Wallace Neff Collection archNeff

Suzanne Oatey
The Huntington Library
September 2021
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, California 91108
Business Number: (626) 405-2191
reference@huntington.org

Note

Finding aid last updated by Mari Khasmanyan, March 2024.


Contributing Institution: The Huntington Library
Title: Wallace Neff collection
Creator: Neff, Wallace, 1895-1982
Identifier/Call Number: archNeff
Physical Description: 918.70 Linear Feet (54 boxes and 164 oversize folders)
Date (inclusive): approximately 1910-2008
Date (bulk): 1923-1967
Abstract: This collection contains the professional papers and architectural drawings of Los Angeles architect Wallace Neff (1895-1982), best known for designing elegant Spanish Colonial-revival homes for famous clients in Southern California in the 1920s and 1930s. In a career spanning over 50 years, Neff designed many notable residential and institutional buildings, and innovated a low-cost, concrete housing design he called the Airform.
Language of Material: Materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more information.

Conditions Governing Use

The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item]. Wallace Neff collection, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Wallace Neff Jr., July 2006, and 2008.
  • 17 journals (boxes 29-32), gift of Diane L. Kanner, June 2005.
  • Box 26, purchased from Hansen Photography, 2009.
  • Box 13, Rolls 7c-7h, gift of Ann B. Munger, Nora Berwick, and Maria Witte, 2014.
  • Box 12, Roll 89, gift of Stephen Goddard, 2016.

Custodial History

The Wallace Neff collection was initially deposited at the Huntington Library in 1987 and 1989. The formal gift of the collection was made in 2006, with a few additional materials received in 2008.

Biographical / Historical

Wallace Neff (1895-1982) was a Los Angeles architect who designed many residential and institutional buildings of note in Southern California from 1919 to 1975.
Edwin Wallace Neff was born in 1895 on McNally Ranch in La Mirada, California, to Edwin Dorland Neff and Nannie McNally Neff. His maternal grandfather, Andrew McNally, cofounder of Rand McNally & Company, owned hundreds of acres of land in La Mirada, purchased in 1893. Around 1904, Neff's parents moved the family to Altadena, California, where McNally also owned several acres. In 1909, the Neff family moved to Europe, where Neff attended boarding school in Switzerland, traveled, and studied painting and drawing in Munich. At the outbreak of World War I, the family returned to California and Neff was admitted as an architecture student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which he attended from 1915 to 1917. In 1918, Neff took a job at Fulton Shipbuilding Company in Wilmington, California, where he learned details of concrete construction. He designed his first house in 1919, a Craftsman cottage for his mother in Santa Barbara. He opened an architecture office in Pasadena in 1922, and quickly gained notoriety for two designs for glassware magnate Edward Drummond Libbey in Ojai, California: Stables for Libbey's estate (1923), and the Ojai Valley Country Club (1923-1924). Neff soon had many movie industry clients, the most famous being Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford, who hired Neff to do an extensive remodel of their Beverly Hills home, Pickfair, starting in 1926. In 1941, Neff created and patented a mass-produced and inexpensive house design he called the Airform (also known as a bubble house or balloon house). The idea never really took off in the United States, but was successful internationally, particularly in Africa. In 1956, Neff was awarded a Fellowship in the American Institute of Architects for excellence in design. He received seven Honor Awards from the institute during his career.
Neff married Louise Up de Graff in 1923, and they had three children: Phyllis (born 1925), Wallace (born 1930), and Arthur (born 1932). The Neffs lived in houses he designed in Altadena (1923), and then San Marino, California (1928). Around 1933 he moved his offices to Hollywood, where he worked and often lived until his retirement in 1975. Toward the end of his life, with his health in decline, he lived for a few years in the Airform house he had designed for his brother Andrew in South Pasadena, 1946. Neff died in Pasadena in 1982.
A Biographical Note for donor Wallace Neff Jr. appears in Series 5: Wallace Neff Jr. Papers.

Scope and Contents

This collection contains the papers and architectural drawings of Los Angeles architect Wallace Neff, whose career spanned 56 years, from 1919 to 1975. The collection is divided into five series: Personal papers, Professional papers, Project records, Wallace Neff Jr. papers, and Additional donations.
The materials include over 100 sets of drawings and plans, Neff's project files, writings and correspondence, job lists, daily journals, sketches and renderings, and photographs. The majority of Neff's work was residential architecture in Southern California, but the collection also contains materials on many types of institutional buildings and other structures Neff designed. Most projects are in California, with some material on projects in Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington, D.C. The Airform project files discuss building in Africa, Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, and other countries.
Residences represented include those for Edward L. and Estelle Carrie Doheny, Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford, Amelita Galli-Curci, Fredric March, Frances Marion and Fred Thomson, Groucho Marx, and King Vidor. Other projects include the Edward L. Doheny Memorial Library; Manresa Jesuit Retreat House; Ojai Valley Country Club; Saint Elizabeth Church; and buildings for Loyola Marymount University and Pomona College. There are many records on Neff's Airform buildings: contracts, drawings, patents, licenses, correspondence, and photographs.
The collection also includes the research files of Neff's son, Wallace Neff Jr. (1930-2013), related to his father's career and works. Neff Jr. compiled this material while working on his 1986 book "Wallace Neff, Architect of California's Golden Age" (text by Alson Clark). Neff Jr.'s files contain many photographs, notes and articles on Neff buildings, as well as Neff family history, and transcripts of talks he gave on his father. In addition, Neff Jr. commissioned contemporary renderings of his father's buildings, which were painted approximately 1991 to 2007 and are part of this collection.
The Additional Donations series contains drawings received from other sources after the primary donation in 2006.

Processing Information

In the 1990s, the Conservation Department encased many of the drawings in mylar; these are now stored in flat folders. In 2002, Erin Chase processed and housed the architectural drawings and created the initial inventory. In 2013, the Conservation Dept. de-framed and foldered the contemporary renderings commissioned by Wallace Neff Jr. In 2021, Suzanne Oatey completed processing the collection and created a finding aid.

Arrangement

  • Series 1. Personal papers, 1912-1972
  • Subseries 1. Student years and early drawings, 1912-approximately 1922
  • Subseries 2. Cuba sketchbook, correspondence, and other material, 1924-1972
  • Subseries 3. Journals, 1935-1963
  • Series 2. Professional papers, 1924-1975
  • Subseries 1. Correspondence, 1925-1973
  • Subseries 2. Draftsmen, approximately 1953-1969
  • Subseries 3. Awards/Writings, 1924-1975
  • Subseries 4. Reference material, 1926-1968
  • Series 3. Project records, 1920s-1979
  • Subseries 1. Job lists, 1920s-1975
  • Subseries 2. Project files, 1933-1974
  • Subseries 3. Airforms, 1934-1979
  • Subseries 4. Drawings, 1923-1975
  • Subseries 5. Oversize photographs, approximately 1924-1960
  • Series 4. Wallace Neff Jr. papers, approximately 1910-2008
  • Subseries 1. Biographical: Neff and family, approximately 1912-2008
  • Subseries 2. Research files and photographs of Neff buildings, 1920s-2005?
  • Subseries 3. Negatives/Transparencies, approximately 1910-2005?
  • Subseries 4. Contemporary renderings of Neff buildings, approximately 1991-2007
  • Series 5. Additional donations, 1925-2008

Related Materials

Existence and Location of Copies

Selected items from this collection have been digitized. Digital reproductions are available in the Huntington Digital Library. 

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

Boxes 51-53: Photographic negatives and color transparencies housed in cold storage; extended retrieval and delivery time required.

Appraisal

In consultation with the Assistant Curator of Architecture, approximately 40 linear feet of personal materials belonging to Wallace Neff Jr. were disposed of during processing: personal checks, receipts, slide projecting equipment, duplicative clippings, and several oversize collages on boards made up of reproductions of material already in the collection. Six contemporary published books belonging to Neff Jr. were duplicates of books already in the Huntington Library's general collection and were deaccessioned.

Bibliography

Sources consulted:
  • Clark, Alson, and Wallace Neff Jr. Wallace Neff, Architect of California's Golden Age. Santa Barbara, Calif: Capra Press, 1986.
  • Kanner, Diane. Wallace Neff and the Grand Houses of the Golden State. New York: Monacelli Press, 2005.
  • Wallace Neff, 1895-1982: The Romance of Regional Architecture. San Marino, Calif: Huntington Library, 1989, in conjunction with exhibition at Virginia Steele Scott Gallery, Huntington Library, May 6-September 4, 1989.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Architectural drawings (visual works)
Blueprints (reprographic copies)
Business records
Clippings (information artifacts)
Drawings
Journals (accounts)
Sketchbooks
Notebooks
Photographs
Negatives (photographs)
Transparencies
Paintings
Watercolors (paintings)
Architects -- California -- Archives
Architecture -- California -- 20th century
Architecture, Domestic -- California -- Los Angeles
Churches -- Design and construction
College buildings -- Design and construction
Concrete houses
Housing -- Africa
Housing -- Mexico
Low-income housing
Mansions -- California
Religious facilities -- Design and construction
Beverly Hills (Calif.) -- Buildings, structures, etc.
Los Angeles (Calif.) -- Buildings, structures, etc.
Ojai (Calif.) -- Buildings, structures, etc.
Palm Springs (Calif.) -- Buildings, structures, etc.
Pasadena (Calif.) -- Buildings, structures, etc.
Santa Barbara (Calif.) -- Buildings, structures, etc.
Neff, Wallace, 1895-1982 -- Archives
Neff, Wallace, 1930-
Edward Laurence Doheny Memorial Library
Loyola Marymount University -- Buildings, structures, etc.
Pomona College (Claremont, Calif.) -- Buildings, structures, etc.
Doheny, Estelle, 1875-1958
Fairbanks, Douglas, 1883-1939 -- Homes and haunts
Galli-Curci, Amelita, 1882-1963 -- Homes and haunts
Libbey, Edward Drummond, 1854-1925 -- Homes and haunts
Marx Brothers -- Homes and haunts
Pickford, Mary, 1892-1979 -- Homes and haunts
Vidor, King, 1894-1982 -- Homes and haunts

 

Personal papers Series 1 1912-1972

Physical Description: 7.5 Linear Feet(7 boxes)

Scope and Contents

This series contains letters, photographs, inventions, and drawings from Neff's student years in Europe and at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. There is also a sketchbook from a trip Neff took to Cuba in 1924. Of particular note in this series are Neff's personal journals, containing his appointments, contacts, and notes, 1935 to 1963. For biographical background and photographs of Neff, see Series 4. Wallace Neff Jr. Papers: Biographical, Neff and family.

Arrangement

Organized in three subseries:
  • Subseries 1. Student years and early drawings, 1912-approximately 1922
  • Subseries 2. Cuba sketchbook, correspondence, and other material, 1924-1972
  • Subseries 3. Journals, 1935-1963
Arranged chronologically within subseries.
 

Student years and early drawings Subseries 1 1912-approximately 1922

Box 22, Folder 1

Letters, Swiss driver's license, photographs approximately 1912-1916

Scope and Contents

Includes various letters to and from Wallace Neff, in French, German, and English; a postcard; calling cards; photographs.
Box 22, Folder 2

Sketchbook 1913-1919

Scope and Contents

Bound booklet with sketches of buildings, primarily in Europe.
Box 22, Folder 6

Drawings and sketches 1914-approximately 1922

Scope and Contents

Contains 28 original drawings by Neff, in pencil or ink on paper, of buildings and architectural details. Locations are in Europe, Boston, San Francisco, and unidentified. The majority date to when Neff was a student, 1914 to 1916.
Box 25, Folder 8

Sketches mounted on an oversize board 1914-1915

Scope and Contents

Three pencil sketches: Groyeres [sic], 1914; San Fernando Mission, 1915; a rustic house.
Box 22, Folder 4

Student inventions 1914, 1916

Box 22, Folder 5

Massachusetts Institute of Technology yearbook with Neff drawings 1918

Scope and Contents

Included in folder is a list of courses Neff took at M.I.T.
 

Cuba sketchbook, correspondence, and other material Subseries 2 1924-1972

Box 22, Folder 3

Cuba sketchbook 1924 December

Scope and Contents

Titled "Cuba Sketches," this book contains sketches of architectural details in Cuba, with notes and photographs of buildings. Two snapshots of Wallace and Louise Neff in Cuba.
Box 27, Folder 1

Personal correspondence 1954-1972

Box 27, Folder 1A

Financial statements 1926-1966

Box 27, Folder 2

Address/phone books before 1982

 

Journals Subseries 3 1935-1963

Physical Description: 80 Volumes (4 boxes)

Scope and Contents

Wallace Neff's personal journals or daybooks (80 volumes), containing appointments, names, phone numbers, addresses, budget calculations, sketches and design notes, personal reminders, etc. At the back of most journals are tabulations on money spent. Most journals cover 3 to 4 months.
Box 29

Journals 1935 September-1943 August

Box 30

Journals 1943 August-1949 September

Box 31

Journals 1949 September-1954

Box 32

Journals 1954-1963

 

Professional papers Series 2 1924-1975

Physical Description: 2.5 Linear Feet(4 boxes and 1 oversize folder)

Scope and Contents

These are materials produced by Neff or compiled by him, related to his architecture career. They include correspondence, files on draftsmen, awards, magazines and booklets kept by Neff, and two articles written by Neff, with illustrations. There are also files related to Neff's 1964 book: "Architecture of Southern California; A Selection of Photographs, Plans, and Scale Details from the Work of Wallace Neff" (Chicago: Rand McNally, 1964).

Arrangement

Organized in four subseries:
  • Subseries 1. Correspondence, 1925-1973
  • Subseries 2. Draftsmen, approximately 1953-1969
  • Subseries 3. Awards/Writings, 1924-1975
  • Subseries 4. Reference material, 1926-1968
Arranged chronologically within subseries.
 

Correspondence Subseries 1 1925-1973

Scope and Contents

This subseries contains what Neff called "general correspondence," as well as magazine subscriptions, and copies of letters of recommendation he wrote for others. Neff kept a carbon copy of his outgoing letters, which he filed in the same folders with letters received. For correspondence regarding specific projects, see Series 3. Project records: Project files.
Box 28, Folder 5

Correspondence 1934-1949

Box 28, Folder 6

Correspondence 1951-1964

Scope and Contents

Includes letters from Garrett Van Pelt.
Box 28, Folder 7

Correspondence 1965-1973

Scope and Contents

Correspondents include: John C. Elliott, Nathaniel Owings, Robert Stanton, Jules Stein, Joseph Watterson. Copy of letter from Spiro Agnew to Arthur Neff.
Box 28, Folder 8

Magazine subscriptions approximately 1947-1962

Box 28, Folder 9

Letters of recommendation 1925-1964

Scope and Contents

Copies of letters of recommendation written by Neff, usually for draftsmen and architects he employed.
Box 28, Folder 10

Draftsmen Subseries 2 approximately 1953-1969

Scope and Contents

Neff's file on draftsmen (and some women), includes letters of introduction, resumes, Neff's notes, and items on stenography and typing services. See also draftsmen's timecards in Series 3. Project Records: Project files: Hahn, Louise G., residence.
 

