Meem, John Gaw, 1894-1983

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The original objective of the interview was a survey of the early development of the Santa Fe art colony and the personalities who made it famous. The interviewer is unidentified. Interviewees include renowned architect, John Gaw Meem; Will Shuster, painter and founder of Los Cinco Pintores, Santa Fe's first modernist art group; and Karl Larsson, Swedish immigrant, silversmith, and painter-teacher.

From the description of Oral history interview with John Gaw Meem, Will Shuster, and Karl Larsson, 1965 August 27. (University of New Mexico-Main Campus). WorldCat record id: 244437453

From the guide to the Oral history interview with John Gaw Meem, Will Shuster, and Karl Larsson, 1965 August 27, (University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research)

Architect, best known for a style of architecture known variously as "Santa Fe style," "Spanish-Pueblo style," or "Pueblo Revival." John Gaw Meem was involved with the Historical American Buildings Survey (HABS) in the 1930s and after retiring in 1959 continued to pursue an interest in saving the historic buildings of New Mexico.

From the description of Detail drawings, [ca. 1924]-[ca. 1960]. (University of New Mexico-Main Campus). WorldCat record id: 40844665

From the description of Drawings and plans, 1925-1961. (University of New Mexico-Main Campus). WorldCat record id: 40844690

From the description of Perspectives, 1922-1955. (University of New Mexico-Main Campus). WorldCat record id: 42401710

Architect, best known for a style of architecture know variously as "Santa Fe style," "Spanish-Pueblo style," or "Pueblo Revival." John Gaw Meem was involved with the Historical American Buildings Survey (HABS) in the 1930s and after retiring in 1959 continued to pursue an interest in saving the historic buildings of New Mexico.

From the description of Papers, 1914-1992. (University of New Mexico-Main Campus). WorldCat record id: 49311197

Arts administrator, Public Works of Art Project; Santa Fe, N.M.

From the description of John Gaw Meem interview, 1964 Dec. 3. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 220195058

John Gaw Meem, 1894-1983, is one of New Mexico's most renowned architects. Perhaps more than any other individual, John Gaw Meem is responsible for the conservation, development and propagation of the Southwestern regional architectural style. He was born in Pelota, Brazil of American parents. He graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1915 with a Bachelor of Science. In 1920 he contracted tuberculosis and moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico in order to recover. While bedridden at Sunmount Sanatorium, he developed an interest in architecture. When he was sufficiently recovered, he went to Denver where he worked in the office of Fisher & Fisher and studied at the Atelier Denver, a Beaux Arts Institute studio. In 1924 he opened an office in Santa Fe and practiced architecture continuously until his retirement in 1960. Meem was a leading advocate of Spanish-Pueblo style architecture and designed new buildings in a soft adobe style that reflected New Mexico's rich cultural heritage. He was involved in historic preservation throughout his life, collecting a significant number of Historic American Building Survey photographs, now housed in the pictorial collections at the Center for Southwest Research, Zimmerman Library. John Gaw Meem was the leading architect for the University of New Mexico from 1933 to 1959, designing some 40 buildings on the campus that lend to its Southwestern atmosphere. In 1975, Meem donated his collection of plans, drawings, models, photographs, and office papers to the University of New Mexico library. These formed the basis of the John Gaw Meem Archives of Southwestern Architecture, which houses collections of records from a number of New Mexico architects and their firms. Meem died in Santa Fe on August 4, 1983.

From the description of John Gaw Meem job files, 1925-1960. (University of New Mexico-Main Campus). WorldCat record id: 61689238

John Gaw Meem (1894- ) was an arts administrator in the Public Works of Art Project from Santa Fe, N.M.

From the description of Oral history interview with John Gaw Meem, 1964 Dec. 3 [sound recording]. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 233007096

Architect, committee member of Public Works of Art regional committee--Region 13; Santa Fe, New Mexico.

From the description of John Gaw Meem correspondence, 1933-1934. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122557300

Architect, best known for a style of architecture known variously as "Santa Fe style," "Spanish-Pueblo style," or "Pueblo Revival." John Gaw Meem was involved with the Historical American Buildings Survey (HABS) in the 1930s and after retiring in 1959 continued to pursue an interest in saving the historic buildings of New Mexico

From the guide to the John Gaw Meem Collection: Non-job Specific Photos, 1859-1980, (Center for Southwest Research, University of New Mexico.)

John Gaw Meem was an architect in New Mexico.

From the description of John Gaw Meem photograph collection [graphic]. 1904-1936. (Santa Fe Public Library). WorldCat record id: 38000317

John G. Meem presenting the deed to El Santuario de Chimayo to Archbishop Daeger [with Mary Austin leaning over table and Frank Applegate far right]. Part of the Beatrice Chauvenet Pictorial Collection (PICT 000-588).

