THOMAS P. CAMPBELL PAPERS

Collection

Identifier: WH2017

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The papers in this collection consist of Campbell's official correspondence, memos and reports as Manager of Improvements and Parks. The papers range from 1936 to 1955.

SERIES 1 MANAGER OF IMPROVEMENTS AND PARKS PAPERS 1947-1955 BOXES 1-2

The papers in this series span Campbell's term as Manager of Improvements and Parks. Correspondence and memos reflect the need for housing as veterans returned from World War II, the need for increased street paving, the demand for water and the need for more sanitary services. As an engineer, Campbell's recordkeeping demonstrates attention to detail and careful planning.

SERIES 2 ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS 1936-1952 OVFF 1

This series contains oversize maps and drawings of sanitary districts, the Denver Medical Deport, subdivisions, a proposed subdivision at Colfax and Broadway, and the Denver Poor Farm. The plans were submitted to Campbell for his information and for approval as Manager of Improvements and Parks.

Dates

1936-1955

Language of Materials

Material is in English.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Copyright

All requests for permission to publish, reproduce, or quote from material in the collection should be discussed with the appropriate librarian or archivist. Permission for publication may be given on behalf of the Denver Public Library as the owner of the physical item. It is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which also must be obtained by the customer. The Library does not assume any responsibility for infringement of copyright or publication rights of the manuscript held by the writer, heirs, donors, or executors. Reproduction restrictions are decided on a case-by-case basis.

Biographical / Historical

Thomas Patterson ("T.P.") Campbell was born July 27,1896, in Denver, Colorado, to Richard C. and Margaret Campbell. Grandson of U.S. Senator Thomas Patterson, Campbell graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy in 1914, from Dartmouth in 1918, and from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1921. He received his Doctor of Science from the Colorado School of Mines in 1924. During World War I, Campbell served as an ambulance driver in France. When he returned to the United States, he became a pilot and obtained a commission as 2nd Lieutenant of the Army Signal Corps, serving in Denver.

Campbell was a businessman, metallurgist, mining engineer, and teacher. He taught for fifteen years at the Colorado School of Mines, was part-owner of Denver's Albany Hotel in Denver and president of the Campbell Investment Company. During World War II, Campbell ran a company that produced aircraft fuses.

Mayor Quigg Newton appointed Campbell Manager of Improvements and Parks in 1947. As a result of this position, Campbell was also Deputy Mayor of Denver. While he managed his department, Campbell faced issues such as Denver's rat problem, open dumps and ashpits for trash disposal and the critical issue of housing for returning World War II veterans. Campbell was also involved with the initial construction of the Valley Highway.

In 1957, Campbell was appointed to the Denver Water Board and was elected president the next year. Campbell belonged to the Denver Art Show, Denver Art Museum, Child Research Council, Chamber of Commerce and Denver Aviation Council. His wife, Miriam, was a long-time supporter of the Denver Symphony Orchestra.

Campbell married Miriam Savage in 1918. They had two sons, Dick and Donald. He died April 8, 1972, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Denver.

Extent

2 Boxes

1 OVFF

Additional Description

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift, The City and County of Denver, April 2007. Funding for processing provided by an Institute of Museum and Library Services National Leadership Grant.