Awards/Writings Subseries 3 1924-1975

Folder OV 1

Awards 1924-1975

Physical Description: Award certificates in oversize flat folder.
Box 27, Folder 3

American Institute of Architects - Fellow correspondence 1954-1972

Box 27, Folder 4

American Institute of Architects - Endorsement of Georgius Young Cannon 1966

Box 27, Folder 5

"Architecture of Southern California..." book - Contracts 1963-1965

Box 27, Folder 6

"Architecture of Southern California..." book - Correspondence 1963-1968

Box 27, Folder 7

"Architecture of Southern California..." book - Draft copy 1964

Box 27, Folder 8

Article drafts - "Biological Age in Art and Nature" 1966-1971

Box 27, Folder 9

"Biological Age in Art and Nature" - Bound draft undated

Box 28, Folder 1

Article drafts - "Principles of Proportion" 1966

Box 28, Folder 2

Article illustrations (prints and clippings) approximately 1966

Box 53, Folder 1

Article illustrations (copy negatives) approximately 1966

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

Photographic negatives housed in cold storage; extended retrieval and delivery time required.
Box 28, Folder 3-4

Clippings file for writings

 

Reference material Subseries 4 1926-1968

Box 24, Volume 9

Architectural Digest, volume 6, no. 1 1926

Scope and Contents

Neff residences: A. K. Bourne (San Marino); A. E. Burr; John W. Baer; A. L. Schoenborn (in advertisement).
Box 24, Volume 10

Architectural Digest, volume 9, no. 4 approximately 1935

Scope and Contents

Neff residences: A. K. Bourne (Glendora); Galli-Curci (Westwood); Robert F. Garner Jr.; Robert E. Brigham (in advertisement).
Box 24, Volume 6

Architectural Digest, volume 23, no. 2 1966 Fall

Scope and Contents

Article on Pickfair interior design.
Box 24, Volume 7

California Arts and Architecture magazine 1941 October

Scope and Contents

Article on Mrs. M. R. Osburn residence, Los Angeles, designed by Neff.
Box 24, Volume 8

Life magazine 1941 December 1

Scope and Contents

"Balloon Houses for Defense Workers Bloom in Virginia," p. 34 (Neff Airform project).
Box 24, Volume 1

Housing: A National Security Resource, conference report 1951 January 19-20

Scope and Contents

Booklet on conference and exhibition held at the School of Architecture and Planning, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Two pages on the "Neff House" (Airform construction).
Box 24, Volume 2-4

Office of Civil Defense booklets 1965-1967

Scope and Contents

Three booklets produced for the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of Civil Defense: "School boards plan for civil defense" (August 1965); "Designing shelter in new buildings: a manual for architects on the preliminary designing of shielding from fallout gamma radiation..." (March 1967); "National Fallout Shelter Design Competition, community center, awards, conducted by the American Institute of Architects" (July 1967).
Box 24, Volume 5

Panelbilt Corporation booklet 1968

Scope and Contents

Construction photographs and architectural drawings for model house project in Nova Scotia.
 

Project records Series 3 1920s-1979

Physical Description: 279 Linear Feet(23 boxes and 76 oversize folders)

Scope and Contents

This series contains Neff's job lists, project files, architectural drawings and renderings, and a few photographs of buildings.

Arrangement

Organized in five subseries:
  • Subseries 1. Job lists, 1920s-1975
  • Subseries 2. Project files, 1933-1974
  • Subseries 3. Airforms, 1934-1979
  • Subseries 4. Drawings, 1923-1975
  • Subseries 5. Oversize photographs, approximately 1924-1960
Project files and Drawings subseries are arranged alphabetically by project name. Other subseries are arranged by subject or chronologically.
 

Job lists Subseries 1 1920s-1975

Box 33, Folder 1-4

Job indexes and partial lists of clients

Box 33, Volume 1

Binder of client names and projects

Physical Description: 1 looseleaf binder

Scope and Contents

Alphabetical index of clients and projects, handwritten by Wallace Neff. Includes names of later owners of residences.
 

Project files Subseries 2 1933-1974

Scope and Contents

Neff's project files contain correspondence, contracts, invoices, notes, sketches, builder's specifications, and sometimes blueprints. Not all of Neff's projects are represented here; the majority are from the 1940s to 1974. There are no project files from the 1920s, and only a few from the 1930s were received, which contain a sparse amount of material. According to Neff's son Arthur, a fire in their house's garage destroyed many of Neff's papers from the 1920s. (Source: Diane Kanner, "Wallace Neff and the grand houses of the Golden State" (2005), p. 213.)

Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically by client or project name, retaining Neff's original arrangement.
Box 40, Folder 1

Allen, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene, residence, Los Angeles, California 1967-69

Scope and Contents

Includes correspondence from Edward Huntsman-Trout (landscape architect).
 

Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. J. C., residence (See: Doheny, Mrs. E. L.)

Box 40, Folder 2

Babcock, Mrs. Charles H., residence, Los Angeles, California 1955-56

Scope and Contents

Includes photographs of home elevator.
Box 40, Folder 3

Barrett, Mr. and Mrs. S. W., residence, San Marino, California 1955-56

Box 40, Folder 4-5

Bassett Street School, Van Nuys, Los Angeles, California 1956-1958

Scope and Contents

Elementary school in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Includes photograph of rendering.
Box 40, Folder 6

Bechtel, Elizabeth Hay, residence, Montecito, California 1973-74

Biographical / Historical

Neff was Senior Consulting Architect on project. Richard Bliss Nelson was architect.
Box 40, Folder 7

Bennett, Joan, residence, Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, California 1936-38

General

Sometimes called the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Gene Markey.
Box 40, Folder 8

Bergin, Mr. and Mrs. T. M., residence 1950

Scope and Contents

Appears to be a remodeling project, possibly in Beverly Hills?
Box 40, Folder 9

Bing, Mrs. Anna, residence, Beverly Hills, California 1957-59

Box 40, Folder 10

Brigham, Mr. and Mrs. Robert E., residence, Los Angeles, California 1936

Box 40, Folder 11

Brooks, Harold C., residence, Beverly Hills, California 1962

Scope and Contents

Includes drawings and rough sketches. Neff labeled this folder "Brooks - Hayden."
Box 40, Folder 12

Browne, Dr. and Mrs. Francis E., residence, Bel Air, California 1957-1959

Scope and Contents

Includes correspondence from Raymond Page, landscape architect, and five photographs by Neff.
Box 40, Folder 13

Chandler, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph J., residence, Los Angeles, California 1960-62

Scope and Contents

Includes structural engineer's drawings.
Box 40, Folder 14

Colefax, Peter, residence, Bel Air, California 1958-1959

Box 40, Folder 15

Doheny, Mrs. E. L. (Carrie Estelle Doheny) - No. 11 Chester Place residence, Los Angeles, California 1951-1952

Box 40, Folder 16

Doheny, Mrs. E. L. (Carrie Estelle Doheny) - J. C. Anderson residence, Beverly Hills, California 1951-1952

Biographical / Historical

Daysie M. Anderson (Mrs. J. C.) was the sister of Carrie Estelle Doheny.
Box 40, Folder 17

Doheny, Mrs. E. L. (Carrie Estelle Doheny) - St. Mary's Academy, Los Angeles, California 1948-1949

Scope and Contents

Alteration work for the Convent of the Infant Prague, (St. Mary's Academy), 2421 S. Figueroa Street. Includes technical drawings of elevator by Otis Elevator Company.
Box 40, Folder 18

Doheny, Mrs. E. L. (Carrie Estelle Doheny) - various projects 1945-1950

Scope and Contents

Bulk of material is related to the House of Studies project, Washington D.C. Also items on J. C. Anderson residence; Doheny Memorial Library; No. 7 Chester Place; St. Vincent de Paul Church, in West Adams district; Citrus Avenue residence. Some letters from architect Samuel Marvin Smith.
Box 40, Folder 19

Doheny, Mrs. E. L. (Carrie Estelle Doheny) - various projects 1951-1954

Scope and Contents

Includes No. 7 and No. 10 Chester Place; Doheny Memorial Library; Harewood Road; 23rd Street Apartments; House of Studies, Washington D.C.
Box 41, Folder 1

Eaton, Roy, residence, Santa Barbara, California 1961-1966

Box 41, Folder 2

Elliott, John C., residence, Maui, Hawaii 1967-1973

Scope and Contents

Includes 3 color photographs of house under construction, and Neff's personal diary of his trip there in 1967.
Box 41, Folder 3

Factor, Mrs. Bella, residence, Beverly Hills, California 1952-1972

Box 41, Folder 4

Fletcher, Dr. and Mrs. Burton, residence, Bel Air, California 1962-1964

Box 41, Folder 5

Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California 1955-1959

Scope and Contents

Neff is Consulting Architect on project. Some items on mosaic design, chapel, and mausoleum.
Box 41, Folder 6

Forthmann, Mrs. Nora - Church of the Precious Blood, Los Angeles, California 1949-1956

Scope and Contents

Includes letter from Millard Sheets (artist). Two photographs of sanctuary.
Box 41, Folder 7

Forthmann, Mrs. Nora, residence, Los Angeles, California 1965-1966

Box 41, Folder 8

Forthmann, Mrs. Nora, residences, Trancas Beach, Malibu, California 1952-1953

Scope and Contents

Three beach houses built for Nora Forthmann, Miss Annie Forthmann and Madelaine Boyer.
Box 41, Folder 9

Frawley, Patrick, residence, Beverly Hills, California 1970-1972

Box 41, Folder 10

Garner residence 1935?

Scope and Contents

Contains one sheet titled "Garner Job," with a list of contractors. Most likely the Robert Garner Jr. residence, San Marino (1935).
Box 41, Folder 11

Gerry, Samuel B., residence, Beverly Hills, California 1958-1959

Box 41, Folder 12

Gilbert, Arthur, residence, Los Angeles, California 1961-1962

Box 41, Folder 13

Hahn, Mrs. Louise G., residence, Beverly Hills, California 1960

Scope and Contents

Includes Neff's draftsman's time cards, with names and wages.
Box 41, Folder 14

Hahn, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley L., residence, Pasadena, California 1967-1969

Box 41, Folder 15

Haigh, Dr. and Mrs. John S., residence, San Marino, California 1955-1957

Box 41, Folder 16

Haldeman, Mr. and Mrs. H. F., residence, Los Angeles, California 1939

Box 41, Folder 17

Hayden, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel, residence, Beverly Hills, California 1953-1955

Box 41, Folder 18

Homy, Frank, residence, Los Angeles, California 1962

Box 41, Folder 19

Hughes, Mr. and Mrs. James W., residence, Los Angeles, California 1956-1958

Scope and Contents

Location is called Wrightwood Estates; now part of Studio City in Los Angeles.
Box 41, Folder 20

Hummel, Peter, residence, Reno, Nevada 1963-1970

Box 41, Folder 21

Hutchins, Dr. and Mrs. Robert M., residence, Montecito, California 1955-1959

Box 41, Folder 22

Imerman, Dr. and Mrs. Stanley W., residence, Beverly Hills, California 1936

Box 41, Folder 23

Keith, Mr. and Mrs. Willard, residence, Beverly Hills, California 1956-1957

Scope and Contents

Includes structural engineering drawings.
Box 42, Folder 1

Loyola University, Los Angeles, California - Chapel 1945-1948

Biographical / Historical

In 1973, Loyola University became Loyola Marymount University; it is located in the Westchester area of Los Angeles.
Box 42, Folder 2

Loyola University, Los Angeles, California - Dining Room 1945-1946

Box 42, Folder 3

Loyola University, Los Angeles, California - Dormitories 1946-1949

Box 42, Folder 4

Loyola University, Los Angeles, California - Gymnasium 1946-1948

Box 42, Folder 5

Loyola University, Los Angeles, California - Law School 1945-1946

Box 42, Folder 6

Loyola University, Los Angeles, California - Science and Students Union buildings 1945-1947

Box 42, Folder 7

Loyola University, Los Angeles, California - Fees and accounts 1945-1948

Box 42, Folder 8

Manresa Retreat House, Azusa, California 1952-1955

Scope and Contents

Includes copies of drawings.
Box 42, Folder 9

March, Fredric, residence, Beverly Hills, California 1933

Scope and Contents

Set of complete specifications for project.
Box 42, Folder 10

Marx, Groucho, residence, Beverly Hills, California 1956-1959, 1968-1969

Box 42, Folder 11

Marx, Gummo, residence, Beverly Hills, California 1953-1956

Box 42, Folder 12

Marx, Gummo, residence, Palm Desert, California 1965-1966

Box 42, Folder 13

Marx, Harpo, residence, Palm Springs, California 1956-1957

Box 42, Folder 14

Marx, Zeppo, residence, Beverly Hills, California 1955-1957

Box 42, Folder 15

Marx, Zeppo, residence, Palm Springs, California 1956

Scope and Contents

Includes survey and contour map of site.
Box 42, Folder 16

Miller, George, residence, Palm Springs, California 1956-1957

Box 42, Folder 17

Monastery of the Angels, Los Angeles, California 1945-1948

Biographical / Historical

This was a monastery for the Dominican Nuns of Perpetual Adoration at 1977 Carmen Place, Los Angeles.
 

Neff, Andrew, residence (See Subseries 3. Airforms: Andrew Neff Airform residence).

Box 43, Folder 1

O'Bryan, Louis W., residence, Arcadia, California 1939

Box 43, Folder 2

Page, James R., residence, Los Angeles, California 1949-1950

Box 43, Folder 3

Pickford, Mary, Pickfair residence, Beverly Hills, California 1936-1946?

