"Mid Century Modern Architecture in State College" is on display in the exhibit case at the entrance to Pattee Library, first floor on Penn State's University Park campus, through fall semester 2012. The display introduces the online collection of houses and commercial buildings designed by A. William Hajjar, a member of the architecture faculty at the Penn State in the 1950s and 1960s.
Hajjar challenged the conservative look of the State College community with his contemporary-style homes. In fall 2004, the Centre County Historical Society showcased Hajjar's local architectural legacy in an exhibit. Robert E. Malcom assembled the exhibit, after spending many months taking pictures, interviewing current and former owners, and writing the text. The exhibit was recreated online at www.libraries.psu.edu/psul/digital/hajjar.html and offers a comprehensive look at exterior and interior designs of this significant architect.
The Hajjar architecture site is part of the Penn State University Libraries' Digitized Collections at www.libraries.psu.edu/psul/digital.html , a rich resource offering a wide range of subject areas, including agriculture, the Civil War era, geology and geography of Pennsylvania, labor history, Pennsylvania history, Penn State history, and political protest.
For more information, contact Catherine Grigor, manager of public relations and marketing, Penn State University Libraries. 814-863-4240; cqg3@psu.edu