Finding Aid for Small Homes Council Photographs, 1946-1994 | University of Illinois Archives

Title: Small Homes Council Photographs, 1946-1994

ID: 12/6/9

Primary Creator: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Small Homes Council

Extent: 1.3 cubic feet

Arrangement: Alphabetical by subject.

Subjects: Architectural Photographs, Building Construction, Construction Research, Residential Construction, Small Homes Council, Wood Construction

Languages: English

Small Homes Council-Building Research Council Photographs (1946-1994) include negatives, contact sheets, and prints of, among other subjects, Bildrok House (1951); construction methods; the fiftieth anniversary celebration of the Council (1994); the Home Research Center; ice storm (1990); Mumford House; roof trusses; Short Courses in Residential Construction (1948-60); the Space Laboratory; wall panels (1954-56); Warm Air Research Residences; and wood framing.

Many of these photographs were used in the circulars and other publications issued by the Small Homes Council. The early research work and outreach efforts of the Council are especially well documented in this series.

In 1944, the Board of Trustees approved the establishment of the Small Homes Council.¹

The purpose of the council was to focus "talents on the small home problems, rural and urban." Its objectives were to inform the public on all home building problems and solutions, "to keep abreast of all that is new", and to work continually for the improvement of homes and housing. It was to publish "bulletins and circulars in convenient form on all subjects pertaining to planning, financing and building the home." Homes were to be built on campus to demonstrate good homes to thousands of visitors to the campus.²

Students in University courses which relate to construction, design, and management of the home would have advantages of practical studies. Financing was expected from sponsors.³

In 1955 the responsibility for the director to report directly to the University president was changed so that he reported to the Dean of the College of Fine and Applied Arts.⁴ The council issues non-technical circulars for home owners and planners, publishes research reports and presents short courses for contractors, builders, mortgage lenders and others.

1. Board of Trustees Transactions, 43rd Report, September 29, 1944, pp. 214-15.

2. Ibid., p. 214.

3. Ibid., p. 215.

4. Board of Trustees Transactions, 48th Report, May 19, 1955, p. 353.

Architectural Photographs
Building Construction
Construction Research
Residential Construction
Small Homes Council
Wood Construction

Repository: University of Illinois Archives

Accruals: 3/2012

Access Restrictions: None.

Other Note: 2 Pages

URL: https://files.archon.library.illinois.edu/uasfa/1206009.pdf

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