Scope and Contents

Only one item on Pickfair: specifications for a garage, 1936. File also contains four handwritten cards from Mary Pickford to Neff: one photographic postcard of Mary Pickford and husband Buddy Rogers (1937), and three Christmas cards (1944-1946?) with photographs of Mary, Buddy, and their two children.
Box 43, Folder 4

Pomona College, Claremont, California - Edmunds Union building 1950-1952

Box 43, Folder 5

Pomona College, Claremont, California - Gymnasium 1948-1949

Box 43, Folder 6

Reed, Mr. and Mrs. Philip, residence, Bel Air, California 1962-1968

Box 43, Folder 7

Richards, Mr. and Mrs. Edgar G., residence, Los Angeles, California 1948-1949

Box 43, Folder 8

Richards, Mr. and Mrs. Edgar G., residence, Palm Springs, California 1952-1956

Box 43, Folder 9-10

Singleton, Dr. and Mrs. Henry E., residence, Los Angeles, California 1969-1972

Scope and Contents

Includes letters from Thomas D. Church (landscape architect) and Edward Huntsman-Trout (landscape architect). Also engineering drawings.
Box 43, Folder 11-12

Straus, Mr. and Mrs. Robert K., residence, Santa Barbara, California 1968-1970

Scope and Contents

Includes structural engineering drawings and items from Jorge de Mattos (architect).
Box 43, Folder 13

Vidor, King, residence gate house and stables, Los Angeles, California 1937

Scope and Contents

One item - builder's contract.
Box 43, Folder 14

Wilson, Howard G., residence 1965-1967

Scope and Contents

Location unidentified. Includes structural engineering drawings.
Box 43, Folder 15

Woodward, John A., residence, Los Angeles, California 1956-1958

Box 43, Folder 16

Zanuck, Darryl, residence, Santa Monica, California 1937

Scope and Contents

One item - agreement between contractor and owner.
 

Airforms Subseries 3 1934-1979

Scope and Contents

Includes files and correspondence with Airform manufacturers, builders, and clients, as well as patent and license files. Some drawings and photographs are attached to letters in these files; they are noted in descriptions.

Arrangement

Files kept in Neff's original subject arrangement.

Biographical / Historical

In 1941, Neff invented the Airform or "Bubble house," a low-cost concrete, domed house made by inflating a rubber-coated fabric balloon, then blowing concrete and other insulation over a reinforcing mesh on the balloon. Once the concrete dried, the form was deflated and removed through a door or window. Neff developed the idea to address the housing crisis created by the Great Depression. Neff's Airform construction did not really take off in the United States, but was licensed to use internationally, including in Africa, Mexico, and Portugal.
Box 34, Folder 1-15

Airforms - Correspondence 1941-1956

Scope and Contents

Includes 5 photographs of Airforms being built in Portugal. Attached to letter from Adolf K. N. Waterval, A.I.A., July 24, 1955 (Folder 10).
Box 35, Folder 1-6

Airforms - Correspondence 1957-1964

Box 35, Folder 7

Aerocem 1949-1952

Box 35, Folder 8

Balfour, Guthrie and Co. 1949-1951

Box 35, Folder 9

Colonel L. B. Barrington 1948-1954

Box 35, Folder 10-11

William H. Campbell / W. G. Duncan 1944-1949

Box 35, Folder 12

Featherlike Pneumatic Products Co. 1945-1950

Box 35, Folder 13

Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. 1950-1957

Box 35, Folder 14

Hipp Brothers Grain Co. 1958

Box 35, Folder 15

Guy Martin / Duncan Lee 1946-1949

Box 35, Folder 16

Andrew Neff Airform residence 1946-1952

Box 35, Folder 17

Eliot Noyes 1953-1957

Box 36, Folder 1

Pacific Bridge Co. 1948

Box 36, Folder 2

Pacific Linen Supply Co. Airform building 1943-1944

Box 36, Folder 3

Pneumatic Coatings Co. 1945-1946

Box 36, Folder 4-5

Preload Corporation 1946-1949, 1954, 1958

Box 36, Folder 6-7

Manuel Reachi 1948-1955

Scope and Contents

Contains correspondence with Reachi and associates in Mexico. Also includes 3 Airform working drawings and 7 small photographs of an Airform building (possibly a school in Mexico City?).
Box 36, Folder 8

Airform patents - Copies and lists 1934-1958

Box 36, Folder 9

Airform patents - Applications and petitions 1941-1944

Scope and Contents

Contains renderings of various Airform structures.
Box 36, Folder 10

Airform patents and attorney fees 1941-1947

Box 36, Folder 11

Airform patents 1941

Box 36, Folder 12

Airform patents 1942

Box 36, Folder 13

Airform patents - Billner/Neff interference 1941-1943

Scope and Contents

Legal correspondence and documents regarding a patent interference case: Karl F. Billner vs. Wallace Neff. Materials describe when Neff first thought of and discussed his balloon construction idea, and other details of his invention.
Box 36, Folder 14

Airform patents 1943

Box 36, Folder 15

Airform patents 1944

Box 36, Folder 16

Airform patents - Lyon & Lyon patent lawyers 1944-1945

Box 37, Folder 1

Airform patents 1945

Box 37, Folder 2

Airform patents 1946

Box 37, Folder 3

Airform patents 1947

Box 37, Folder 4

Airform patents 1948

Box 37, Folder 5

Airform patents 1949

Box 37, Folder 6

Airform patents 1950

Box 37, Folder 7

Airform patents 1951

Box 37, Folder 8

Airform patents 1952

Box 37, Folder 9

Airform patents - Payments made 1949-1954

Scope and Contents

This file contains two ledgers of accounting and summaries in Neff's handwriting. See Airform - Correspondence (Boxes 34-35) for other patent correspondence and documents for 1953 to 1959.
Box 37, Folder 10

Airform patents 1959

Box 37, Folder 11

Airform patents 1960-1963

Box 37, Folder 12

Airform patents 1964-1969

Box 37, Folder 13-14

License agreements 1943-1964

Scope and Contents

Some agreements were filed with Airform - Correspondence (Boxes 34-35).
Box 38, Folder 1

Airform construction writings by Neff approximately 1939-1958

Box 38, Folder 2

Technical data file approximately 1943-1962

Box 38, Folder 3

Costs and estimates approximately 1946-1952

Box 38, Folder 4-5

Pneumatic forms - Estimates 1958-1964

Scope and Contents

Some letters addressed to Neff's son Arthur L. Neff, when he was president of Pneumatic International, Inc. at 5927 Franklin Avenue, Los Angeles (Wallace Neff's business address). Arthur L. Neff (1932-1994) was Neff's youngest son.
Box 38, Folder 6

Airform brochures approximately 1942-1956

Box 38, Folder 7

Airform International Construction Corporation brochures 1953

Box 38, Folder 8-9

Thin Shell Concrete Construction (Airform) - Information booklets 1965-1979

Scope and Contents

Typewritten booklets, approximately 40 pages, written by Wallace Neff. Title page says "General Information, Instructions and Typical Specifications."
Box 38, Folder 10

Airforms - Drawings approximately 1941-1959

Scope and Contents

Sketches, blueprints, tracing paper drawings, copies of drawings and renderings. Additional drawings are attached to correspondence or other files in the Airforms series.
Box 38, Folder 11

Airforms - Drawing, Concrete silo 1950

Scope and Contents

Copy of drawing and specifications by Airform Corporation.
Box 38, Folder 12

Airforms - Newspaper and magazine clippings 1941-1967

Box 39, Folder 1

Airforms - Photographs, Falls Church, Virginia 1941

Scope and Contents

Mostly construction images of first Airform houses built.
Box 39, Folder 2

Airforms - Photographs, Africa approximately 1949-1950

Scope and Contents

Includes Neff in ceremony with King of Egypt, 1949.
Box 39, Folder 3

Airforms - Photographs, Mexico approximately 1948-1950s

Scope and Contents

Neff appears in some photographs in Mexico City with associates. Includes a group of snapshots taken by Neff of Airforms, people, beaches, housing, and aerial shots from an airplane window.
Box 39, Folder 4

Airforms - Photographs, Portugal 1955-1957

Scope and Contents

A binder of 60 photographs of Airform construction in Portugal. The first page begins with a copy of a letter from Jose de Lemos, and his photograph is at the back.
Box 39, Folder 5

Airforms - Photographs, various approximately 1940s-1960s

Scope and Contents

A variety of mostly professional photographs, some unidentified. Neff and other people appear in some images. Some photographs by Maynard Parker.
Box 23, Volume 2

Airform scrapbook 1943-1961

Scope and Contents

Contains drawings, clippings, photographs, and ephemera related to Airform construction. Includes two loose blueprint drawings (folded) of Airform elevations and floor plans, 1960.
 

Drawings Subseries 4 1923-1975

Scope and Contents

This series contains architectural working drawings and renderings of buildings. The drawings are rolled or in flat folders, and the number of surviving drawings for each project varies. Renderings are in pencil, paint, or other media.
Box 1, Roll 1

Airform, Type "A" House 1942 December

Scope and Contents

4 drawings: Foundation and roof plan, floor plan, elevations, sections, details.
Box 1, Roll 1a

Airform, Type "A" House: Two Bedroom House undated

Scope and Contents

1 drawing: Foundation and floor plan, details.
Box 1, Roll 1b

Airform, Pneumatic Shelter 1951

Scope and Contents

4 drawings: Elevations, floor plans, sections.
Box 1, Roll 3

Airform: Balloon House: Type "E" House, Litchfield Park, Arizona 1942

Scope and Contents

1 drawing: Floor plans, elevations, details. Case Construction Company, contractors; Neff System.
Box 1, Roll 3a

Airform: Balloon House: Type "E-2" Concrete, Litchfield Park, Arizona 1942

Scope and Contents

2 drawings: Floor and framing plans, elevations, sections details. For South West Cotton Company.
Box 1, Roll 3b

Airform: Balloon House: Type "F" House, Litchfield Park, Arizona 1941?

Scope and Contents

1 drawing: Floor plans, elevations. Case Construction Company, contractors; Neff System.
Box 1, Roll 3c

Airform: Balloon House: Type "F" House, Litchfield Park, Arizona 1941

Scope and Contents

2 drawings and 2 prints: Floor plans, elevations, sections, details. Case Construction Company, contractors; Neff System copyright 1941 by Wallace Neff.
Box 1, Roll 3d

Airform: Falls Church, Virginia 1941?

Scope and Contents

1 drawing: Project details.
Box 4, Roll 25, 25a-b

Airform: Fairfax County House for Defense Homes Corporation 1941 and undated

Scope and Contents

19 drawings: Details of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company pneumatic Airform (7); Type "E" house (9); Balloon House variations (3).
Folder OV 2A-B

Airform construction drawing, lettered in Spanish approximately late-1940s-1950s

Scope and Contents

1 drawing: Elevations and plans.
Folder OV 19

Airform Housing Construction: presentation board approximately 1955

Scope and Contents

1 floor plan and 3 photographs mounted on board. Labeled "Wallace Neff, architect, F.A.I.A., Pneumatic International Inc.," with Neff's office address, 5927 Franklin Avenue, Hollywood.
Folder OV 26

Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. J. C., residence, Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, California (Job 204) 1926

Scope and Contents

10 oversize drawings: Plot, foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Folder OV 27

Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. J. C., residence: Garage and servants' quarters (Job 204a) 1926

Scope and Contents

4 drawings: Foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Folder OV 28

Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. J. C., residence: Additions (Job 396) 1940, 1949

Scope and Contents

11 drawings: Additions made in 1940 and 1949.
Box 1, Roll 4

Bechtel, Elizabeth Hay, residence, Santa Barbara, California 1974

Scope and Contents

12 drawings: Preliminary drawings, plans, elevations. Names listed: Wallace Neff, Architect, Los Angeles; Ernest Hochfeld, Associate Architect, Los Angeles; Richard B. Nelson, Project Architect, Santa Barbara. (Location sometimes cited as Birnam Woods, Montecito.)
Box 25, Folder 9

Bechtel, Elizabeth Hay, Guest house, Santa Barbara, California 1973

Scope and Contents

1 rendering.
Folder OV 3

Bechtel, Elizabeth Hay, Bath house, Santa Barbara, California 1973 April 23

Scope and Contents

1 drawing.
Folder OV 29

Beilenson, Lawrence, House no. 2, Gramercy Place, Hollywood, California (Job 362) 1936

Scope and Contents

9 drawings: Plot plan, foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Box 12, Roll 89

Benedict, A. R., residence, Pasadena, California (Job 166) 1925

Scope and Contents

7 drawings: Floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Folder OV 30

Bourne, Arthur K., residence, Palm Springs, California (Job 327) 1933

Scope and Contents

15 drawings: Plot plan, foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details. Drawings say "Desert Ranch House."
Box 25, Folder 5

Bourne, Arthur K., residence, Palm Springs, California 1933

Scope and Contents

1 watercolor rendering by Carl Oscar Borg.
Folder OV 31

Bourne, Arthur K., residence, San Marino, California (Job 144) 1924-1925

Scope and Contents

8 drawings: Foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections. Includes garage, auto shed and lath house.
Folder OV 25

Bourne, Arthur K., residence, San Marino, California (Job 144) 1924 October 8

Scope and Contents

1 oversize drawing encased in mylar. Plot plan of property between Lombardy Road and California Avenue.
Box 1, Roll 7

Boyer, Mr. and Mrs. H. J., residence, Trancas Beach, Malibu, California 1952

Scope and Contents

15 drawings: Plot, foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details. One of three houses built next to each other; see Forthmann, Nora and Annie for the other two.

