Sketch Book

Papers consist of Simons' writings, correspondence, sketchbooks, clippings, prints, and miscellaneous items.

Simons' writings include lecture notes (many on index cards) and essays on subjects such as church architecture, French history, Robert Mills, the architecture of Charleston (S.C.), Greek temples, and Sir Christopher Wren.

Letters (1908-1977) are mostly Simons' personal and professional correspondence with various individuals, family members, and organizations, but also include a letter (1908 Feb. 25) from William Martin Aiken to Samuel G. Stoney concerning funds for a "proposed enlargement of the Confederate Home School" in Charleston, S.C.

Ten sketchbooks (1915-ca. 1961) contain notes, watercolor paintings, and sketches in pencil and ink. Most of the sketches were made during Simons' trips abroad and reflect his interests in the art and architecture of Italy, England, Greece, France, and elsewhere, but there are also several landscapes of the Clemson, South Carolina area. A number of the finely detailed colored watercolors depict architectural elements, details, and ornaments such as columns and mosaics. In addition, there are many pencil sketches and studies of human figures and faces, including renderings of persons in ethnic costumes and uniforms.

Collection also contains numerous prints of paintings, sculptures, and other art works used by Simons in his fine arts lectures, and a group of materials (1946-1957) pertaining to R. Buckminster Fuller and geodesic domes including clippings, reprints of articles, and photocopies of Fuller's letters.

Miscellaneous items include biographical material about Simons (drafts of an article for Who's Who in America), clippings (1924-1977) about Simons and his work, printed materials, and some of Simons' medical bills and records of insurance payments.