Davis, C. Gilman (Charles Gilman), 1918-1979

Davis was born in 1918 in Portland, Oregon. After beginning his career by assisting his father, who designed prefabricated homes, Davis became a licensed architect in 1948 and received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Oregon in 1949. Davis established a practice in Portland and designed a wide variety of buildings, including residences, churches, warehouses, offices, and hospital and nursing home facilities. He was awarded citations by the Oregon chapter of the American Institute of Architects for three of his projects.

Davis was particularly interested in Oregon vernacular architecture, including historic barns, farm buildings, and churches. In 1959 he joined the Portland State University faculty and taught architectural history. He also tried to establish a school of architecture at the university. In 1965 Davis and Henry P. Bergman joined in a partnership which lasted until 1973. Davis died in 1979.

From the description of C. Gilman Davis papers, 1947-1979. (University of Oregon Libraries). WorldCat record id: 48471302

Charles Gilman Davis, architect, educator and historian, was born in 1918 in Portland, Oregon. He began his career as assistant to his father, who designed prefabricated homes in Portland. Davis became a licensed architect in 1948, and completed his studies at the University of Oregon for the Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1949.

He established a successful and highly respected practice in Portland, designing a wide range of building types including residences, churches, warehouses, offices and hospital and nursing home facilities. In 1956 the Oregon chapter of the American Institute of Architects awarded him a citation for his design of the R.A Carlton House in Tigard, Oregon.

Davis joined the faculty of Portland State University in 1959 as professor of art and architecture. He taught architectural history and design, and also attempted to establish an accredited school of architecture at the university. Despite his concerted efforts, the program never materialized.

As historian and educator, Davis was especially interested in Oregon "vernacular" architecture, including historic barns, farm buildings and churches. In addition to preparing a number of articles and lectures on these subjects, he also developed a collection of slides and photographs to provide a pictorial record of outstanding examples of such architecture.

In 1965, Davis joined Henry P. Bergman in an architectural partnership which lasted until 1973. His restoration of the historic William Case house at French Prairie, Oregon, earned him another

American Institute of Architecture citation. In 1980, a posthumous citation honored his design for the Episcopal Chapel at the Bishop's Close in Portland. Davis died in 1979.

From the guide to the C. Gilman Davis papers, 1947-1979, (Special Collections and University Archives, University of Oregon Libraries)