Separated Materials

See additional drawings of the Boyer/Forthmann residences in Series 5. Additional donations, Box 13, Roll 7c-g.
Folder OV 32

Brigham, Mr. and Mrs. Robert E., residence, Los Angeles, California (Job 360) 1936

Scope and Contents

6 drawings: Plot, foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Box 2, Roll 9

Brown, Clarence, residence (alterations to King Gillette house), Stokes Canyon, Calabasas, California (Job 260A) 1937

Scope and Contents

2 drawings: Floor plan and details of renovations. A ranch house originally designed by Neff for King C. Gillette in 1929. Gillette died in 1932 and in 1935, film director Clarence Brown purchased the estate and hired Neff to do renovations.
Box 2, Roll 10b

Browne, Dr. and Mrs. Francis E., residence, Bel Air, California 1958

Scope and Contents

1 drawing: Plan for wrought iron gate.
Box 21, Folder 6

Browne, Dr. and Mrs. Francis E., residence, Bel Air approximately 1957

Scope and Contents

1 painted rendering on board. Signed in pencil by Neff.
Box 2, Roll 10, 10a

Browne, Dr. and Mrs. Francis E., residence, Newport Beach, California 1975

Scope and Contents

12 drawings: Plot, foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details. Location cited as "Irvine Ranch" (now Newport Beach).
Folder OV 4

Browne, Dr. and Mrs. Francis E., residence, Newport Beach 1975

Scope and Contents

1 copy of a rendering.
Folder OV 33

Bryant, Susanna Bixby, residence, Rancho Santa Ana, California (Job 236) 1927

Scope and Contents

7 drawings: Basement and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Folder OV 33

Buffum, George, residence, Altadena, California (Job 121) 1923

Scope and Contents

7 photocopies of drawings: Floor plans, elevations, details. Copy negatives of same are in cold storage: Box 53, folder 2. Originals not in collection.
Box 2, Roll 12, 12a

Burden, Mr. and Mrs. Shirley, (additions and alterations to Fredric March house), Beverly Hills, California approximately 1950

Scope and Contents

22 drawings: Plot and floor plans, elevations, sections, details. Renovations to the Fredric March house, designed by Neff in 1934.
Folder OV 34

California Security Loan Corporation building, Pasadena, California (Job 179) 1925

Scope and Contents

11 drawings of a bank building: Basement and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Box 3, Roll 14

Chandler, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph J., residence, Los Angeles, California 1961

Scope and Contents

59 drawings: Plot, basement and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Folder OV 22

Chaplin, Charles, and Paulette Goddard, proposed alterations to residence, Beverly Hills, California 1939

Scope and Contents

1 drawing.
Box 3, Roll 15

Chudacoff, Mr. and Mrs. L. A., residence, Beverly Hills, California 1951

Scope and Contents

15 drawings: Plot and floor plans, elevations, details.
Box 3, Roll 16

D'Dal, Mr. and Mrs. Allen, residence, Hidden Valley, California undated

Scope and Contents

5 drawings: Foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Box 12, Roll 88

Delano, H. L., residence, Pasadena, California 1923

Scope and Contents

Photocopies of 6 drawings.
Folder OV 35, Folder OV 36

Doheny, Mrs. E. L.: Doheny Library, St. John's Seminary, Camarillo, California (Job 393) 1939, 1958, 1961

Scope and Contents

20 drawings: Elevations, plans and preliminary drawings for proposed additions.
Box 3, Roll 17a

Doheny, Mrs. E. L.: Doheny Library 1939

Scope and Contents

1 drawing: South and west elevations.
Folder OV 37

Doheny, Mr. and Mrs. E. L.: Ferndale Ranch house (Job 270), Garage (Job 391) 1929, 1939

Scope and Contents

2 drawings: Plot plans, elevations of house (1929), and 1 drawing of garage (1939).
Folder OV 186

Doheny, Mr. and Mrs. E. L.: Ferndale Ranch house approximately 1929

Scope and Contents

1 large blue line rendering of the house, with a note on the drawing by Neff, possibly addressed to the Dohenys.
Folder OV 37

Doheny, Mrs. E. L.: House of Studies, Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. (Job 394) 1940

Scope and Contents

6 drawings: Plot, foundation and floor plans, elevations, details.
Folder OV 15

Doheny, Mrs. E. L.: Design for a Gilt Reliquary 1920s?

Scope and Contents

1 drawing of a decorative reliquary, commissioned by Mrs. Doheny for St. Vincent de Paul Church, Los Angeles.
Folder OV 16

Doheny, Mr. and Mrs. E. L.: Suggestion for Mausoleum undated

Scope and Contents

Pencil rendering.
Box 25, Folder 4

Doheny, Edward L., Jr., rendering of a residence never built 1928 or 1929

Scope and Contents

Watercolor rendering attributed to Carl Oscar Borg.
Folder OV 38

Duff, Mr. and Mrs. Warren, residence, Los Angeles, California (Job 401) 1940-1941

Scope and Contents

12 drawings: Plot, foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details. Three drawings say "Merton job."
Box 4, Roll 22

Factor, Mrs. R. (Bella), Bathhouse, Beverly Hills, California 1953

Scope and Contents

6 drawings: Foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Box 4, Roll 22a

Factor, Mrs. R. (Bella), Additions to Bathhouse, Beverly Hills, California 1967

Scope and Contents

5 drawings: Foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Folder OV 39

Fairbanks, Douglas, residence project (not built), "Rancho Zorro," Rancho Santa Fe, California (Job 310) approximately 1934

Scope and Contents

3 drawings: Partial floor plan, details.
Folder OV 9

Fairbanks, Douglas, residence project (not built), "Rancho Zorro," Rancho Santa Fe 1934

Scope and Contents

1 rendering.
Folder OV 39

Fairbanks, Douglas, Ranch Manager's House, "Rancho Zorro," Rancho Santa Fe, California (Job 310a) 1931 November

Scope and Contents

6 drawings: Foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Box 4, Roll 26

Fletcher, Dr. and Mrs. Burton, residence, Bel Air, California 1962

Scope and Contents

11 drawings: Foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Box 1, Roll 7a, 7b

Forthmann, Mrs. Nora, and Miss Annie Forthmann, residences, Trancas Beach, Malibu, California 1952

Scope and Contents

Drawings for two of three houses built next to each other. For the third house, see Boyer residence.

Separated Materials

See additional drawings of the Boyer/Forthmann residences in Series 5. Additional donations, Box 13, Roll 7c-g.
Folder OV 6

Frawley, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick, Gate and grille, Holmby Hills, California 1969, 1972

Scope and Contents

3 drawings: Details and elevations of wrought iron gate and grille at front door.
Box 4, Roll 27

Frawley, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick, revised new counter in lavatory 1972

Scope and Contents

3 drawings: Remodeling details. This house was the McNaughton House by architect Gordon B. Kaufmann (now destroyed).
Box 5, Roll 28

Galli-Curci, Amelita, residence, Calle de Oro, La Jolla, California 1962

Scope and Contents

2 drawings: Plot, foundation and floor plans, elevations, specifications, details. For Galli-Curci's houses in Westwood and Rancho Santa Fe, see: Samuels, Mr. and Mrs. Homer.
Box 5, Roll 29

Gerry, Samuel B., residence, Beverly Hills, California 1958

Scope and Contents

15 drawings: Foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, specifications, details.
Box 5, Roll 30

Gilbert, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur, residence, Los Angeles, California 1961-1962

Scope and Contents

13 drawings: Plot and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Folder OV 40

Gillette, Mr. and Mrs. King, residence, Stokes Canyon, Calabasas, California (Jobs 260, 267, 269) 1928-1929

Scope and Contents

17 drawings: Plot plan and map to property; basement and foundation; first and second floor plans, structural details, elevations, millwork details, garage building elevations and interiors, stables plans. See also Brown, Clarence (remodel of same house).
Folder OV 42

Goetz, Mr. and Mrs. William, residence, Bel Air, California (Job 296) 1930

Scope and Contents

7 drawings: Plot, foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Folder OV 43

Goetz, Mr. and Mrs. William, residence, Bel Air, California: Alterations and additions 1930-1939

Scope and Contents

14 drawings: Foundation and floor plans, alterations, details. Includes alterations to nursery wing and amusement wing.
Box 5, Roll 32

Hahn, Mrs. Louise G., residence, Beverly Hills, California 1960

Scope and Contents

14 drawings: Plot, foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Box 6, Roll 33

Haigh, Dr. and Mrs. John S., residence, San Marino, California 1947

Scope and Contents

29 drawings: Plot, foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Box 6, Roll 34, 34a

Haigh, Dr. and Mrs. John S., residence, San Marino, California 1961

Scope and Contents

35 drawings: 1 presentation drawing; plot, foundation, basement and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Folder OV 44

Haldeman, Mr. and Mrs. Henry F., residence, Los Angeles, California (Jobs 389, 405) 1939, 1941

Scope and Contents

14 drawings: Plot, foundation, floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Box 25, Folder 10

Haldeman, Mr. and Mrs. Henry F., residence, Los Angeles approximately 1939

Scope and Contents

1 painted rendering.
Box 6, Roll 35a

Haldeman, Mr. and Mrs. Henry F., residence: "Alterations on Job 405 for Charles Babcock" 1955

Scope and Contents

2 drawings, possibly for a later owner.
Folder OV 22

Harmon, Tom, residence 1970

Scope and Contents

1 rendering of a house renovation project. Location unidentified.
Folder OV 21

Harriman, W. Averell, Ski Lodge at Sun Valley, Idaho 1940

Scope and Contents

1 painted rendering by Carl Oscar Borg.
Box 6, Roll 36

Hayden, Mr. and Mrs. Sam, residence, Beverly Hills, California 1957

Scope and Contents

15 drawings: Plot, foundation, floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Box 6, Roll 36a

Hayden, Mr. and Mrs. Sam, residence: "Additions to Sam Hayden house for Brooks" undated

Scope and Contents

3 drawings, possibly for a later owner.
Box 21, Folder 6

Hirsch, Herman, residence, Beverly Hills, California 1938

Scope and Contents

2 renderings: a painting on board and an ink drawing. Both signed "C.H."
Box 7, Roll 37

Hornstein, Myrtle A., residence, Los Angeles, California (Job 27) undated

Scope and Contents

10 drawings: Plot, foundation, floor plans, elevations, sections, details. Sometimes spelled Hornstine.
Box 21, Folder 4

Hotel Las Vegas, design for a project never built undated

Scope and Contents

1 copy of a rendering. Identification provided by Wallace Neff Jr.; no writing on drawing.
Box 7, Roll 38

Hummel, Mr. and Mrs. Peter, residence, Reno, Nevada 1962

Scope and Contents

19 drawings: Plot, foundation, floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Box 21, Folder 4

Hummel, Mr. and Mrs. Peter, residence, Reno approximately 1962

Scope and Contents

1 color rendering of interior.
Folder OV 45

Jaffe, Samuel, residence, Beverly Hills, California (Job 371) 1937

Scope and Contents

10 drawings: Plot, foundation, floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Box 7, Roll 40

Keith, Mr. and Mrs. Willard, residence, Beverly Hills, California 1956

Scope and Contents

13 drawings: Two presentation drawings; plot, foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Box 7, Roll 41

Kunin, Mr. and Mrs. Harry, residence, Los Angeles, California 1948

Scope and Contents

7 drawings: Floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Box 7, Roll 42

Kunin, Myron, residence, Bel Air, California (Job 38) 1950

Scope and Contents

8 drawings.
Folder OV 46

Libbey, Edward D., Stables, Ojai, California (Job 108) 1923

Scope and Contents

6 drawings: Foundation, floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Box 8, Roll 45

Loyola University, Los Angeles, California: Dormitory Building 1 and Building 2 1946 March

Scope and Contents

26 drawings: Site, plot, foundation, and floor plan, elevations, sections, details. Name later changed to Loyola Marymount University.
Folder OV 7

Loyola University, Los Angeles, California: Dormitory Chapel Approximately 1946

Scope and Contents

1 drawing: Detail of sanctuary.
Box 8, Roll 44

Loyola University, Los Angeles, California: Gymnasium 1948 March

Scope and Contents

16 drawings: Site, plot, foundation, and floor plan, elevations, sections, details. Location cited as "Playa del Rey."
Box 8, Roll 46

Loyola University, Los Angeles, California: Downtown College, Grand Avenue, between 11th and 12th Streets (Job 452) 1945-1946

Scope and Contents

Sometimes this project is called Law School. 31 drawings: Plot, basement and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Box 8, Roll 47

Manresa Retreat House, Foothill Boulevard, Azusa, California 1956

Scope and Contents

17 drawings: Plot, foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details. Also called Manresa Chapel.
Folder OV 8

Manresa Retreat House 1954 February 17

Scope and Contents

1 drawing of chapel interior, with elevations.
Folder OV 47

March, Fredric, residence, Beverly Hills, California (Job 331) 1933-1934

Scope and Contents

14 drawings: Plot and floor plans, elevations, sections, details; heating and air conditioning plans; engineering drawing. See also Burden, Mr. and Mrs. Shirley: renovation of same house.
Box 9, Roll 48a

March, Fredric, residence, Beverly Hills, California (Job 331) undated

Scope and Contents

8 drawings: Details.
Folder OV 48, Folder OV 49

Markey, Mr. and Mrs. Gene (Joan Bennett) residence, Holmby Hills, California (Job 366) 1936-1937; approximately 1940

Scope and Contents

30 drawings: Plot and floor plans, elevations, sections, details. Gene Markey was the husband of actress Joan Bennett; they divorced in 1937. Two drawings are marked "Additions for Mr. and Mrs. W. Wanger"; Bennett married Walter Wanger in 1940.
Box 9, Roll 51

Marx, Groucho, residence, Trousdale Estates, Beverly Hills, California 1956

Scope and Contents

11 drawings: Plot, foundation, and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Box 9, Roll 50

Marx, Harpo, residence, Palm Springs, California approximately 1956

Scope and Contents

12 drawings: Plot and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Folder OV 50

Marx, Zeppo, residence, "Wonder Estates" subdivision, Palm Springs, California 1955 December

Scope and Contents

5 drawings: Foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Folder OV 50

Merton, Mrs. Ivy, Gazebo and garden wall, Pacific Palisades, California 1941

Scope and Contents

1 drawing: Elevations and details.
Folder OV 51

Meyer, Mr. and Mrs. C. A., residence, Los Angeles, California (Job 241) 1927

Scope and Contents

12 drawings: Plot, foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Folder OV 52

Miller, George, residence, Bel Air, California (Job 379) 1937-1938

Scope and Contents

18 drawings: Plot, foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Box 10, Roll 57

Miller, George, residence, Palm Springs, California 1956

Scope and Contents

11 drawings: Plot, foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Folder OV 53

Millikan, Mr. and Mrs. Clark B., residence, La Canada Flintridge, California (Job 309) 1931, 1937

Scope and Contents

8 drawings: Plot, foundation, basement, and floor plans, elevations, sections, details. 2 drawings dated 1937.
Box 10, Roll 58

Monastery of the Angels, Carmen Avenue and Carmen Place, Los Angeles, California (Job 22) 1948

Scope and Contents

19 drawings: Plot, foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details. This was a convent for Dominican Sisters.
Folder OV 54

Neff, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin D., residence, Pasadena, California (Job 222) 1926-1927

Scope and Contents

9 drawings: Foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details. Neff designed this house for his parents.
Folder OV 55

Neff, Mr. and Mrs. Wallace, own residence, Altadena, California 1923

Scope and Contents

5 drawings: Foundation and floor plans, elevations.
Folder OV 56

Neff, Mr. and Mrs. Wallace, own residence, San Marino, California (Job 253) 1928

Scope and Contents

9 drawings: Plot, foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Box 10, Roll 62

Neff, Mr. and Mrs. William (Mina Braly), residence, San Marino, California 1945-1946

Scope and Contents

26 drawings: Plot, foundation, and floor plans, elevations, sections, details. Blueprints say Foss Building & Construction Company.
Folder OV 57

Neff-Ruppel Building, Pasadena, California (Job 255) 1928-1929

Scope and Contents

10 drawings: Foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details, revisions. Neff's architectural offices, built with Frederick Ruppel, who also had his practice there.
Box 21, Folder 4

Neil, William P., residence, rendering (copy) undated

Folder OV 58

Niblo, Mr. and Mrs. Fred, residence, Beverly Hills, California (Job 215) 1926

Scope and Contents

8 drawings: Foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Box 25, Folder 1

Niblo, Mr. and Mrs. Fred, residence 1926?