John Gaw Meem, 1894-1983, is one of New Mexico's most renowned architects. Perhaps more than any other individual, John Gaw Meem is responsible for the conservation, development and propagation of the Southwestern regional architectural style. He was born in Pelota, Brazil of American parents. He graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1915 with a Bachelor of Science. In 1920 he contracted tuberculosis and moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico in order to recover. While bedridden at Sunmount Sanatorium, he developed an interest in architecture. When he was sufficiently recovered, he went to Denver where he worked in the office of Fisher & Fisher and studied at the Atelier Denver, a Beaux Arts Institute studio. In 1924 he opened an office in Santa Fe and practiced architecture continuously until his retirement in 1960.

Meem was a leading advocate of Spanish-Pueblo style architecture and designed new buildings in a soft adobe style that reflected New Mexico's rich cultural heritage. He was involved in historic preservation throughout his life, collecting a significant number of Historic American Building Survey photographs, now housed in the pictorial collections at the Center for Southwest Research, Zimmerman Library. John Gaw Meem was the leading architect for the University of New Mexico from 1933 to 1959, designing some 40 buildings on the campus that lend to its Southwestern atmosphere.

In 1975 Meem donated his collection of plans, drawings, models, photographs, and office papers to the University of New Mexico library. These formed the basis of the John Gaw Meem Archives of Southwestern Architecture, which houses collections of records from a number of New Mexico architects and their firms.

Meem died in Santa Fe on August 4, 1983.

From the guide to the John Gaw Meem Papers, 1914-1992, (University of New Mexico. Center for Southwest Research.)

John Gaw Meem, 1894-1983, is one of New Mexico's most renowned architects. Perhaps more than any other individual, John Gaw Meem is responsible for the conservation, development and propagation of the Southwestern regional architectural style. He was born in Pelota, Brazil of American parents. He graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1915 with a Bachelor of Science. In 1920 he contracted tuberculosis and moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico in order to recover. While bedridden at Sunmount Sanatorium, he developed an interest in architecture. When he was sufficiently recovered, he went to Denver where he worked in the office of Fisher & Fisher and studied at the Atelier Denver, a Beaux Arts Institute studio. In 1924 he opened an office in Santa Fe and practiced architecture continuously until his retirement in 1960.

Meem was a leading advocate of Spanish-Pueblo style architecture and designed new buildings in a soft adobe style that reflected New Mexico's rich cultural heritage. He was involved in historic preservation throughout his life, collecting a significant number of Historic American Buildings Survey photographs, now housed in the pictorial collections at the Center for Southwest Research, Zimmerman Library. John Gaw Meem was the leading architect for the University of New Mexico from 1933 to 1959, designing some 40 buildings on the campus that lend to its Southwestern atmosphere. In 1975, Meem donated his collection of plans, drawings, models, photographs, and office papers to the University of New Mexico library. These form the basis of the John Gaw Meem Archives of Southwestern Architecture, which houses collections of records from a number of New Mexico architects and their firms.

Meem died in Santa Fe on August 4, 1983.

From the guide to the John Gaw Meem Job Files, 1925-1960, (Center for Southwest Research, University of New Mexico.)

John Gaw Meem, 1894-1983, is one of New Mexico's most renowned architects. Perhaps more than any other individual, John Gaw Meem is responsible for the conservation, development and propagation of the Southwestern regional architectural style. He was born in Pelota, Brazil of American parents. He graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1915 with a Bachelor of Science. In 1920 he contracted tuberculosis and moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico in order to recover. While bedridden at Sunmount Sanatorium, he developed an interest in architecture. When he was sufficiently recovered, he went to Denver where he worked in the office of Fisher & Fisher and studied at the Atelier Denver, a Beaux Arts Institute studio. In 1924 he opened an office in Santa Fe and practiced architecture continuously until his retirement in 1960.

Meem was a leading advocate of Spanish-Pueblo style architecture and designed new buildings in a soft adobe style that reflected New Mexico's rich cultural heritage. He was involved in historic preservation throughout his life, collecting a significant number of Historic American Buildings Survey photographs, now housed in the pictorial collections at the Center for Southwest Research, Zimmerman Library. John Gaw Meem was the leading architect for the University of New Mexico from 1933 to 1959, designing some 40 buildings on the campus that lend to its Southwestern atmosphere.

In 1975 Meem donated his collection of plans, drawings, models, photographs, and office papers to the University of New Mexico library. These formed the basis of the John Gaw Meem Archives of Southwestern Architecture, which houses collections of records from a number of New Mexico architects and their firms.

