Ward, Clarence, 1884-1973.

Clarence Ward (1884-1973) was a professor of art history and appreciation for Oberlin College, and the director of the Allen Memorial Art Museum (AMAM) from 1917 until 1948. Educated at Princeton University (A.B. 1905, M.A. 1906, Ph. D. 1914), Ward taught at Rutgers University before coming to Oberlin. He was interested in the study of architecture, and helped establish and design the building for the East Oberlin Community Church, while simultaneously serving as that congregation's pastor. Ward's other contributions to Oberlin's architectural development included supervising the construction of the President's house, serving as the interior decorator for the 1932 Noah Hall, and contributing to the designs of Oberlin College Hales Gymnasium, as well as the 1937 addition to the AMAM. Ward also served as an architectural consultant for churches in Midwestern America. In 1950, Oberlin College presented Ward with the Distnguished Alumni Award. The Clarence Ward Art Library, part of the 1977 AMAM addition, is named in his honor. In 1907 Ward married Helen Eshbaug. They had two children: Helen (1908-1948) and F. Champion Ward (b. 1910).

From the description of Clarence Ward Papers 1917-1969 (Oberlin College Library). WorldCat record id: 35190369