Scope and Contents

1 loose design sketch by Neff.
Folder OV 59

Ojai Valley Country Club, Ojai, California 1923 June

Scope and Contents

9 drawings: Foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details, revisions. Later called the Ojai Valley Inn.
Folder OV 60

Osborn, Mrs. M. R., residence, Los Angeles, California (Job 402) 1940

Scope and Contents

12 drawings: Plot, foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details. Also spelled Osburn elsewhere in collection.
Folder OV 22

Osborn, Mrs. M. R., residence, Los Angeles 1940

Scope and Contents

1 rendering by Frank Jamison.
Box 21, Folder 4

Our Mother of Good Counsel Church undated

Scope and Contents

1 copy of a rendering.
Folder OV 61

Pacific Linen Supply: Marking and Sorting Building, 901-907 E. 8th Street, Los Angeles, California 1943 August

Scope and Contents

5 drawings: Plot, foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Folder OV 62

Pickfair, residence of Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford, Beverly Hills, California (Job 231) 1928-1941

Scope and Contents

17 drawings: Plot and floor plans, proposed changes, guest wing. Includes various alterations over years.
Folder OV 63

Pickfair: Alterations (Job 231A) 1931-1932

Scope and Contents

2 drawings: Alterations at front entrance and basement.
Folder OV 63

Pickfair: Additions and alterations (Job 404) 1941

Scope and Contents

8 drawings: Floor plans, covered drive, elevations.
Folder OV 64

Pickfair: Garage building (Job 363) 1936

Scope and Contents

6 drawings: Garage plot plan, floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Folder OV 9

Pickford, Mary, mausoleum rendering undated

Scope and Contents

Pencil rendering of a mausoleum that Neff designed at Pickford's request.
Box 3, Roll 21

Pomona College, Claremont, California: Edmunds Union Building addition 1950

Scope and Contents

27 drawings: Plot, basement and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Folder OV 65, Folder OV 66

Pomona College, Claremont, California: Gymnasium 1949-1950

Scope and Contents

26 drawings: Plot, location, foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Folder OV 67

Pressman, Dr. and Mrs., residence, Holmby Hills, California: Alterations and additions (Job 364, 364a) 1936-1937

Scope and Contents

17 drawings: Plot, foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Folder OV 2A-B

Reachi, Manuel, rendering of a residence never built, Ensenada, Mexico 1954

Scope and Contents

Design includes a concrete Airform element.
Box 11, Roll 71

Reed, Mrs. Philip, residence, Bel Air, California 1968

Scope and Contents

14 drawings: Structural, preliminary schemes plan, floor plans, elevations, sections, details. Drawings say Wallace Neff and Jorge de Mattos, architects.
Folder OV 68, Folder OV 69

Richter, Mr. and Mrs. Paul K., residence, San Marino, California (Job 284) 1929

Scope and Contents

14 drawings: Plot, foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Folder OV 70

Saint Elizabeth Church, Altadena, California (Job 180) 1925

Scope and Contents

12 drawings: Foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections. Drawings labeled "Reverend W. E. Corr, pastor."
Folder OV 71

Samuels, Mr. and Mrs. Homer (Amelita Galli-Curci), Los Parideras, Rancho Santa Fe, California (Job 29) 1948

Scope and Contents

11 drawings: Plot, foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Folder OV 10

Samuels, Mr. and Mrs. Homer, residence, Rancho Santa Fe undated

Scope and Contents

1 rendering titled "Country Residence for Mr. and Mrs. Homer Samuels."
Folder OV 72, Folder OV 73

Samuels, Mr. and Mrs. Homer (Amelita Galli-Curci), residence, Westwood, California (Job 355, 383, 383A) 1935-1941

Scope and Contents

25 drawings: Plot, foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details. Includes alterations and additions dated 1938, 1941 (Jobs 383, 383A).
Folder OV 11

Scott, Mr. and Mrs. John, residence, Sun Valley, Idaho 1963

Scope and Contents

2 drawings.
Box 11, Roll 76

Singleton, Dr. and Mrs. Henry E., residence, Los Angeles, California 1968

Scope and Contents

24 drawings: Plot, foundation, basement and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Box 21, Folder 4

Singleton, Dr. and Mrs. Henry E., residence, Los Angeles undated

Scope and Contents

1 copy of a rendering.
Folder OV 74

Snow Valley Sports Lodge, San Bernardino County, California (Job 392) 1939

Scope and Contents

10 drawings: Sketches, plot and floor plans, elevations, sections.
Folder OV 20

Snow Valley Sports Lodge 1939

Scope and Contents

1 painted rendering by Arthur Clough.
Folder OV 22

Straus, Robert K., residence, Santa Barbara, California 1969

Scope and Contents

1 rendering of living room.
Box 25, Folder 6

Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. Robert, rendering of a residence never built approximately 1945

General

A print copy is in Box 21, folder 4.
Folder OV 75

Thorne, Mr. and Mrs. Charles H., residence, Pasadena, California (Job 257) 1928, 1934

Scope and Contents

10 drawings: Plot, foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details. Built 1928, alterations in 1934.
Folder OV 24

Thorne, Mr. and Mrs. Charles H.: Alterations to residence; full scale details of library 1934 November 21

Scope and Contents

1 oversize drawing, encased in mylar.
Box 11, Roll 81

Tragerman, Dr. and Mrs. J. C., residence, Los Angeles, California (Job 33) 1949

Scope and Contents

13 drawings: Plot, foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Folder OV 76

Vidor, Mr. and Mrs. King, residence, Los Angeles, California (Job 238) 1927-1928

Scope and Contents

8 drawings: Plot, foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Box 11, Roll 83

Wilson, [Howard G.?], residence 1967

Scope and Contents

10 drawings: Plot, foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
Folder OV 12

Wilson, Howard G., residence 1968

Scope and Contents

2 sketches.
Folder OV 13

Winchell, Mr. and Mrs. Verne, rendering of a residence never built 1973

General

A print copy is in Box 21, folder 4.
Box 12, Roll 87

Winters, H. L., residence, La Canada Flintridge, California (Job 178)

Scope and Contents

Photocopies of 10 drawings.
Box 12, Roll 84

Woodward, Mr. and Mrs. John A., residence, Los Angeles, California 1956

Scope and Contents

10 drawings: Plot and foundation plans, elevations, sections, details.
Folder OV 14

Zanuck, Darryl, proposed ranch house, Beverly Hills, California 1941

Scope and Contents

1 painted rendering by Frank Jamison.
Folder OV 77

Zanuck, Darryl, Beach House, Santa Monica, California (Job 368) 1936

Scope and Contents

12 drawings: Plot, foundation and floor plans, elevations, sections, details.
 

Unidentified Drawings 1920s?-1972

Folder OV 23

Drawing of interior titled "Elevation toward Bedroom" 1931 September 23

Scope and Contents

1 oversize drawing.
Box 25, Folder 3

Drawing of room with fireplace

Box 25, Folder 2

Floor plan of unidentified house with two covered porches (photostat copy)

Box 25, Folder 7

Sketch of a courtyard with cart, signed by Neff 1920s?

Folder OV 17

Series of 10 studies and sketches of a house

Folder OV 5

Color rendering of an unidentified house

Box 25, Folder 11

Working drawings of a residence (Moran?)

Scope and Contents

11 drawings of floor plans, elevations, details. One drawing of interior details has client name: Mr. and Mrs. Moran.
Folder OV 18

Renderings, miscellaneous 1972; undated

Scope and Contents

Renderings of unidentified residences and one apartment building or hotel. All undated except one: signed by Neff, March 17, 1972.
Box 21, Folder 5

Renderings (copies), miscellaneous 1956; undated

Scope and Contents

Renderings of unidentified buildings: an Airform structure with spire and tower; a one-story residence dated 1956, and four other unidentified residences.
 

Oversize photographs Subseries 5 approximately 1924-1960

Scope and Contents

Large photographic prints of Neff buildings, 16 x 20 inches and slightly smaller, in color, and in black and white. They are mostly copies, with a few original photographs by William M. Clarke, Padilla Studios, and Maynard Parker. There is one portrait of Amelita Galli-Curci. The bulk of building photographs are in Series 4. Wallace Neff Jr. Papers: Research files and photographs.
Box 14

Oversize photographs, various

Scope and Contents

Residences: Warren B. Duff, King Gillette, Amelita Galli-Curci (Rancho Santa Fe and Westwood). Other: Doheny Library, House of Studies (Washington D.C.), and a signed portrait of Galli-Curci in opera costume by Samuel Lumiere.
Box 15

Oversize photographs, residences

Scope and Contents

Residences: William Goetz, Myrtle Hornstein, George Miller, and Marion-Thomson.
Box 16

Oversize photographs, residences

Scope and Contents

Residences: Wallace Neff (own house, San Marino), Robert K. Straus, King Vidor (1928 and 1936 houses), Sol Wurtzel.
Box 20

Oversize photographs, residences and Airforms

Scope and Contents

Residences: Joan Bennett, Berkeley Avenue (San Marino), Arthur K. Bourne (San Marino), Ralph Chandler, Airform buildings under construction (4 images).
Box 21, Folder 1-3

Oversize photographs, residences and Manresa Chapel.

Scope and Contents

Residences: Robert Garner, Henry Haldeman, Stanley Imerman, Loyola University Gymnasium, Harry Kunin, Fredric March, Clark B. Millikan, George Miller, Fred Niblo, George O. Noble, Pickfair, Paul Richter, Mrs. Floyd Turner. Other: Manresa Chapel (or Manresa Jesuit Retreat House).
Box 17

Matted photographs, residences

Scope and Contents

Primarily 8 x 10-inch prints in cardboard mats. Residences: 581 Berkeley Avenue (San Marino), Arthur K. Bourne (San Marino), Wilbur Collins, H. L. Delano, Philip S. Doane. Others: Doheny Library, Libbey Stables (photograph of a rendering).
Box 18

Matted photographs, residences and Neff-Ruppel building.

Scope and Contents

Primarily 8 x 10-inch prints in cardboard mats. Residences: Marion-Thomson, Clark B. Millikan, Wallace Neff (own residence, San Marino). Other: Neff-Ruppel building.
Box 19

Matted photographs, residences and Ojai Valley Country Club

Scope and Contents

Primarily 8 x 10-inch prints in cardboard mats. Residences: Fred Niblo, George O. Noble, Robert K. Straus, Parker Toms, King Gillette ranch. Other: Ojai Valley Country Club.
 

Wallace Neff Jr. papers Series 4 approximately 1910-2008

Physical Description: 628 Linear Feet(17 boxes and 185 oversize folders)

Scope and Contents

These files were compiled by Wallace Neff Jr. as he did research on his father's houses and buildings for a book he published in 1986. Materials include photographs, Neff Jr.'s notes on past and present owners, correspondence from homeowners, newspaper and magazine articles, photocopies of floor plans and drawings, and miscellaneous printed material. Most files contain the street address and notes as to whether the building still exists, was torn down, or remodeled. Some photographs and clippings in these files were probably originally part of Neff's own files, and were moved while Neff Jr. was working on his book. These include photographs by Maynard Parker, Hiller Studios, and Padilla Studios, dating from the 1920s to 1940s. There are also snapshots taken by Neff Jr. on site visits and some images received from homeowners. Neff Jr. also occasionally hired professionals to photograph houses or copy older photographs, usually photographer Roland Lee, whose stamp is on some prints.

Biographical / Historical

Wallace Neff Jr. (1930-2013), known as "Wally," was born in Pasadena, the second of three children of Louise Up de Graff Neff and Wallace Neff. He attended Claremont Men's College and entered the army after graduation. He spent most of his life living in Laguna Beach, California, where he worked as a realtor. He was passionate about ensuring his father's architectural legacy and worked for decades researching and compiling his book "Wallace Neff: Architect of California's Golden Age," published in 1986. He gave many talks on his father at various local events, and donated his father's papers and drawings to the Huntington Library in 2006, along with his own research files.

Arrangement

Organized in four subseries:
  • Subseries 1. Biographical: Neff and family, approximately 1912-2008
  • Subseries 2. Research files and photographs of Neff buildings, 1920s-2005?
  • Subseries 3. Negatives/Transparencies, approximately 1910-2005?
  • Subseries 4. Contemporary renderings of Neff buildings, approximately 1991-2007
Arranged alphabetically by project name except the biographical subseries, which is arranged by subject and format.
 

Biographical: Neff and family Subseries 1 1912-2008

Box 48, Folder 1

Biographical sketches of Wallace Neff

Scope and Contents

Typed and printed biographies of Neff by Tim Gregory, Alson Clark, the office of Moule & Polyzoides (architects), Gloria Renwick, and unidentified.
Box 48, Folder 2

Neff Jr.'s notes on his father and family history

Box 48, Folder 3

Neff Jr.'s talks and lectures on his father 1987-2003

Box 48, Folder 4-6

Neff and McNally family history

Scope and Contents

Clippings and obituary notices for Neff family members, and clippings on La Mirada and Altadena homes of Andrew McNally. Three photographs of La Mirada Grammar School, entrance to McNally Ranch, McNally olive oil plant.
Box 48, Folder 7-9

Photographs of Wallace Neff and family

Scope and Contents

Images of Neff as a child, a young man, and throughout his adult life. Also images of Neff's parents and siblings, wife and children, other relatives, and associates. Mostly copies of older photographs, with some color snapshots, approximately 1950s-1980s. A few original photographs, including "Wally" Jr. and sister Phyllis Neff as children, 1934, at Orlando Road house, San Marino.
Box 20, Folder 1-3

Photographs of Wallace Neff

Scope and Contents

Three photographs: a young Neff on a sled, Switzerland, approximately 1910-1914; portrait of Neff standing in front of Airform; headshot portrait of Neff, 1978.
Folder OV 23a

Panoramic photograph: "Employees, Fulton Shipbuilding Company, Wilmington, Ca." 1918 April 17

Physical Description: In frame, 6 1/2 x 31 inches.

Scope and Contents

Group photograph of over 100 employees at site, including Wallace Neff, who worked there at the beginning of his career. Credited to: "International Examiner Bldg. Los Angeles."
Box 52, Folder 12-22

Negatives and transparencies of Neff and family

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

Photographic negatives and transparencies housed in cold storage; extended retrieval and delivery time required.