Meem died in Santa Fe on August 4, 1983.

From the guide to the John Gaw Meem Drawings and Plans, 1925-1961, (University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research)

Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
referencedIn Witter Bynner papers, 1829-1965. Houghton Library
referencedIn Ernest L. Blumenschein Collection, 1891-1993 Fray Angélico Chávez History Library, New Mexico History Museum.
creatorOf Meem, John Gaw, 1894-. Oral history interview with John Gaw Meem, Will Shuster, and Karl Larsson, 1965 August 27. University of New Mexico-Main Campus
creatorOf Oral history interview with John Gaw Meem, Will Shuster, and Karl Larsson, 1965 August 27 The University of New Mexico, University Libraries, Center for SouthwestResearch
creatorOf Meem, John Gaw, 1894-1983. John Gaw Meem job files, 1925-1960. University of New Mexico-Main Campus
referencedIn Smith, W. Eugene, 1918-1978. W. Eugene Smith portrait of John Gaw Meem [picture]. University of New Mexico-Main Campus
creatorOf University of New Mexico. Dept. of Facility Planning. Architectural drawings, 1892-[ongoing]. University of New Mexico-Main Campus
creatorOf Meem, John Gaw, 1894-1983. Old Santa Fe Armory project 1939-1952. Museum of New Mexico Library
referencedIn Museum of Fine Arts (Museum of New Mexico). Museum of Fine Arts exhibition vertical file, 1917-[ongoing]. Museum of New Mexico Library
referencedIn Santa Fe Plaza Renewal Project Collection, 1966-1968 Fray Angélico Chávez History Library, New Mexico History Museum.
referencedIn Clark, Kenneth J. Santa Fe Plaza Renewal Project collection, 1966-1968. Museum of New Mexico Library
referencedIn Chauvenet, Beatrice. Beatrice Chauvenet photograph collection [picture]. University of New Mexico-Main Campus
referencedIn E. Dana Johnson Papers, 1902-1938 Fray Angélico Chávez History Library, New Mexico History Museum.
referencedIn Santa Maria de Acoma construction and dedication photograph collection [picture]. University of New Mexico-Main Campus
creatorOf John Gaw Meem Collection: Non-job Specific Photos, 1859-1980 The University of New Mexico, University Libraries, Center for SouthwestResearch
creatorOf Meem, John Gaw, 1894-1983. Perspectives, 1922-1955. University of New Mexico-Main Campus
creatorOf John Gaw Meem Papers, 1914-1992 The University of New Mexico, University Libraries, Center for SouthwestResearch
referencedIn Ernest Blumenschein papers Archives of American Art
referencedIn Belisario Contreras Photograph Collection The University of New Mexico, University Libraries, Center for SouthwestResearch
referencedIn Chauvenet, Beatrice. Papers, 1924-1984. University of New Mexico-Main Campus
creatorOf Johnson, E. Dana. E. Dana Johnson papers, 1902-1938. Museum of New Mexico Library
referencedIn Reck, Robert, 1945-. Robert Reck photographs of John Gaw Meem buildings [picture]. University of New Mexico-Main Campus
referencedIn Blumenschein, Ernest Leonard, 1874-1960. Ernest L. Blumenschein Collection. Museum of New Mexico Library
referencedIn Santa Maria de Acoma Construction and Dedication Photograph Collection, 1931-1934 The University of New Mexico, University Libraries, Center for SouthwestResearch
creatorOf Dingee, Tyler. John Gaw Meem collection [picture] : non-job specific photos. University of New Mexico-Main Campus
referencedIn Papers of J.O.Seth and Oliver Seth, 1947-1963 School for Advanced Research
referencedIn Robert Reck Photographs of John Gaw Meem Buildings, 2001 The University of New Mexico, University Libraries, Center for SouthwestResearch
referencedIn Beatrice Chauvenet Photograph Collection, 1905-1984 The University of New Mexico, University Libraries, Center for SouthwestResearch
referencedIn Meem, John Gaw : Biographical file. Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
referencedIn Boaz Long Files concerning the History of the School of American Research, 1930-1962 University of New Mexico. University Libraries
referencedIn Beatrice Chauvenet Papers, 1924-1984 The University of New Mexico, University Libraries, Center for SouthwestResearch
creatorOf Meem, John Gaw, 1894-1983. John Gaw Meem photograph collection [graphic]. New Mexico State Library
