Putnam, Karl Scott, 1883-1965

Karl Scott Putnam was born on April 28, 1883 in Leverett, Massachusetts to Roswell and Sarah Putman. In 1910, Putnam graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelors of Science, and attended graduate school at the Columbia University School of Architecture. After graduation, Putnam worked for architectural offices in Boston and New York. He moved to Northampton, Massachusetts in 1913 to begin his own practice. Constructing many homes within the Pioneer Valley, Putnam commonly designed homes within the classical, New England vein. That said, he also designed homes that were considered modern for the time period. Putnam's most famous client was President Calvin Coolidge, as he designed two of his homes. Oliver Carlton, President of the Northampton Historical Society in the 1960s, said Putman's "buildings were always a place for people." Beginning his tenure at Smith College in 1929, Putnam was an associate professor of Architecture until his retirement in 1952. He held the title of Professor Emeritus until his death in 1965. Putnam also taught at the Cambridge School of Architecture, which was purchased by the college under President William Allan Neilson. During his professorship at Smith, Putnam was contracted by the college to design many buildings throughout campus. Included in the buildings he designed for the college are the Quadrangle, the Crew House, the Field House, and Scott Gymnasium. In addition to his work for the college, Putnam was Director of the Northampton Historical Society from 1943-1953, and was President of the New England Architectural Society for a number of years. He also served as a visiting Professor at the University of Massachusetts from 1949-1950. Putnam was married to Mabel (Cratts) Putnam, with whom he had a daughter named Ruth Ann Jackson. Karl Scott Putnam died in 1965 at his home in Northampton, Massachusetts.

From the guide to the Karl Scott Putnam Papers RG 42., 1910-1978, (Smith College Archives)

Putman was educated at the University of Pennsylvania (B.S., 1910). After further study he came to Northampton, Mass. in 1913 and entered his father's architectural firm. He continued to practice there until his death in 1965. He joined the Smith College Dept. of Art in 1929 and taught courses in architecture until his retirement in 1952.

From the description of Karl Scott Putnam papers, ca. 1930-1965. (Smith College). WorldCat record id: 52849821