creator:

Cox, Paul E. (1879-1968)

title:

Papers

dates:

1921-1998

extent:

0.84 linear feet (2 document boxes)

collection number:

RS 11/12/15

repository:

University Archives, Special Collections Department, Iowa State University.

access:

Open for research

publication rights:

Consult Head, Special Collections Department

preferred citation:

Paul E. Cox Papers, RS 11/12/15, Special Collections Department, Iowa State University Library.

Biographical note

Paul E. Cox was born February 8, 1879 in Crawfordsville, Indiana.  He received a B.S. (1905) in ceramic engineering from New York State College (Alfred University).

For five years, Cox worked for several ceramic plants designing equipment and selecting staff to run the plants.   In 1910, he accepted a position as the ceramic technician at the H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College, Tulane University (1910-1918).  While at the Newcomb Pottery, Cox developed a semi-opaque matte glaze to be used over relief renderings, the most well-know of these is the moon and moss motif.   Cox then went to France to assist in establishing the La Compagni Generale des Meules, a French grinding wheel factory (1918-1920).

Cox came to Iowa State College (University) as an associate professor and acting head of the Department of Ceramic Engineering (1920-1926).  He later served as head of the department and professor (1926-1939).

While at Iowa State, Cox believed that Iowa could expand its industries to include the manufacture of clay products due to the state’s abundance of shale.  He also worked tirelessly to promote the Department of Ceramic Engineering.  He traveled across the state of Iowa educating people about ceramics, set up a potters wheel at the Iowa State Fair, wrote numerous articles, and sold the items produced by the department at events such as VEISHEA (Iowa State’s annual celebration).  Cox also built a special kiln used to fire the panels for in Christian Peterson’s “History of Dairying Mural”  (ca 1934).

After leaving Iowa State, Cox moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  He passed away June 22, 1968.

Collection description

The collection consists of biographical materials and articles written by Cox regarding ceramics in Iowa and the Gulf Coast and materials used in ceramics.  The papers also contain information about the Cox Kiln, a special kiln built to fire the large panels used in Christian Peterson’s “History of Dairying Mural” (ca 1934).  In addition, the collection includes correspondence with ceramic industries, citizens of Iowa, and members of Iowa State’s faculty and staff.  Subjects discussed include the use of certain materials in ceramics, types of kilns, ceramic industry, and business relating to Iowa State College. 

Organization

The collection is arranged in alphabetical order.