creatorOf John Gaw Meem correspondence Archives of American Art
referencedIn Parker Wilson Files, 1952-1971 School for Advanced Research
referencedIn John Gaw Meem Photograph Collection of Meem Buildings, 1925-1963 The University of New Mexico, University Libraries, Center for SouthwestResearch
referencedIn Old Santa Fe Armory Project, 1939-1952 Fray Angélico Chávez History Library, New Mexico History Museum.
creatorOf Meem, John Gaw, 1894-1983. Drawings and plans, 1925-1961. University of New Mexico-Main Campus
creatorOf John Gaw Meem Job Files, 1925-1960 The University of New Mexico, University Libraries, Center for SouthwestResearch
referencedIn W. Eugene Smith Portrait of John Gaw Meem, 1940-1960 The University of New Mexico, University Libraries, Center for SouthwestResearch
creatorOf Meem, John Gaw, 1894-1983. Detail drawings, [ca. 1924]-[ca. 1960]. University of New Mexico-Main Campus
referencedIn New Mexico architectural collection, 1928, 1947, 1964, 1976-1981. University of Texas Libraries
creatorOf Dingee, Tyler. John Gaw Meem photograph collection of Meem buildings [picture]. University of New Mexico-Main Campus
creatorOf Meem, John Gaw, 1894-1983. Papers, 1914-1992. University of New Mexico-Main Campus
referencedIn Blumenschein, Ernest Leonard, 1874-1960. Ernest L. Blumenschein papers, 1946-1955. Museum of New Mexico Library
referencedIn New Mexico Architectural collection 1992007., 1928, 1947, 1964, 1976-1981 Alexander Architectural Archive, University of Texas Libraries, The University of Texas at Austin.
referencedIn Ernest L. Blumenschein Papers, 1946-1955 Fray Angélico Chávez History Library, New Mexico History Museum.
referencedIn University of New Mexico, Dept. of Facility Planning architectural drawings, 1892-1998 The University of New Mexico, University Libraries, Center for SouthwestResearch
creatorOf John Gaw Meem Drawings and Plans, 1925-1961 The University of New Mexico, University Libraries, Center for SouthwestResearch
Role Title Holding Repository
creatorOf Oral history interview with John Gaw Meem Archives of American Art
Relation Name
associatedWith Alexander Architectural Archive corporateBody
associatedWith American Institute of Architects. New Mexico Chapter. corporateBody
associatedWith Blumenschein, Ernest person
associatedWith Blumenschein, Ernest Leonard, 1874-1960. person
associatedWith Buckley, William R., 1918- person
correspondedWith Bynner, Witter, 1881-1968 person
associatedWith Chauvenet, Beatrice. person
associatedWith Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. corporateBody
associatedWith Contreras, Belisario R., 1916- person
associatedWith Dingee, Tyler person
associatedWith Edward Holien and William Buckley (firm) corporateBody
associatedWith Edward Holien and William Buckley (firm) corporateBody
associatedWith Ernest and Mary Greene Blumenschein person
associatedWith Gilpin, Laura person
associatedWith Historic American Buildings Survey. corporateBody
associatedWith Holien, Edward O., (Edward Obert) person
associatedWith Holien, Edward O., (Edward Obert) person
associatedWith John Gaw Meem (firm) corporateBody
associatedWith John Gaw Meem (firm) corporateBody
associatedWith John Gaw Meem (firm) corporateBody
associatedWith John Gaw Meem (firm) corporateBody
associatedWith John Gaw Meem (firm) corporateBody
associatedWith John Gaw Meem, Hugo Zehner and Associates. corporateBody
associatedWith John Gaw Meem, Hugo Zehner and Associates. corporateBody
associatedWith John Gaw Meem, Hugo Zehner and Associates. corporateBody
associatedWith John Gaw Meem, Hugo Zehner and Associates. corporateBody
associatedWith Johnson, E. Dana. person
associatedWith Kent, Dick person
associatedWith Larsson, Karl person
associatedWith Larsson, Karl person
associatedWith Long, Boaz W. (Walton), 1876-1962 person
associatedWith Loomis, Sylvia Glidden person
associatedWith Mathews, Truman. person
associatedWith McCormick, Cassius person
associatedWith McCormick, Cassius person
associatedWith McCormick, Cassius person
associatedWith McCormick, Cassius. person
associatedWith McHugh, John W. person
associatedWith Meem corporateBody
