Alan W. Mather Papers

Collection

Identifier: LP000756

Staff Only

Scope and Content

Important subjects covered in the collection are: Unionization of architectural employees in Detroit, 1969-1973 City planning and housing, 1930s-1940s Construction and architecture in the Detroit area

Among the important correspondents are: Raya Dunayevskaya Ernest Mazey Joe Raimist Isadore Rosenfield

Series Description: Series I, Architectural History, 1930-1950 Notes and other reference material compiled by Mr. Mather on architecture, construction, city planning, housing and related topics.

Series II, Detroit Area Architecture and Architectural Organizations, 1943-1976 Notes, correspondence, memos and other material dealing primarily with architecture and architectural firms in the Detroit area, including information regarding specific firms, the construction of the Wayne County Youth Home, hospital construction and the Organization of Architectural and Engineering Employees.

Series III, Published Materials, 1933-1976 Articles and other publications by Alan Mather.

Series IV, Diaries, Correspondence and Miscellaneous, 1933-1982 Family history, diaries and correspondence.

Dates

1930 - 1982

Creator

Mather, Alan W., 1907-1995 (Person)

Language of Materials

Material entirely in English.

Access

Collection is open for research.

Use

Doesn't want personal diaries opened until after his and his wife's death, as of 1989, in nursing home — see WP

Refer to the Walter P. Reuther Library Rules for Use of Archival Materials.

History

Alan W. Mather was born in Glasgow, Scotland on February 11, 1907. He was raised and educated in Scotland, England, Canada and the United States. Mr. Mather was employed as an architectural draftsman in New York City during the 1920s and 1930s, and from 1935 to 1938 was on Isadore Rosenfield's staff with the New York City Department of Hospitals. He moved to Detroit in 1941, and since then has been employed by various architectural firms in the Detroit area and Chicago,including Albert Kahn, Inc., Saarinen & Swanson, Ralph R. Calder, Pilafian & Montana, and Smith, Hinchman & Grylls, Inc. He has been a prolific freelance writer, with'article's and book reviews published in a variety of magazines, newspapers and architectural journals. Throughout his career, Mr. Mather has been interested and actively involved in the unionization of architectural employees, and he supported the efforts of the Organization of Architectural and Engineering Employees in the 1970s.

Extent

3.75 Linear Feet (6 MB, 2 OS)

Additional Description

Abstract

Alan Mather was an architect in New York, Detroit, and Chicago, working for various well-known firms. His papers reflect his architectural career and his interest and activity involving unionization of architectural employees.

Arrangement

Arranged in 4 series – Series 1 (Box 1), Series 2 (Box 2), Series 3 (Box 3) and Series 4 (Boxes 3-8). Folders in Series 1 and 2 are arranged by subject.

Transfers

Approximately 31 blueprints drawn by Mr. Mather for the firms of Austin, Barry & Kay, H. E. Beyster, Ralph R. Calder, Albert Kahn Associates, Inc., Smith, Hinchman & Grylls, Inc., and Pilafian & Montana as well as for the Detroit City Engineer have been placed in the Archives Audiovisual Collection.