The Jack Hillmer Papers contain records related to the professional career of architect/educator Jack Pershing Hillmer (1918-2007). These records include manuscript materials, drawings, photographs clippings, and publications. They document Hillmer’s education, architectural designs, and teaching.

Jack Pershing Hillmer (1918-2007) was born and raised in Columbus, Texas to Sheriff Theodore William “Jack” and Nora Ethel Woodfin Hillmer. His father also had a produce business and his mother was proprietor of the Live Oak Hotel and Dining Room, which was built for “travelers arriving by train.” According to his autobiography, he read the entre Encyclopedia Britannica, two daily newspapers, and Time Magazine to compensate for the lack of books in his high school library. Following his graduation from Columbus High School in 1936, he received a scholarship to attend the University of Texas. He chose architecture because “it was the closest program he could find to fine arts,” graduating with a 5-year Bachelor of Architecture. His future partner, Warren Callister, was a year ahead of him. Graduating in 1941 just before the United States entered World War II, Hillmer had to put his career on hold while he designed bomber interiors in San Diego for Consolidated Voltee Aircraft Corp. Airplane wing-style trusses later turned up in his Ludekens house and wings also inspired his love of cantilevers.

15 linear feet (5 cartons, 1 box, 1 flat box, 2 tubes, 69 oversize folders)

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Collection is open for research.