Scope and Contents

Contains images of Wallace Neff as a teenager and young man (1910s to 1920s), and with his wife and children. Also color images of Neff family members in groups, including Andrew Neff, Wallace Neff Jr., Arthur Neff, Louise Neff, Bill Neff, and Neff's mother, Nannie McNally Neff. There are two copy negatives of late-19th century images of Libby and McNally family groups.
Box 49, Folder 7-8

Neff Jr.'s book party 1987

Scope and Contents

Wallace Neff Jr. compiled and edited the book "Wallace Neff: Architect of California's Golden Age" (published 1986), with text by Alson Clark. This file contains Clark's book proposal, as well as a guest list and photographs of the book publication party held at the Marion-Thomson estate (Wallace Neff, architect), on January 18, 1987. Includes hundreds of thumbnail-size photographs of guests at the party, and some larger photographs showing the house exterior.
Box 23, Volume 1

Scripps Hall, Altadena, California photograph album 1981

Scope and Contents

An album of color snapshots, 1981 of "Scripps Hall," a large 1904 Craftsman house in Altadena, California by architect Charles W. Buchanan, built for William Armiger Scripps. Album compiled by "the Frank Q. Browns, 1988." The Neff family lived in Altadena beginning in 1904; their relationship to this house is unclear.
Box 48, Folder 10-12

Clippings 1924-2008

Scope and Contents

Newspaper stories about Neff, including obituaries published in 1982. Some articles about Neff Jr. and his book, 1987.
Box 48, Folder 13

Condolence cards sent to Neff Jr. after Neff's death 1982

Box 48, Folder 14

Wallace Neff death certificate 8 June 1982

 

Research files and photographs of Neff buildings Subseries 2 1920s-2005?

Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically by client or project name.

Scope and Contents

Neff Jr.'s research files on his father's clients and projects, which he compiled approximately 1970s to 2006. Files include Neff Jr.'s correspondence with homeowners, clippings, background on homeowners, and many photographs of buildings, including some taken by Neff Jr. on site visits. All locations are in California unless noted otherwise.
Box 49, Folder 1-6

Lists and notes on Neff clients and projects

Scope and Contents

These folders contain Neff Jr.'s ongoing lists and notes on his father's clients, houses, and owners. Lists contain street addresses and build dates. One copy of a rendering for a proposed "Spanish Arcade" project of retail shops, for Pasadena, California (Neff project?).
Box 50

Neff Jr.'s rolodex of Neff clients

Scope and Contents

Neff Jr.'s card file rolodex of his father's works, with client names, dates of projects, addresses, and other information.
Box 44, Folder 1-3

Airforms

Box 44, Folder 2

Allen, Eugene

Box 44, Folder 3

Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. J. C.

Box 44, Folder 4

Baer, John Willis, Montecito

Box 44, Folder 5

Baldwin, Mrs. Rowena Schneider

Box 44, Folder 6-7

Barlow, Dr. Walter Jarvis, Sierra Madre

Scope and Contents

Clippings in file say this residential villa was modelled after Villa dei Collazzi in Florence, Italy. It later became a Catholic high school, Alverno Heights Academy. Includes postcards and color snapshots, 2005.
Box 44, Folder 8

Bayer, Alfred, Beverly Hills

Box 44, Folder 9

Bechtel, Elizabeth Hay, Santa Barbara

Scope and Contents

Contains information on guest house (1973) and a larger, main house (1975).
Box 44, Folder 10

Beilenson, Laurence, Los Angeles

Box 44, Folder 11-12

Bennett, Joan, Holmby Hills

Box 44, Folder 13

Berg, Mr. and Mrs. Sidney C., Pasadena

Scope and Contents

Also known as the Busch residence. It was commissioned in 1927 by Lilly Anheuser Busch as a wedding present for her granddaughter, Lilly, who married Sidney C. Berg.
Box 44, Folder 14

Berkeley Avenue houses, San Marino

Scope and Contents

Speculative houses designed by Neff on Berkeley Avenue that were financed by the Lincoln Mortgage Company.
Box 44, Folder 15

Bertolotti, Henry, San Marino

Box 44, Folder 16

Blankenhorn, Pasadena

Box 44, Folder 17

Bourne, Arthur K., Glendora

Scope and Contents

Also known as the Singer Mansion, it was later the home of the Verona Fathers.
Box 44, Folder 18

Bourne, Arthur K., Palm Springs

Box 44, Folder 19-20

Bourne, Arthur K., San Marino

Box 44, Folder 21

Brigham, Robert E., Bel Air

Box 44, Folder 22

Browne, Dr. and Mrs. Francis E., Bel Air

Box 44, Folder 23

Browne, Jane Jordan, Newport Beach

Box 44, Folder 24

Bryant, Susanna Bixby, Rancho Santa Ana

Scope and Contents

Includes architectural drawings and blueprints (folded).
Box 44, Folder 25

Buffum, George, Altadena

Box 44, Folder 26

Burden, Mr. and Mrs. Shirley, Beverly Hills

Box 44, Folder 27

Burdette, Clara, Pasadena

Scope and Contents

A residence now on the property of the Langham Hotel Pasadena.
Box 44, Folder 28

Burr, A. E., Beverly Hills

Box 44, Folder 29-30

Bush, Irving T., Lake Wales, Florida

Box 44, Folder 31

California Security Loan Corporation, Pasadena

Scope and Contents

Photographs only - exterior and interiors of a bank building.
Box 44, Folder 32

Chandler, Norman, Los Angeles

Box 44, Folder 33

Chandler, Ralph J., Los Angeles

Box 44, Folder 34

Chaplin, Charles, and Paulette Goddard, proposed house

Scope and Contents

Copies of sketch, 1939. Not built. Includes photographs of Wallace Neff and Paulette Goddard.
Box 44, Folder 35

Colbert, Claudette, Holmby Hills

Scope and Contents

Neff's drawings refer to the clients as Dr. and Mrs. Pressman (Colbert's husband at the time).
Box 44, Folder 36

Cole, Fred N., Beverly Hills

Box 44, Folder 37

Collins, Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur, Pasadena

Box 44, Folder 38-39

Culver, Mr. and Mrs. Harry, Cheviot Hills, Los Angeles

Box 44, Folder 40

Delano, H. L., Pasadena

Box 44, Folder 41-42

Doane, Dr. Philip S., San Marino

Box 44, Folder 43

Dobbins, Horace, Pasadena

Scope and Contents

Proposed hillside development project. Copy of rendering, 1925; never built.
Box 45, Folder 1

Doheny, Mr. and Mrs. E. L. - Chester Place, Los Angeles

Scope and Contents

Primarily historical background on the Dohenys and their residential properties on Chester Place.
Box 45, Folder 2-3

Doheny, Mr. and Mrs. E. L. - Ferndale Ranch, Santa Paula

Scope and Contents

Includes blueprint copy of rendering.
Box 45, Folder 4-5

Doheny, Mrs. E. L. - House of Studies at The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.

Box 45, Folder 6-7

Doheny, Mrs. E. L. - Doheny Library, Camarillo

Scope and Contents

The Edward Laurence Doheny Memorial Library, established at St. John's Seminary in 1940 by Estelle Doheny, in memory of her late husband. File contains several pamphlets, clippings and background on the Library. Includes photographs of Neff and Mrs. Doheny during construction.
Box 45, Folder 8

Doheny, Mrs. E. L. - Repository for St. Vincent de Paul Church, Los Angeles

Scope and Contents

Photograph of reliquary designed by Neff.
Box 45, Folder 9

Duff, Mr. and Mrs. Warren B., Brentwood

Box 45, Folder 10-11

Eaton, Roy, Santa Barbara

Box 45, Folder 12

Elliott, John C., Maui, Hawaii

Box 45, Folder 13

Fairbanks Ranch, Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego County

Scope and Contents

Clippings, historical background, notes, and correspondence from the 1980s concerning the development of Fairbanks Ranch. Building was completed based on Neff's original design for a residence for Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Fairbanks.
Box 45, Folder 14

Fairbanks Ranch, Rancho Santa Fe: Manager's house

Scope and Contents

Includes copy of Neff's drawings, 1931. Built by Douglas Fairbanks as a home for the manager of his ranch property.
Box 45, Folder 15

Fairbanks, Mr. and Mrs. Douglas (Mary Pickford), Santa Monica.

Scope and Contents

A beach house designed by Neff, and information on later additions. Contains copies of building permits, 1925-1980.
Box 45, Folder 16

Fairbanks, Douglas, Jr., Pacific Palisades

Box 45, Folder 17

Fairbanks, Frederick Cole, San Marino

Box 45, Folder 18

Fenn, J. E., Beverly Hills

Box 45, Folder 19

Fertig, S. C., San Marino

Scope and Contents

Photographs only.
Box 45, Folder 20

Forbes, John C., Ojai

Box 45, Folder 21

Forthmann

Scope and Contents

Photographs only (1982) of large two-story brick residence and interiors. Possibly Nora Forthmann residence, Los Angeles? File only said "Forthman" [sic].
Box 45, Folder 22

Frawley, Patrick, Holmby Hills

Scope and Contents

Front door ironwork only.
Box 45, Folder 23

Gadbois, Los Angeles

Scope and Contents

File had surname only, and contains one clipping.
Box 45, Folder 24-25

Galli-Curci, Amelita, La Jolla

Scope and Contents

Includes color photographs of Neff and Galli-Curci at house, 1962.
Box 45, Folder 26

Galli-Curci, Amelita, Palos Verdes

Scope and Contents

Notes on a project never built.
Box 45, Folder 27

Galli-Curci, Amelita, Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego County

Scope and Contents

Contains original floor plan drawing (folded).
Box 45, Folder 28

Galli-Curci, Amelita, Westwood

Box 45, Folder 29

Garner, Robert, San Marino

Box 45, Folder 30

Gartz, Kate Crane, Palos Verdes

Box 45, Folder 31

Gilbert, John, Beverly Hills

Scope and Contents

File on renovations at house.
Box 45, Folder 32-33

Gillette, King, Calabasas

Scope and Contents

Includes original architectural renderings (folded).
Box 45, Folder 34

Goetz, Mr. and Mrs. William, Bel Air

Scope and Contents

Residence commissioned by Louis B. Mayer as a wedding present for his daughter, Edith Mayer Goetz.
Box 45, Folder 35

Goetz, Mr. and Mrs. William, Santa Monica

Box 45, Folder 36

Gonda, Leslie, Beverly Hills

Scope and Contents

One clipping only.
Box 45, Folder 37

Goss, Norman, Pasadena

Scope and Contents

Contains letter regarding a fireplace designed by Neff.
Box 45, Folder 38

Hahn, Louise (Mrs. Norman F.), Beverly Hills

Scope and Contents

One photograph only.
Box 45, Folder 39

Haigh, John S., San Marino

Box 45, Folder 40

Haldeman, Mr. and Mrs. Henry F., Holmby Hills

Scope and Contents

Includes photograph of Neff and Clara Haldeman at site, 1939.
Box 45, Folder 41

Hall, Dr. and Mrs. Raymond C., La Mesa

Scope and Contents

Includes copy of architectural drawing, 1937.
Box 45, Folder 42

Hall, Shirley, San Marino

Box 45, Folder 43

Harmon, Tom, Beverly Hills

Scope and Contents

Includes copy of a rendering of a home. Not built.
Box 45, Folder 44

Harriman, W. Averell, proposed Ski Lodge at Sun Valley

Biographical / Historical

W. Averell Harriman was a former governor of New York and founder of Sun Valley, Idaho.
Box 45, Folder 45

Hirsch, Herman, Beverly Hills

Box 45, Folder 46

Hoffman, Walter, Rancho Casitas, Ventura

Box 45, Folder 47

Honeymoon Cottages

Scope and Contents

Clippings and photographs regarding Neff's project to create small, pre-designed houses (named "Honeymoon Cottages") that could be factory-made and delivered. Contains copies of two letters to Neff, July 1934, from Seamans Realtors and Charles H. Diggs, Los Angeles County Regional Planning Commission and Building Bureau.
Box 45, Folder 48-49

Hornstein, Myrtle A., Beverly Hills

Scope and Contents

Includes copy of architectural drawing.
Box 45, Folder 50

Hummel, Peter, Reno, Nevada

Scope and Contents

Photographs only, 2004.
Box 46, Folder 1

Hunter, Robert E., Pebble Beach

Biographical / Historical

Hunter was designer of Pebble Beach Golf Course.
Box 46, Folder 2

Imerman, Stanley, Beverly Hills

Box 46, Folder 3

Jaffe, Sam, Beverly Hills

Box 46, Folder 4

Johnson, Milbank, Pasadena

Box 46, Folder 5

Kavanel, E. A., Pasadena

Box 46, Folder 6

Keating, J. B., Pasadena

Box 46, Folder 7

Keith, Willard W., Beverly Hills

Scope and Contents

One item: 1957 letter to Neff from William R. Anderson, general contractor, with an accounting of costs.
Box 46, Folder 8

Kunin, Harry, Beverly Hills

Box 46, Folder 9

Leaf, Erle, Los Angeles

Box 46, Folder 10

Libbey Stables, Ojai

Scope and Contents

Buildings commissioned by Edward Drummond Libbey.
Box 23, Volume 3

"Arbolada" reproduction booklet 1988

Scope and Contents

An oversize reproduction of a 1924 booklet about Edward Drummond Libbey and the "Arbolada," a 500-acre area of Ojai, California. Includes images of Ojai Valley Inn and Libbey Stables; 20 pages.
Box 46, Folder 11

Linnard, D. M., Pasadena

Biographical / Historical

Linnard was owner of the Huntington Hotel and commissioned Neff to build cottages on the property.
Box 46, Folder 12-13

Loyola University, Los Angeles - Dormitories and Gymnasium

Box 46, Folder 14

MacConnell, John G., La Canada

Box 46, Folder 15

Manresa Retreat House Chapel, Azusa

Scope and Contents

Chapel designed for the Manresa Jesuit Retreat House.
Box 46, Folder 16-17

March, Fredric, Beverly Hills

Box 46, Folder 18-19

Marion-Thomson, Beverly Hills

Scope and Contents

Residence built for screenwriter Frances Marion and her husband, film actor Fred Thomson. See also Box 49, folder 8 for photographs of Neff Jr.'s book party at the estate in 1987.
Box 46, Folder 20

Marx, Groucho, Beverly Hills

Box 46, Folder 21

Marx, Gummo, Beverly Hills

Scope and Contents

One photograph only.
Box 46, Folder 22

Marx, Harpo, Rancho Mirage

Box 46, Folder 23

Mayer, Louis B., Santa Monica

Box 46, Folder 24

McGilvray, Walter, Beverly Hills

Box 46, Folder 25

Merritt, Hulett, Pasadena

Box 46, Folder 26

Miller, George, Bel Air

Box 46, Folder 27

Miller, George, Palm Springs

Box 46, Folder 28-29

Millikan, Clark B. and Helen Staats Millikan, Pasadena

Box 46, Folder 30

Monastery of the Angels, Hollywood

Box 46, Folder 31

Neff, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin D., Pasadena

Box 46, Folder 32

Neff, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin D., Santa Barbara

Scope and Contents

Neff designed this house for his parents in 1919.
Box 46, Folder 33

Neff, Wallace, own residence, Altadena

Box 46, Folder 34

Neff, Wallace, own residence, San Marino

Box 46, Folder 35

Neff-Ruppel Building, Pasadena

Scope and Contents

Designed by Neff for his architectural offices in 1924. Built with Frederick Ruppel, an engineer. Includes copy of original architectural drawing.
Box 46, Folder 36

Neil, William P.

