William S. Wiedorn Office Records

Collection

Identifier: SEAA-021

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection of records, from New Orleans landscape architect William S. Wiedorn (1896-1990)'s office, includes project drawings of public and recreational, educational, and residential commissions in New Orleans, across Louisiana, and throughout the United States. Sketchbooks of study drawings and and one photograph of Wiedorn are also maintained.

Dates

1921-1974

Creator

Wiedorn, William S., 1896-1990 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

This collection is the physical property of Tulane University Special Collections. Copyright belongs to the creators or their legal heirs and assigns. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine who holds the copyright and pursue the copyright owner or owner’s heir for permission to publish where Tulane University Special Collections does not hold the copyright. For further information, please contact Research Services at specialcollections@tulane.edu.

Biographical / Historical

William S. Wiedorn, born in Baltimore, Maryland, was an American landscape architect, town planner, and preservation advocate. After serving in the US Army during World War I, Wiedorn received a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University in 1919, followed by a Masters in Landscape Design in 1921. From 1920-1924, he was an assistant professor of landscape architecture at Kansas State College. From 1924-1927, he worked for landscape architect John Watson in St. Petersburg, Florida. From 1927-1932, he was chief designer for theatrical designer William Pitkin in Cleveland, Ohio. Beginning in 1932, Wiedorn established himself in private practice in New Orleans. His projects included New Orleans City Park, the grounds of Dillard University, and Lake Vista subdivision.

Extent

51.29 Linear Feet (14 folders, 1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement

This collection is arranged into two series: Series 1: Project Drawings; Series 2: Sketchbooks and Photograph.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Records were given by Wiedorn from 1983 through 1988. He also gave several books from his library, some of which were added to the garden library of The New Orleans Town Gardeners. Other books were dispersed in other Howard-Tilton Library collections.