By Michael Maune
Title: Robert Thompson papers, 1947-1969
Primary Creator: Thompson, Robert
Extent: 0.8 Cubic feet
Date Acquired: 02/23/1998
Subjects: Mechanical engineering, Mechanical engineering--Study and teaching, Purdue University--Alumni and alumnae
Forms of Material: Artifacts (object genre), Black-and-white photographs
Languages: English
The Robert Thompson papers (1949-1951); size in cubic feet) documents campus life during Robert Thompson’s time at Purdue University. They feature material related to Thompson’s study of mechanical engineering, including artifacts he created in a machine shop course. Student life is also represented in dormitory photographs, student rule handbooks and student publications. Types of materials include: photographs, negatives, artifacts, and booklets. The Papers are organized into three form series:
Arrangement
1. Photographs and Negatives, circa 1940s (0.3 cubic feet)
The photographs document student dormitories, special events, various campus buildings, and aircraft at the Purdue Airport. Aerial shots of campus are included. A house and bridge construction is also featured. Many photographs are paired with their negatives. Original order of the photographs is retained.
2. Publications, 1947-1969 (0.3 cubic feet)
The publications include student rules, Purdue 75th anniversary souvenir magazine, and student-produced publications. The student publications include literary booklets, a humor magazine, and a mechanical engineering magazine. One publication is oversized. Materials in the series are arranged in alphabetical order.
3. Artifacts, 1948 (0.2 cubic feet)
The artifacts document Thompson’s study of mechanical engineering, illustrating work he completed in a machine shop course. They include small brass and aluminum shapes and an electric lamp.
Mechanical engineering
Mechanical engineering--Study and teaching
Purdue University--Alumni and alumnae
Repository: Purdue University Libraries, Archives and Special Collections
Access Restrictions: Collection is open to researchers.
Acquisition Method: Donated by Robert Thompson.
Related Materials: MSA 252, Granville C. Thompson papers, 1921-1943
Processing Information: Whenever possible, original order of the materials has been retained. All materials have been housed in polyester sleeves, acid-free folders, and acid-free boxes.
