Master of Science degree in architecture from Columbia University, and in 1932, he received a Certificate in Architecture from the Beaux Arts Institute of Design in New York.
Kamphoefner returned to Sioux City in 1932 and privately practiced architecture there through 1936. From 1936 through 1937, he worked as an associate architect for the Rural Resettlement Administration in Washington, D.C. Kamphoefner then took a position as professor of architecture at the University of Oklahoma, where he remained through 1948. During his tenure there, he also worked as an architect for the United States Navy during the summers of 1938, 1939, and 1941. Kamphoefner was also a visiting professor at the University of Michigan during the summer of 1947. In 1948, Kamphoefner became the first dean of the North Carolina State College (later North Carolina State University) School of Design. He remained as dean until 1973, when he retired and was named dean emeritus. He continued teaching until 1979, when the mandatory retirement age of 72 was invoked by the university and Kamphoefner was required to leave. Following his retirement from North Carolina State, Kamphoefner became Distinguished Visiting Professor at Meredith College in Raleigh, where he remained from 1979-1981.
Kamphoefner's professional activities included acting as president of the Raleigh Council of Architects (1955-1956); as a member of the Board of Directors (1965), treasurer (1959-1963), director (1959-1967), and president (1963-1965) of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA); as a member of the Design Panel of Architects to the United States Navy (1964); and as National Endowment for the Humanities Humanist in Residence in Fayetteville, North Carolina (Fall 1977). Kamphoefner received several awards and honors for his professional work, including an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Morningside College (1967); an honorary Doctorate of Laws from Ball State University (1972); an award in Joint Achievement for Lasting Achievement in Architectural Education (1977); and a North Carolina Award for Achievement in the Fine Arts (1978). His 1934 building, the Grandview Music Pavilion in Sioux City, Iowa, was selected by the Royal Institute of British Architects as one of "America's Outstanding Buildings of the Post-War Period."
Kamphoefner married Mabel C. Franchere on January 5, 1937. He died in Raleigh on February 14, 1990.
The Henry Leveke Kamphoefner Papers documents the personal and professional life of Henry Kamphoefner. Included are materials relating to Kamphoefner's private architectural practice in Sioux City, Iowa; his tenure as professor at the School of Architecture at the University of Oklahoma; his tenure as Dean of the School of Design at North Carolina State University; and his activities after retirement at NC State University, at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and at Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Professional Correspondence series is especially rich in documentation of all facets of his career, as Kamphoefner kept meticulous copies of his own letters as well as those received. Architectural drawings in the Oversized Materials series document his student work at the University of Illinois and at Columbia University, at his private practice in Iowa and on several other projects including his own residences in Norman, Oklahoma and Raleigh, North Carolina.
The collection is organized into eight series: Professional Correspondence; Personal Correspondence; Administrative Materials; Speeches, Lectures and Publications; Reference Files; Photographs and Postcards; Artifacts and Memorabilia; and Oversized Materials.
North Carolina State University does not own copyright to this collection. Individuals obtaining materials from the NC State University Libraries' Special Collections Research Center are responsible for using the works in conformance with United States copyright law as well as any donor restrictions accompanying the materials.
The NC State University Libraries generally claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. Libraries staff are unable to advise on copyright and other legal matters; the user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Helpful resources for assessing copyright include Cornell Libraries' "Copyright Services: Copyright Term and the Public Domain" and copyright.gov. This collection may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information about identifiable living individuals, which may be protected under federal or state laws and regulations. Researchers are advised that there may be legal ramifications for disclosing this information.
The University Archives operates in accordance with the State Public Records Act, with unrestricted access to records not covered by state and federal statutes and regulations.
[Identification of item], Henry Leveke Kamphoefner Papers, MC 00198, Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC
Gift of Henry Leveke Kamphoefner, July 10, 1987; Charles Larson, August 7, 1990; Caroline Carlton, North Carolina State University Design Library, August 9, 1990; Design School, Dean's Office, November 19, 1990; and Caroline Carlton, North Carolina State University Design Library, January 20, 1993.
Processed by: David Jackson; machine-readable finding aid created by: Stephanie A. Horowitz; updated by: Kelly Clark Policelli, 2009 April; Finding aid updated by Hailey Mandel 2022 October; addition processed by Sarah Take, 2023 December; finding aid updated by Clara Wilson, 2024 January
The collection is organized into nine principal series:
The Professional Correspondence series documents the career of Kamphoefner in private practice in Sioux City, Iowa, as professor at the University of Oklahoma, and as founding Dean of the School of Design at North Carolina State University. Kamphoefner's role in developing the School of Architecture at the University of Oklahoma is also well-documented. Further, his professional contacts nationwide are reflected in his correspondence during the formative years of the School of Design at North Carolina State College. The series also includes information regarding Kamphoefner's consulting work for various projects including city planning and acting as an expert witness in several lawsuits. There is a complete collection of letters of reference for Kamphoefner's appointment as Fellow in the American Institute of Architects as well as letters of reference he provided for other architects. The series also documents several architectural projects designed by Kamphoefner, including the award-winning Music Pavilion and Outdoor Theater at Grandview Park in Sioux City, Iowa (1934). Further, there is documentation on Kamphoefner's professional involvement with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA). There is also correspondence relating to his activities in retirement, including teaching and travel. Correspondence relating to Kamphoefner's own residences in Norman, Oklahoma and Raleigh, North Carolina can be found in the Personal Correspondence series. The Professional Correspondence series is generally arranged first by subject and then chronologically.