Scope and Contents

Copies of sketch only. Not built?
Box 46, Folder 37-38

Niblo, Fred, Beverly Hills

Scope and Contents

Includes photographs of Dr. Jules Stein and Doris Stein, later owners.
Box 46, Folder 39

Noble, George, Pasadena

Scope and Contents

Also contains material on longtime owners Mr. and Mrs. J. Hartley Taylor.
Box 46, Folder 40

O'Bryan, Louis, Arcadia

Scope and Contents

Photographs only.
Box 46, Folder 41

Ohrmund, Mrs. Grace E., Pasadena

Box 46, Folder 42

Ojai Valley Inn, Ojai

Scope and Contents

Called the Ojai Valley Country Club when Neff designed it in 1924.
Box 46, Folder 43

Osburn, Mrs. M. R., Los Angeles

Box 46, Folder 44

Page, James R., Los Angeles

Scope and Contents

Very little information in file. A remodel.
Box 46, Folder 45

Pasadena Lawn Bowling Club building, Pasadena

Box 46, Folder 46

Petitfils, Mr. and Mrs. E. L., Los Angeles

Box 47, Folder 1-4

Pickfair, residence of Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford

Scope and Contents

Four folders of material, with two folders of photographs. Includes letters to Neff Jr., articles, copies of floor plans and elevations, brochures, and many photographs, taken approximately 1920s to 1980s. Includes letters from Mary Pickford to Neff Jr., 1966 and 1977.
Box 47, Folder 5

Pickford, Mrs. Charlotte Smith, Beverly Hills

Biographical / Historical

Built by Mary Pickford for her mother, Mrs. Charlotte Smith Pickford.
Box 47, Folder 6

Plumb, Mr. and Mrs. George, Piedmont

Box 47, Folder 7

Pomona College Gymnasium, Claremont

Box 47, Folder 8

Post, Carroll, Pasadena

Box 47, Folder 9

Post, Carroll, San Marino

Box 47, Folder 10

Rand, Richard, Beverly Hills

Box 47, Folder 11

Reachi, Manuel

Scope and Contents

Copies of rendering of a proposed Airform-style house in Mexico. Not built.
Box 47, Folder 12

Reisch, Walter, Bel Air

Box 47, Folder 13

Richards, Mr. and Mrs. Edgar, Cheviot Hills

Box 47, Folder 14

Richards, Mr. and Mrs. Edgar, Palm Springs

Box 47, Folder 15

Richter, Paul, San Marino

Box 47, Folder 16

Rush, Mr. and Mrs. Frank, South Pasadena

Box 47, Folder 17

Sanders

Scope and Contents

Photographs of an ironwork driveway gate. File had surname only.
Box 47, Folder 18

Schipa, Tito, Beverly Hills

Box 47, Folder 19

Schultz, Henry, San Marino

Box 47, Folder 20

Singleton, Henry, Holmby Hills

Box 47, Folder 21

Skinner, Mrs. James, San Marino

Box 47, Folder 22

Snow Valley Sports Lodge, Lake Arrowhead

Scope and Contents

Copy of rendering of a proposed ski lodge commissioned by film producer Joseph M. Schenck.
Box 47, Folder 23

St. Elizabeth Church, Altadena

Box 47, Folder 24

Stone, Dr. Willard J., Pasadena

Box 47, Folder 25

Stowell, Henriette, Pasadena

Scope and Contents

Includes information about Albert Einstein and his stay in this house in 1931 when he was a visiting professor at Caltech.
Box 47, Folder 26

Straus, Robert K., Santa Barbara

Box 47, Folder 27

Stribling, Mrs. F. P., Pasadena

Box 47, Folder 28

Thorne, Charles H., Pasadena

Box 47, Folder 29

Toms, Parker, San Marino

Box 47, Folder 30

Torrence, Bertha, Pasadena

Box 47, Folder 31

Tragerman, John, Los Angeles

Box 47, Folder 32

Turner, Mrs. Floyd (Bertha Doerr Turner), San Marino

Box 47, Folder 33

Up de Graff, Thaddeus L., Altadena

Biographical / Historical

Thaddeus Libby Up de Graff (1894-1967), was the brother of Louise Up de Graff Neff (Wallace Neff's mother).
Box 47, Folder 34

Vavra, Stephen S., Bel Air

Scope and Contents

Clipping only.
Box 47, Folder 35-36

Vidor, King, Beverly Hills (1928)

Box 47, Folder 37

Vidor, King, Beverly Hills (1937)

Box 47, Folder 38

Visscher, E. W., Pasadena

Box 47, Folder 39

Walker, Mrs. M. L. H., Pasadena

Box 47, Folder 40

Wilson, Howard G., Los Angeles

Box 47, Folder 41

Winchell, Verne

Scope and Contents

Copies of renderings only. Not built.
Box 47, Folder 42

Wurtzel, Sol, Bel Air

Box 47, Folder 43

Yardley, George and Dorothy, Brentwood

Box 47, Folder 44

Young, Mary Scarborough, Portland, Oregon

Box 47, Folder 45

Young, Walter S., Pasadena

Box 47, Folder 46

Zanuck, Darryl, Santa Monica

Box 47, Folder 47

Zanuck, Darryl, proposed house

Scope and Contents

Proposed ranch house. Not built. Copies of rendering and photographs of Mr. and Mrs. Zanuck at site.
 

Negatives and transparencies Subseries 3 approximately 1910-2005?

Scope and Contents

These files contain negatives and transparencies of Neff's houses and other buildings, and some people. The majority are copy negatives that Neff Jr. had made of older photographs. There are some original negatives of houses by Neff Jr. or other photographers, taken on site visits, approximately 1980s. A few files contain original negatives by Wallace Neff, taken during projects. Almost all of the images are undated; dates have been noted if known.

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

Photographic negatives and transparencies housed in cold storage; extended retrieval and delivery time required.
Box 51, Folder 1-3

Airforms

Scope and Contents

Includes many 2 1/4 x 2 1/4-inch original negatives taken by Wallace Neff, of Airforms, people, and aerial views in Mexico, approximately 1940s-1950s. Some images of Airforms under construction. See also Subseries 3. Negatives/Transparencies: Reachi, Manuel, for additional Airform images.
Box 51, Folder 4

Allen, Eugene, residence

Scope and Contents

Color negatives.
Box 51, Folder 5

Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. J. C., residence

Scope and Contents

Copy negatives.
Box 51, Folder 6-7

Baer, John Willis, residence

Scope and Contents

Includes 35mm negatives by Neff Jr., approximately 1980s?
Box 51, Folder 8

Bailey (Berkeley Avenue), residence

Scope and Contents

Color negatives, undated.
Box 51, Folder 9

Baldwin, Mrs. Rowena Schneider, residence

Scope and Contents

35mm negatives, undated.
Box 51, Folder 10

Bechtel, Elizabeth Hay, residence

Scope and Contents

Includes 35mm images by Neff Jr., approximately 1980s?
Box 51, Folder 11

Bennett, Joan, residence

Scope and Contents

Three 2 1/4 x 3 1/2-inch original negatives of Neff, Bennett and builder Warmington at site, approximately 1936, and exteriors of house. Also many copy negatives.
Box 51, Folder 12

Berg, Mr. and Mrs. Sidney C., residence

Scope and Contents

Color transparency; copy negatives.
Box 51, Folder 13

Bertolotti, Henry, residence

Scope and Contents

One image of exterior, in color and black-and-white, undated.
Box 51, Folder 14

Bourne, Arthur K., Palm Springs residence

Scope and Contents

Original and copy negatives.
Box 51, Folder 15

Bourne, Arthur K., San Marino residence

Scope and Contents

Copy negatives.
Box 51, Folder 16

Browne, Dr. and Mrs. Francis E., Bel Air residence

Scope and Contents

Some original negatives, approximately 1957.
Box 51, Folder 17

Browne, Dr. and Mrs. Francis E., Newport Beach [and Los Angeles?] residences

Box 51, Folder 18

Bryant, Susanna Bixby, residence

Scope and Contents

Copy negatives.
Box 51, Folder 19

Bush, Irving T., residence

Scope and Contents

35mm negatives and copy negatives.
Box 51, Folder 20

Collins, Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur, residence

Box 51, Folder 21

Culver, Mr. and Mrs. Harry, residence

Box 51, Folder 22

Delano, H. L., residence

Scope and Contents

Includes 35mm images of house by Neff Jr., approximately 1980s?
Box 51, Folder 23

Doane, Dr. Philip S., residence

Scope and Contents

Includes 4 x 5-inch color transparencies by William A. Brissette, 1994. Also copy negatives of older images.
Box 51, Folder 24

Doheny, Mr. and Mrs. E. L. - Chester Place residence

Scope and Contents

One color stereo slide in cardboard holder of exterior of house, approximately 1940s-1950s.
Box 51, Folder 25

Doheny, Mr. and Mrs. E. L. - Ferndale Ranch

Scope and Contents

A set of negatives of an album given to Wallace Neff by Mr. and Mrs. Doheny, 1929, at the completion of their house. A note from Neff Jr. says he had these negatives made before he gave the original album to Monsignor Weber of the San Fernando Mission in 1994.
Box 51, Folder 26

Doheny, Mrs. E. L. - Doheny Library

Scope and Contents

A few original negatives, approximately 1939?, and many copy negatives.
Box 51, Folder 27

Doheny, Mrs. E. L. - House of Studies at The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.

Scope and Contents

One negative of Mrs. Doheny at site approximately 1939, and many copy negatives.
Box 51, Folder 28

Dumbolton, Carl?, residence

Scope and Contents

Exterior view of a Spanish-style house.
Box 51, Folder 29

Eaton, Roy, residence

Scope and Contents

Many original color transparencies, undated, and copy negatives. Over 50 images.
Box 51, Folder 30

Elliott, John C., residence

Scope and Contents

One original color transparency of Elliott and Neff looking at drawings at site, approximately 1967. Also copy negatives.
Box 51, Folder 31-32

Fairbanks, Frederick Cole, residence

Scope and Contents

Includes a set of negatives of the Fairbanks' personal photo album of the house, loaned to Neff Jr. for copying, according to note in file. Also 35mm images by Neff Jr., taken approximately 1980s.
Box 51, Folder 33

Forest Lawn

Scope and Contents

Negative of a rendering of a large, modern building. No other information.
Box 51, Folder 34

Galli-Curci, Amelita, La Jolla residence

Scope and Contents

Includes two original color transparencies, 1962, of house exterior and interior. Also one 4 x 5-inch color transparency by Maynard Parker.
Box 51, Folder 35

Galli-Curci, Amelita, Westwood residence

Scope and Contents

One original negative portrait of Galli-Curci and Neff, approximately 1936. Also copy negatives, and 35mm negatives by Neff Jr., approximately 1980s.
Box 51, Folder 36

Garner, Robert, residence

Scope and Contents

One negative of exterior.
Box 51, Folder 37

Gartz, Kate Crane, residence

Box 51, Folder 38

Goetz, Mr. and Mrs. William, residence

Scope and Contents

Some original negatives, undated.
Box 51, Folder 39

Haigh, John S., residence

Scope and Contents

35mm negatives.
Box 51, Folder 40

Hall, Mr. and Mrs. Shirley, residence

Box 51, Folder 41

Hunter, Robert E., residence

Scope and Contents

Some color transparencies, approximately 1980s?
Box 51, Folder 42

Hutchins, Dr. and Mrs. Robert M., residence

Scope and Contents

One original negative of an unidentified piece of furniture. No other information with item.
Box 51, Folder 43

Imerman, Stanley, residence

Scope and Contents

35mm negatives, undated.
Box 51, Folder 44

Johnson, Milbank, residence

Scope and Contents

35mm negatives, undated.
Box 51, Folder 45

Keating, J. B., residence

Scope and Contents

38 color negatives by William A. Brissette, approximately mid-1990s.
Box 51, Folder 46

Kunin, Harry, residence

Scope and Contents

Envelope said "Harry Kunin, Brooklawn." Color negatives.
Box 51, Folder 47

Libbey Stables

Scope and Contents

Includes negative of Neff's design for a hotel in Ojai, not built.
Box 51, Folder 48

Linnard, D. M., residence

Scope and Contents

35mm negatives, approximately 1980s?
Box 51, Folder 49

Manresa Retreat House Chapel, Azusa

Scope and Contents

Includes original negative of an exhibit board of photographs of the chapel, made for A.I.A. exhibit., approximately 1954. Also original stereo slide (color) of interior of chapel, 1980?
Box 51, Folder 50

March, Fredric, residence

Scope and Contents

Color transparencies, undated.
Box 51, Folder 51-52

Marion-Thomson residence

Scope and Contents

Built for Frances Marion and Fred Thomson. Includes original color transparencies, approximately 1980s.
Box 51, Folder 53

Marx, Gummo, Beverly Hills residence

Scope and Contents

One color stereo slide in cardboard holder of exterior of house, approximately 1956.
Box 51, Folder 54

Marx, Harpo, Rancho Mirage residence

Scope and Contents

Includes original color transparency of Mr. and Mrs. Marx at site, approximately 1956. Also copy negatives.
Box 51, Folder 55

Miller, George, residence

Scope and Contents

Copy negatives.
Box 51, Folder 56

Millikan, Clark B. and Helen Staats Millikan, residence

Scope and Contents

Color transparencies, undated.
Box 51, Folder 57

Neff, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin D., Pasadena residence

Scope and Contents

Copy negatives.
Box 51, Folder 58

Neff, Wallace, own residence, Orlando Road, San Marino

Scope and Contents

Color and black-and-white copy negatives and transparencies.
Box 51, Folder 59

Neff-Ruppel Building, Pasadena

Scope and Contents

28 color 35mm negatives by Neff Jr., approximately 1980s?
Box 51, Folder 60

Niblo, Fred, residence

Scope and Contents

Copy negatives.
Box 51, Folder 61

O'Bryan, Louis, residence

Scope and Contents

One exterior transparency, color.
Box 51, Folder 62

Pickfair, residence of Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford

Scope and Contents

A few 35mm color images of exterior, approximately 1980s?, and copy negatives.
Box 51, Folder 63

