Robert Putnam Willamette University Theatre collection
Scope and Contents
Robert Putnam was an Assistant Professor in the Drama Department at Willamette University from 1953-1974. The collection contains programs, photographs, and other materials related to the productions he was involved with during his career. There are also programs from Willamette University Theatre productions after Putnam retired.
Dates
- 1947-2005
Creator
- Putnam, Robert (Person)
Language of Materials
Materials are in English.
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open to researchers.
Conditions Governing Use
Library acts as “fair use” reproduction agent.
For further information, see the section on copyright in the Regulations and Procedures of the Willamette University Archives and Special Collections.
Copyright Information: Before material from collections at Willamette University Archives and Special Collections may be quoted in print, or otherwise reproduced, in whole or in part, in any publication, permission must be obtained from (1) the owner of the physical property, and (2) the holder of the copyright. It is the particular responsibility of the researcher to obtain both sets of permission. Persons wishing to quote from materials in any collections held by University Archives and Special Collections should consult the University Archivist. Reproduction of any item must contain a complete citation to the original.
Biographical / Historical
Robert "Bob" M. Putnam was born June 22, 1918. He earned his undergraduate degree in Dramatic Arts from Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa. He married Jeanette Ruth Hershey on January 7, 1944. Putnam served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. When Putnam returned to the United States, he earned his master's degree in radio speech from the University of Wisconsin.
Robert Putnam started working at Willamette University in the 1953-1954 school year as an Assistant Professor in the Speech and Drama Department. He directed many of the Drama Department's productions between 1953 and 1974. It was common for him to produce four to five shows a year. He not only directed and produced, he also designed and built sets and costumes, occasionally acted, sold tickets, oversaw the technical aspects of productions, and handled publicity.
Between 1974 and 1980, Putnam managed the Smith Auditorium. He retired in 1980 as an Associate Professor of Theatre with 27 years of service. In 1954, during his tenure at Willamette, he helped found the Pentacle Theatre, the successful Salem community theatre. Robert Putnam died on July 5, 2007.
Extent
2 Linear Feet (2 boxes)
Overview
Robert Putnam was an Assistant Professor in the Drama Department at Willamette University from 1953-1974. The collection contains programs, photographs, and other materials related to the productions he was involved with during his career and after his retirement.
Arrangement
Arranged in chronological order. Undated material was processed again and dated, but the folders remained in the order in which they were first processed.
Physical Location
Mark O. Hatfield Library
- Colleges and Universities
- G. Herbert Smith Auditorium (Willamette University)
- Kresge Theatre Playhouse (Willamette University)
- M. Lee Pelton Theatre (Willamette University)
- Performing Arts
- Theater
- Willamette University
- Willamette University. Department of Theatre
- photographs
- playbills
- theater programs
Creator
- Putnam, Robert (Person)
- Title
- Guide to the Robert Putnam Willamette University Theatre collection, 1947-2005
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Finding aid processed by Karmen Chavez-Sam and Selicity Icefire.
- Date
- © 2018
- Description rules
- Dacs
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English.
Repository Details
Part of the Willamette University Archives and Special Collections Collection Descriptions
Mark O. Hatfield Library
900 State Street
Salem Oregon 97301 United States
archives@willamette.edu