associatedWith Meem, Holien, Buckley and Associates. corporateBody
associatedWith Meem, Holien, Buckley and Associates. corporateBody
associatedWith Meem, Holien, Buckley and Associates. corporateBody
associatedWith Meem, Holien, Buckley and Associates. corporateBody
associatedWith Meem & McCormick (firm) corporateBody
associatedWith Meem & McCormick (firm) corporateBody
associatedWith Meem, Zehner, Holien and Associates. corporateBody
associatedWith Meem, Zehner, Holien and Associates. corporateBody
associatedWith Meem, Zehner, Holien and Associates. corporateBody
associatedWith Meem, Zehner, Holien and Associates. corporateBody
associatedWith Mission San Xavier del Bac (Tucson, Ariz.) corporateBody
associatedWith Museum of Fine Arts (Museum of New Mexico) corporateBody
associatedWith New Deal and the Arts Oral History Project. corporateBody
associatedWith New Deal and the Arts Oral History Project. corporateBody
associatedWith Old Santa Fe Association corporateBody
associatedWith Old Santa Fe Association. corporateBody
associatedWith Public Works of Art Project. corporateBody
associatedWith Public Works of Art Project. corporateBody
associatedWith Public Works of Art Project. corporateBody
associatedWith Reck, Robert, 1945- person
associatedWith Santa Fe (N.M.). Plaza Renewal Committee corporateBody
associatedWith Shuster, Will person
associatedWith Shuster, Will person
associatedWith Smith, W. Eugene, 1918- person
associatedWith Univeristy of New Mexico corporateBody
associatedWith University of New Mexico corporateBody
associatedWith University of New Mexico. Dept. of Facility Planning. corporateBody
associatedWith Zehner, Hugo. person
Place Name Admin Code Country
Peralta (N.M.)
Tijeras (N.M.)
Chaco Canyon (N.M.)
Brazil
Pasadena (Calif.)
Vermejo Park (N.M.)
Santo Domingo (N.M.)
Arizona
Chaco Canyon (N.M.)
Cuchillo (N.M.)
Farmington (N.M.)
Pipe Spring Fort (Ariz.)
Alcalde (N.M.)
New Mexico
Southwest, New
Bandelier National Monument (N.M.)
Central City (Colo.)
San Ildefonso Pueblo (N.M.)
Taos (N.M.)
New Mexico--Santa Fe
Isleta Pueblo (N.M.)
Las Vegas (N.M.)
New Mexico
Hopi Indian Reservation (Ariz.)
Tecolote (N.M.)
New Mexico
Laguna (N.M.)
Los Alamos (N.M.)
New Mexico
Chimayo (N.M.)
Morocco
Ranchos de Taos (N.M.)
Santa Fe (N.M.)
Santa Fe Plaza (Santa Fe, N.M.)
Cordova (N.M.)
Santa Fe (N.M.)
San Francisco (Calif.)
New Mexico--Santa Fe
Abo (N.M.)
New Mexico
Zuni Pueblo (N.M.)
Santa Fe (N.M.)
Hovenweep National Monument (Utah and Colo.)
Spain
Taos (N.M.)
Trampas (N.M.)
Fort Union (N.M.)
Algodones (N.M.)
Coyote (N.M.)
New Mexico
Loyola University, Chicago (Ill.)
Acoma (N.M.)
Albuquerque (N.M.)
Pueblo Bonito (N.M.)
Manzano (N.M.)
New Mexico--Santa Fe
Santa Fe (N.M.)
Algeria
Mesa Verde National Park (Colo.)
Lamy (N.M.)
Talpa (N.M.)
Alamo (San Antonio, Tex.)
New Mexico
Sandia Pueblo (N.M.)
New Mexico--Santa Fe
New Mexico
United States
New Mexico
San Felipi Pueblo (N.M.)
New Mexico--Santa Fe
Colorado Springs (Colo.)
Cebolleta Grant (N.M.)
Subject
Architecture, Domestic
Architecture, Domestic
Architecture, Domestic
Art, American
Art, American
Art, American
Art, American
Architects
Architectural drawing
Architectural drawing
Architectural drawings
Architectural elements
Architecture
Architecture
Architecture
Architecture
Architecture
Architecture
Architecture, Modern
Architecture, Modern
Art and state
Art colonies
Art colonies
Artists
Artists
Arts administrators
Arts administrators
Building, Adobe
Buildings
Buildings
Church buildings
Church buildings
Church buildings
Churches
College building
Dwellings
Federal aid to the arts
Federal aid to the public welfare
Festivals
Fortification
Historic buildings
Historic buildings
Historic buildings
Historic buildings
Historic buildings
Historic preservation
Historic preservation
Historic preservation
Mexico Archaeology
Missions
Missions
New Deal, 1933-1939
Oral history
Persons
Pueblo Indians
Pueblo Revival
Pueblos
Sanatoriums
Sound recordings
Territorial Style
Vernacular architecture
Occupation
Architect
Activity

Person

Birth 1894-11-17

Death 1983-08-04

Americans

English,

Spanish; Castilian

Information

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