Post, Carroll, San Marino residence

Scope and Contents

Color negatives, undated.
Box 51, Folder 64

Reachi, Manuel (Airform)

Scope and Contents

Original negatives by Wallace Neff, approximately 1954. Portraits of Reachi, and Airform buildings, Mexico.
Box 51, Folder 65

Richter, Paul, residence

Scope and Contents

Color negatives, undated.
Box 51, Folder 66

Sanders (gate)

Scope and Contents

Image of an ironwork driveway gate. Same as image in Neff Jr.'s research file.
Box 51, Folder 67

Schipa, Tito, residence

Scope and Contents

35mm negatives by Neff Jr., approximately 1980s?
Box 51, Folder 68

Singleton, Henry, residence

Scope and Contents

Many color transparencies, undated, and copy negatives.
Box 51, Folder 69

St. Elizabeth Church, Altadena

Scope and Contents

Color transparencies, undated.
Box 51, Folder 70

Straus, Robert K., residence

Scope and Contents

Color transparencies and negatives, undated.
Box 52, Folder 1

Thorne, Charles H., residence

Scope and Contents

Some color negatives.
Box 52, Folder 2

Toms, Parker, residence

Scope and Contents

One image of exterior, in color and black-and-white.
Box 52, Folder 3

Torrence, Bertha, residence

Scope and Contents

One image of exterior, in color.
Box 52, Folder 4

Tragerman, John, residence

Scope and Contents

One image of exterior.
Box 52, Folder 5

Turner, Mrs. Floyd P. (Bertha Doerr Turner), residence

Scope and Contents

One image of exterior, 1980s?
Box 52, Folder 6

Vidor, King, Beverly Hills residence (1928)

Scope and Contents

35mm color negatives by Neff Jr., approximately 1980s?
Box 52, Folder 7

Wilson, Howard G., residence

Scope and Contents

Copy negatives.
Box 52, Folder 8

Wurtzel, Sol, residence

Scope and Contents

35mm color negatives by Neff Jr., 1982; copy negatives; possibly some original negatives.
Box 52, Folder 9-10

Young, Mary Scarborough, residence

Scope and Contents

Many color transparencies (some dated 1991) and negatives, undated.
Box 52, Folder 11

Zanuck, Darryl, Santa Monica residence

Scope and Contents

One color transparency of exterior, 1980s?, and one copy negative.
 

Contemporary renderings of Neff buildings Subseries 4 approximately 1991 - 2007

Scope and Contents

Wallace Neff Jr. commissioned these contemporary painted renderings of his father's buildings as visualizations of the original designs. The majority are watercolor paintings made between approximately 1991 and 2007, depicting the front view of buildings. Identified artists are: Jim Burns of Pasadena; Robert de Rosa; Frank Germain of San Clemente; Howard Huizing of Orange; Norman Kennedy; Frank Loudin of Eastsound, Washington; David Smith of Laguna Beach. The artist is unidentified for five paintings. All locations are in California unless otherwise noted.

Existence and Location of Copies

See 8 x 10-inch print reference copies of most paintings in Series 4. Wallace Neff Jr. papers: Research files and photographs (Boxes 44-47). Prints are in the folder for that client or project name.

Processing Information

The paintings were de-framed and foldered by the Conservation Department in 2013. Some paintings had mounted, engraved title plates; 37 of these were retained and are in Box 54.
Folder OV 150

Airform house with two domes: Painting by unidentified artist approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 162

Anderson, J. C., residence, 1927: Painting by Frank Germain approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 170

Baer, John Willis, residence, 1924: Painting by Frank Germain approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 109

Barlow, Dr. and Mrs. Walker Jarvis, residence, 1924: Painting by David Smith 2007

Folder OV 115

Beilenson, Mr. and Mrs. Laurence, residence, 1936: Painting by Frank Germain approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 144

Bennett, Joan, residence, 1938: Painting by Frank Loudin 2003

Folder OV 123

Berg, Sidney L., residence, 1927: Painting by David Smith 2004

Folder OV 156

Berg, Sidney L., residence, 1927: Painting by Jim Burns approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 155

Bertolotti, Mr. Henry, residence, 1932: Painting by unidentified artist approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 161

Bourne, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur K., Palm Springs residence, 1932: Painting by unidentified artist approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 167

Bourne, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur K., San Marino residence, 1925: Painting by Frank Germain approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 142

Browne, Dr. and Mrs. Francis, residence, 1957: Painting by David Smith 1995

Folder OV 110

Bryant, Susanna Bixby, residence, 1927: Painting by unidentified artist approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 147

Burdette, Clara, residence, 1928: Painting by Robert De Rosa approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 122

Bush, Mr. and Mrs. Irving T., residence, 1924: Painting by David Smith 1993

Scope and Contents

House in Lake Wales, Florida.
Folder OV 127

Bush, Mr. and Mrs. Irving T., lake view from residence, 1924: Painting by David Smith 1997

Scope and Contents

House in Lake Wales, Florida.
Folder OV 169

Chandler, Mr. and Mrs. Norman, residence, 1932: Painting by Howard Huizing 1993

Folder OV 160

Chandler, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph, residence, 1960: Painting by Robert De Rosa approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 124

Chaplin, Charles, and Paulette Goddard, proposed residence remodel, 1938: Painting by Robert De Rosa approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 133

Cole, Mr. and Mrs. Fred N., residence, 1939: Painting by Frank Germain approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 129

Collins, Wilbur, residence, 1928: Painting by Robert De Rosa approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 177

Culver, Mr. and Mrs. Harry, residence, 1928: Painting by Howard Huizing 1994

Folder OV 111

Doane, Mr. and Mrs. Philip Schuyler, residence, 1924: Painting by David Smith 1993

Folder OV 116

Doane, Mr. and Mrs. Philip Schuyler, rear of 1924 residence: Painting by David Smith 2005

Folder OV 103

Doheny, Mr. and Mrs. Edward L., Ferndale Ranch residence, 1929: Painting by Howard Huizing 1994

Folder OV 148, Folder OV 151

Doheny Memorial House of Studies, Catholic University of America, 1940: Paintings by David Smith 1996, 1997

Scope and Contents

Two paintings of building in Washington D.C.: one depicting Neff's original color concept in white, and one depicting it as built, in red brick.
Folder OV 184

Doheny Memorial Library, Camarillo, 1939: Painting by Frank Germain approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 158

Duff, Mr. and Mrs. Warren B., residence, 1940: Painting by Robert De Rosa approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 137

Eaton, Mr. and Mrs. Roy, residence, 1962: Painting by Frank Germain approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 119

Elliott, John C., residence, 1967: Painting by Howard Huizing 2005

Folder OV 104

Fairbanks, Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Cole, residence, 1925: Painting by David Smith 2001

Folder OV 153

Fairbanks, Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Cole, residence, 1925: Painting by Jim Burns approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 114

Forbes, Mr. and Mrs. John C., residence, 1926: Painting by David Smith 2002

Folder OV 154

Galli-Curci, Amelita, Westwood residence, 1936: Painting by Frank Loudin 1994

Folder OV 174

Galli-Curci, Amelita, Rancho Santa Fe residence, 1947: Painting by Frank Germain approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 117

Garland, Judy, Bel Air residence, 1938: Painting by Robert De Rosa approximately 1991-2007

Scope and Contents

An inkjet printed copy is also in folder with original artwork.
Folder OV 146

Garner, Robert F., Jr., residence, 1935: Painting by Howard Huizing 1994

Folder OV 179

Garner, Robert F., Jr., residence, 1935: Painting by Frank Germain approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 101

Gillette, Mr. and Mrs. King C., residence, 1929: Painting by Howard Huizing 2002

Folder OV 157

Gillette, Mr. and Mrs. King C., residence, 1929: Painting by Frank Germain approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 181

Goetz, Mr. William, Bel Air residence, 1931: Painting by Frank Germain approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 165

Haldeman, Mr. and Mrs. Henry F., residence, 1938: Painting by Frank Germain approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 183

Hall, Mr. and Mrs. Shirley H., residence, 1925: Painting by Frank Germain approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 185

Hoffman, Walter H., residence, 1923: two Paintings by Howard Huizing 2006, 2007

Folder OV 135

Hummel, Peter, residence, 1962: Painting by Howard Huizing 2005

Scope and Contents

House in Reno, Nevada.
Folder OV 108

Imerman, Dr. and Mrs. Stanley, residence, 1936: Painting by David Smith 1994

Folder OV 171

Johnson, Dr. and Mrs. Milbank, residence, 1924: Painting by Frank Germain approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 172

Keating, J. B., residence, 1931: Painting by Frank Germain approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 136

Linnard, D. M., residence, 1925: Painting by Robert De Rosa approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 102

March, Mr. and Mrs. Fredric, residence, 1934: Painting by Frank Loudin approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 168

Miller, Mr. and Mrs. George, residence, Palm Springs, 1956: Painting by Howard Huizing 1995

Folder OV 112

Millikan, Dr. and Mrs. Clark B., residence, 1931: Paintings by David Smith 1993

Folder OV 138

Millikan, Dr. and Mrs. Clark B., residence, 1931: Painting by David Smith 1995

Folder OV 182

Neff, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin D., residence, 1927: Painting by Howard Huizing approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 164

Neff, Mr. and Mrs. Wallace, San Marino residence, 1929: Painting by Frank Germain approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 159

Neff-Ruppel Building, 1929: Painting by Frank Loudin approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 105

Niblo, Mr. and Mrs. Fred, residence, 1927: Painting by Frank Loudin 1992

Folder OV 132

Noble, Mr. and Mrs. George O., residence, 1927: Painting by Frank Germain approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 139

Ohrmund, Mrs. Grace E., residence, 1925: Painting by Robert De Rosa approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 107

Ojai Valley Country Club, 1923: Painting by unidentified artist approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 149

Pickford, Mrs. Charlotte, residence, 1926: Painting by David Smith 1994

Folder OV 180

Plumb, Mr. and Mrs. George, residence, 1928: Painting by Howard Huizing 1997

Folder OV 143

Post, Mr. and Mrs. Carroll, residence, 1929: Painting by Howard Huizing 2000

Folder OV 176

Richards, Mr. and Mrs. Edgar, residence, 1956: Painting by Frank Germain approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 113

Richter, Mr. and Mrs. Paul R., residence, 1929: Painting by Frank Loudin approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 125

Rush, Mr. and Mrs. Frank, residence, 1923: Painting by Robert De Rosa approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 134

Saint Elizabeth Church, Altadena, 1927: Painting by Robert De Rosa approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 175

Schipa, Tito, residence, 1926: Painting by Frank Germain approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 126

Singleton, Dr. and Mrs. Henry, residence, 1970: Painting by Frank Loudin 2005

Folder OV 141

Skinner, Mrs. James, residence, 1929: Painting by Robert De Rosa approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 140

Stowell, Henriette B., residence, 1924: Painting by Robert De Rosa approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 130

Straus, Mr. and Mrs. Robert K., residence, 1969: Painting by Frank Germain approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 145

Thomson, Mr. and Mrs. Fred, residence, 1924: Painting by Frank Loudin 1991

Folder OV 128

Toms, Parker, residence, 1924: Painting by Robert De Rosa approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 173

Turner, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd P., residence, 1928: Painting by Frank Germain approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 106

Vidor, Mr. and Mrs. King, residence, 1928: Painting by David Smith 1994

Folder OV 120

Vidor, Mr. and Mrs. King, residence, 1928: Painting by David Smith 1994

Folder OV 152

Vidor, Mr. and Mrs. King, residence, 1937: Painting by David Smith 1992

Folder OV 166

Walker, Mrs. M. L. H., residence, 1924: Painting by unidentified artist approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 121

Winchell, Mr. and Mrs. Vern H., proposed residence, 1965: Painting by David Smith 1994

Folder OV 163

Wurtzel, Mr. and Mrs. Sol M., residence, 1932: Painting by David Smith 1994

Folder OV 118

Zanuck, Mr. and Mrs. Darryl, proposed Los Angeles residence, 1941: Painting by Howard Huizing 1997

Folder OV 178

Zanuck, Mr. and Mrs. Darryl, Santa Monica residence, 1937: Painting by Frank Germain approximately 1991-2007

Folder OV 131

Unidentified two-story house with prominent driveway gate: Painting by Robert De Rosa approximately 1991-2007

Box 54

Engraved title plates

Scope and Contents

Title plates for 37 of the contemporary renderings, which had been mounted on the frames.
 

Additional donations Series 5 1925-2008

Physical Description: 1.7 Linear Feet(3 boxes)

Scope and Contents

These materials were acquired between 2009 and 2016 from other sources after the main collection was received.

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically by date received.
Box 26

Portfolio: Wallace Neff, Architect of California's Golden Age, by Wallace Neff Jr. and Robert Hansen 2008

Scope and Contents

A portfolio of approximately 50 loose pages of printed photographs and text related to Wallace Neff's life and works. Note: this is not a copy of Wallace Neff Jr.'s 1986 book of the same title; the content is completely different. Includes reproductions of some of the contemporary renderings of Neff houses. Publication information reads: Copyright Wallace Neff Jr.; book design by Robert Hansen. Center Gallery Editions, printed in San Juan Capistrano, California, by Robert Hansen.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Purchased from Hansen Photography, January 2009.
Box 13, Roll 7c-7g

Boyer and Forthmann residences, Trancas Beach, Malibu, California - Drawings 1952

Scope and Contents

44 drawings in 5 rolls: Foundation and floor plans, elevations, details. Project for 3 houses on Broad Beach Road for Madelaine Forthmann Boyer, Mrs. Nora Forthmann, and Miss Annie Forthmann.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Ann B. Munger, Nora Berwick, and Maria Witte, December 2014.
Box 13, Roll 7h

Forthmann, Nora, residence, 435 South Lafayette Park Road, Los Angeles, California - Drawings 1927

Scope and Contents

4 drawings: Elevations of front and side of house, library, living room. Drawings don't have names or dates; identification is from donor.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Ann B. Munger, Nora Berwick, and Maria Witte, December 2014.
Box 12, Roll 89

Benedict, A. R., residence, Pasadena, California (Job 166) - Drawings 1925

Scope and Contents

7 drawings: Floor plans, elevations, sections, details.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Stephen Goddard, June 2016.