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Herbert J. Plagge papers

 Collection — Box: 1
Identifier: RS 13/20/53

Scope and Content

This collection (1910-1972, undated) contains materials related to Iowa State physics professor Herbert J. Plagge. The papers cover his time as professor of physics. The collection includes biographical information, correspondence, photographs, and materials related to several campus organizations.

Dates

  • Creation: 1910-1972, undated

Language of Materials

English

Access Restrictions

Open for research.

Use/Re-use Restrictions

Consult Special Collections and University Archives

Biography/Profile

Herbert J. Plagge was born in Barrington, Illinois, on July 14, 1884, to John C. and Sophia Nordmier Plagge. He received his B.S. (1906) from Northwestern University and his M.A. (1910) from the University of Wisconsin. He joined the Physics Department at Iowa State College (University) in 1909 as Instructor and was promoted to Assistant Professor (1915-1918) and Associate Professor (1918-1965).



Professor Plagge was a dedicated instructor, teaching physics to sophomore engineering students for 57 consecutive years before his retirement in 1965. His main research interests lay in acoustics and sound insulators. During World War II, he served as Acting Physicist (1942) at the Des Moines Ordnance Plant near Ankeny, Iowa.



Plagge married Selma M. Torgler in 1911. Mrs. Plagge was an accomplished musician and taught piano and harmony as a member of the Iowa State music staff (1918-1921). Together they had two children: Herbert and Doris. Plagge died at his home in Ames on May 1, 1972.

Extent

0.21 Linear Feet (1 half-document box)

Arrangement

The collection is organized with biographical information filed first and Alphabetically thereafter.

Items in related collections

RS 13/20. Iowa State University. Department of Physics and Astronomy records RS 13/17/63. Selma M. Plagge papers, 1896-1955

Related collection materials

For related materials see the Selma Plagge Papers, RS 13/17/63, who was Herbert Plagge's wife and also Instructor (1918-1921) of music at Iowa State.

Processing Information

Released on 2018-11-01.

Title
RS 13/20/53. Herbert J. Plagge papers, 1910-1972, undated
Date
January 23, 2019
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections and University Archives Repository

Contact:
403 Parks Library
701 Morrill Road
Iowa State University
Ames Iowa 50011-2102 United States
(515) 294-6672