Box 1

The papers of Ferdinand L. Rousseve contain professional, as well as academic papers documenting Rousseve's life as an architect, professor, and civic leader. The papers contain approximately 130 pieces including correspondence, diplomas, lecture notes, articles, photographs, and awards that reflect his academic and professional careers. The bulk of the papers pertains to his education and his years as a scholar and teacher, as well as his work as an architect.

Of interest are photographs and sketches of houses and buildings that were designed by Rousseve mainly located in New Orleans, Louisiana. Of note are invitations designed by Rousseve, as well as greeting cards and invitations designed by Richmond Barthe. The papers also contain speeches by Rousseve and include a speech he gave in 1943 to the National Catholic Rural Life Conference entitled "What Does the Negro Offer the South". Lastly of interest are letters between author Dreck Wilson and Elise Rousseve concerning Wilson's manuscript on Black Americans in architecture.

Notable correspondents include Mordecai Johnson; Endicott W. Peabody, Governor of Massachusetts; and Rev. William L. Keleher, President of Boston College.