7.5 archival boxes
This series includes Kamphoefner's personal correspondence with his friends and associates, chiefly other members of the architectural profession. Correspondence with family members and the correspondence of Kamphoefner's wife, Mabel, is contained in this series. Further, Kamphoefner's involvement with civic and charitable organizations is documented in this series. Also included is correspondence relating to Kamphoefner's own residences in Norman, Oklahoma and Raleigh, North Carolina. This group of materials documents the process of designing and building these two homes. Personal correspondence is arranged by subject and then chronologically.
3 archival boxes
This series contains documents, news clippings, memoranda, programs, and reports relating to various professional positions held by Kamphoefner. However, the bulk of the records regarding his position in the North Carolina State University Design School are part of the University Archives at NC State. Also included are references made and reviewed by Kamphoefner for nominations for fellowships in the American Institute of Architects. The series is arranged by subject.
2 archival boxes
This series reflects Kamphoefner's devotion to modern design. Many of his speeches and lectures are controversial in their criticism of traditional architecture and responses to these statements and opinions are well-documented in the Professional Correspondence series. Lectures also include research and preparation for his classes. Publications contain information relating to his writing and his architectural projects, especially his residences in Norman, Oklahoma and Raleigh, North Carolina.
2.5 archival boxes
Written by Gertrude Nielsen, MD and Henry L. Kamphoefner
This series contains news clippings, articles, and other material documenting Kamphoefner's interest or association with well-known figures in architecture and design. Included are projects, buildings and ideas in design and architectural education. A subseries of project specifications for early Kamphoefner projects (1932-1947) is also included. The series is arranged by subject.
3 archival boxes
This series contains several thousand photographs of Kamphoefner's projects, friends, associates, and family, along with some photographs of buildings designed by other architects. All of Kamphoefner's built projects are represented, with the exception of the McEvare Residence in Southern Pines, North Carolina. The postcard collection contains images of chiefly European buildings, possibly collected during Kamphoefner's trip to Europe in 1930. Photographs are arranged first by size, then by subject. Note: This arrangement causes several subjects to be spread among separate containers.
3.5 archival boxes
After review, access to the digital copy may be provided for use in the SCRC Reading Room upon request.
After review, access to the digital copies may be provided for use in the SCRC Reading Room upon request.
The Special Collections Research Center, NC State University Libraries, has digital copies of some or all of the materials from this folder.
The Special Collections Research Center, NC State University Libraries, has digital copies of some or all of these materials.
Photographers: Betty Barclay, Andre Kertesz
Includes photographs of the Catalano House and Matthew Nowicki's sketches.
Photographs of bandshells designed by Kamphoefner in Sioux City, Iowa and Fort Dodge, Iowa; Also contains photos of bandshells not designed by Kamphoefner.
University of Oklahoma project and other projects
Nine (9) blank cards, three (3) used (written on) cards
Mostly from former students and colleagues.
Only two postcards in this group
Postcards sent to Henry at his home address, after Mabel's death, included in here as well.
Sorted alphabetically by sender rather than by date
This series includes biographical sketches, personal finance information, wills, and purchases relating to residences in Norman, Oklahoma and Raleigh, North Carolina. The series also includes driver's licenses, membership cards, a diary from Kamphoefner's European trip in 1930, and several desktop items including his signature stamp. There also is a guest book from a memorial service held in Kamphoefner's honor after his death in 1990. This series also includes four paintings donated by Kamphoefner.
3 archival boxes, 4 oversize flat boxes
39" high x 39" wide
32" high x 32" wide
40" high x 31" wide
16" high x 45" wide
Grade record from Universy of Illinois 1926-1927, Photograph of Richard Neutra signed by him on the back, two architects' calling cards
Two (2) Navy identification buttons, 1977 ACSA/AIA Award
This series chiefly includes architectural drawings done by Kamphoefner throughout his career. It also includes several study drawings done by Kamphoefner as a student between 1927 and 1932. All of Kamphoefner's built projects are represented as well as several competition entries and proposed projects. There are several oversized photographs as well. There is also one folder of diplomas, awards, and certificates earned by Kamphoefner. A series of scrapbooks that were kept by Mabel Kamphoefner is found at the end of the series. The scrapbooks document Henry Kamphoefner's achievements throughout his career with special emphasis on the success of the School of Design at North Carolina State University. The series is arranged first by general size of the material, then by subject. Accordingly, several subjects are spread among folders.
Map, 27.25 inches by 18.75 inches.
This series comprises some late accessions to the collection. These materials have been arranged in three subseries: Photographs, Artifacts and Memorabilia, and Publications. Travel snapshots of landscapes and buildings from the American West and several national parks make up the bulk of the photographs subseries. The artifacts and memorabilia subseries includes personal effects belonging to Henry L. Kamphoefner and his wife, Mabel C. Kamphoefner. The publications subseries contains only one item: a copy of the book "Your Solar House" (1947), to which Henry L. Kamphoefner contributed.
3 boxes
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 will require additional advanced notice.
For more information contact us via mail, phone, or our web form.
Mailing address:
Special Collections Research Center
Box 7111
Raleigh, NC, 27695-7111
Phone: (919) 515-2273
[Identification of item], Henry Leveke Kamphoefner Papers, MC 00198, Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC
North Carolina State University does not own copyright to this collection. Individuals obtaining materials from the NC State University Libraries' Special Collections Research Center are responsible for using the works in conformance with United States copyright law as well as any donor restrictions accompanying the materials.
The NC State University Libraries generally claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. Libraries staff are unable to advise on copyright and other legal matters; the user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Helpful resources for assessing copyright include Cornell Libraries' "Copyright Services: Copyright Term and the Public Domain" and copyright.gov. This collection may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information about identifiable living individuals, which may be protected under federal or state laws and regulations. Researchers are advised that there may be legal ramifications for disclosing this information.
The University Archives operates in accordance with the State Public Records Act, with unrestricted access to records not covered by state and federal statutes and regulations.