Guide to the French Nationality Room Committee Collection, 1927-1956 UA.40.8
Repository
ULS Archives & Special Collections
Title
French Nationality Room Committee Collection
Creator
University of Pittsburgh. Nationality Rooms Program. French Nationality Room Committee
Collection Number
UA.40.8
Extent
2 Linear Feet(2 boxes)
Date
1927-1956
Abstract
This collection of records from the French Nationality Classroom Committee dates from 1927 to 1943 and contains information regarding the development of the French Nationality Room at the University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning.
Language
English
.
Author
Cassidee Knott.
Publisher
ULS Archives & Special Collections
Address
University of Pittsburgh Library System Archives & Special Collections Website: library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections Business Number: 412-648-3232 (Thomas) | 412-648-8190 (Hillman) Contact Us: www.library.pitt.edu/ask-archivist URL: http://library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections
Scope and Content Notes
This collection of records from the French Nationality Classroom Committee dates from 1927 to 1943 and contains information regarding the development of the French Nationality Room at the University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning. Included are correspondence, meeting minutes, and financial records of the committee which document the development and fundraising efforts for the classroom. Also included is correspondence with architects, blue prints, and running memos concerning the room's construction. Newspaper clippings and other publicity materials chronicle the opening of the classroom. There are also several photographs of the committee, the finished classroom, artwork that inspired the room design, and events and guests.
Processing Information
This collection was processed by Cassidee Knott in May 2018.
History
The idea of a French Nationality Classroom was first proposed by Chancellor John Bowman and the "Alliance Français" in the spring of 1929. They decided the room would represent the French Regency of Louis XIV and Louis XV and Harold Le Baron, a New York architect, completed the preliminary sketches.
Due to the Great Depression, plans for the room were put on hold until 1931. Upon hearing that the French room was to be omitted from the Cathedral of Learning due to a lack of funding, Madame Liard, a member of the Secretatiat of the Institut Internationale de Cooperation Intellectuelle, proposed that the French government fund the room. Ambassador Monsieur Paul Claudel approved the funding and also requested that the room's theme be changed to a French Gothic style. There were many groups and events that aided in the funding of the room, such as the Bal Tabarin gala, which would later become an esteemed Winter social event tradition. Other events included programs of music promoting French-American affairs, bridge nights, and a "Gay Soiree."
The first French classroom committee was formed in 1932 comprised of Dr. Alexandre Mage as president; Mrs. Raoul Mayer, Mr. Adolph Pletincks, Mr. Louis Harter, and Mr. Emile Majerus as vice presidents; Mr. Louis Celestin as Secretary; and Treasurer Glenn McKee. The committee was reformed in 1936 and Mage became honorary chairman and Celestin became chairman. Dr. Whitford Shelton was elected secretary-treasurer. A subcommittee was created to consult on the room's new plan to use the French Empire period as the most academic theme.
French architect Jacques Carlu was selected to prepare the final drawings of the room. The new Empire period chosen for the room design incorporates elements from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Italy, which was rediscovered by the French during the conquests of Napoleon. These elements are represented in the classroom through the Egyptian griffins and Greek acanthus sprigs carved as ornaments. The windows in the room face the Heinz Chapel, which is also built within the style of the French Gothic Period.
The room opened on January 23, 1943, during the same time France was being invaded by Germany during World War II. The room was used as a symbol of hope for the committee. As final touches were being added, the committee chose to carve the French coat of arms above the door, encapsulating the French motto, "Liberte, Egalite, et Fraternite" meaning Liberty, Equality, and Brotherhood.
Preferred Citation
French Nationality Room Committee Collection, 1927-1956, UA.40.8, University Archives, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System
Access Restrictions
No restrictions.
Copyright
The University of Pittsburgh holds the property rights to the material in this collection, but the copyright may still be held by the original creator/author. Researchers are therefore advised to follow the regulations set forth in the U.S. Copyright Code when publishing, quoting, or reproducing material from this collection without the consent of the creator/author or that go beyond what is allowed by fair use.
Acquisition Information
Deposited by the Nationality Rooms Program Office in 2014.
Subjects
Corporate Names
University of Pittsburgh. Nationality Rooms Program
University of Pittsburgh. Nationality Rooms Program. French Nationality Room Committee
Nationality Rooms (Cathedral of Learning, Pittsburgh, Pa.)
Other Subjects
University of Pittsburgh
Universities and colleges -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh
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