Special Collections Department
403 Parks Library
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-2140

MS 658
John Bloom (1906-2002)
Papers, 1914-1997, undated


Descriptive summary

creator: Bloom, John (1906-2002)
title: Papers
dates: 1914-1997, undated
extent: 8.67 linear feet (13 document boxes, 1 half-document box, and 5 oversize boxes)
collection number: MS 658
repository: Special Collections Department, Iowa State University.

 

Administrative information

access: Open for research
publication rights: Consult Head, Special Collections Department
preferred citation: John Bloom Papers, MS 658, Special Collections Department, Iowa State University Library.

 

Abstract

Artist John Bloom created several murals around Iowa and worked mostly in the Midwestern Regionalism tradition. The most notable mural he helped create, completed under the direction of Grant Wood during his time in the Stone City Art Colony, is the mural When Tillage Begins, Other Arts Follow located in the Iowa State University Parks Library. Other Iowa murals in which he was the principle artist include those displayed in the post offices of DeWitt and Tipton. This collection contains sketches that were the basis for some of his paintings, photographs and other imagery that he used as references, information and sketches related to his commercial work, newspaper clippings about art, and personal writings, such as diaries and writings about his wife, Isabel Scherer.

 

Biographical note

John Bloom was born in Dewitt, Iowa, in 1906 to John and Caroline Bloom. In 1924, he moved to Davenport to attend school at St. Ambrose University and the Tri-City Art League School. After two years, he moved to Chicago to attend the Chicago Art Institute (1926). During his time as a student there, he taught an introductory drawing and composition class. Bloom finished his studies in 1930. In 1932, Bloom entered the painting Burial into the Art Salon at the Iowa State Fair. Not only did it win an award, it also caught the attention of Grant Wood, who sent Bloom an invitation to join the Stone City Art Colony. Bloom accepted and lived in Grant Wood’s quarters, paying his tuition by working as the colony’s groundskeeper. While at the Stone City Art Colony, he met his future wife, Isabel Scherer.

During his time at the Stone City Art Colony, Bloom was involved in working on several art murals. The most notable murals he helped create were those at the Iowa State University Parks Library under the direction of Grant Wood. In 1937, he painted the mural in the De Witt Post Office and was commissioned for another post office mural in Tipton (1940).

During World War II, Bloom lived in Davenport with his wife and worked for the Rock Island Arsenal as a designer. He also worked odd jobs painting and fixing up houses. Up until his retirement in 1969, Bloom continued working as a commercial artist. After his retirement, Bloom continued painting. In the 1980s, Bloom met another artist, Dave Losasso, who encouraged him to experiment with lithography and create prints of his art. Because of his rekindled popularity, Bloom continued making murals and completing commissions until his death in 2002.

 

Collection description

This collection (1914-1997, undated) contains biographical information, diaries, photographs, sketches, postcards, correspondence, slides, writings, newspaper clippings, and visual sources for art. A portion of the collection addresses Bloom’s career as a commercial artist and the works that were commissioned from him. The collection also includes correspondence and photographs that document Bloom’s work as a mural artist.

 

Related materials

Also available in the Special Collections Department:

  • Howard C. Johnson Papers, MS 505
  • Bertrand R. Adams Papers, MS 255
  • Campus Art Collection, RS 4/8/5
    		•

     

    Organization

    The collection is listed alphabetically.

     

    Container list

    Box

    Folder

    Title

    Dates

    5

    8

    Art Institute of Chicago: Correspondence

    1927-1930

    9

    9

    Art Institute of Chicago: Exhibition catalog with notes by Bloom (?)

    1933

    5

    9

    Art Institute of Chicago: News clippings and teaching materials

    1927-1929, undated

    9

    10

    Art Institute of Chicago: Publications

    1929

    8

    8

    Artwork: Sales, gifts, and commissions; includes material for Project Art, University of Iowa (some items are photocopies of the originals)

    1950-1996, undated

    8

    5

    Awards, honors, and prizes

    1929-1992, undated

    5

    10

    Biographical and employment information

    1929-1985, undated

    6

    1

    Biographical information: Condolence cards and letters received re: the death of Caroline Bloom

    1965

    5

    18

    Biographical information: News clippings and certificates related to family members

    1919-1944, undated

    9

    5

    Books: Grant Wood – The Regionalist Vision, by Wanda M. Corn

    1983

    9

    6

    Books: New Deal Art of the Upper Midwest, by Lea Rosson DeLong

    1988

    9

    7

    Books: New Deal Mural Projects in Iowa, by Lea Rosson DeLong and Gregg R. Narber

    1982

    5

    2

    Business cards for Eshelman Pottery, Elizabeth, Illinois

    undated

    15

    OVR

    Calendar: "A Harvest of Iowa Artists: Creativity Alive in the Heartland," Cedar Arts Forum

    1990

    18

    8

    Civil Works Administration (CWA) artists photograph and news clippings on Iowa State Library mural project (includes 1 b/w photograph)

    1934, undated

    14

    3

    Commercial Design bulletin, Federal School of Commercial Designing

    1914

    14

    2

    Commercial Mast Development Company: Correspondence and catalog illustrations

    1944-1960, undated

    12

    15

    Commercial work: "Rules of Practice in the United States Patent Office"

    1931

    13

    7

    Commercial work: Bear Manufacturing Company publications

    1947-1951, undated

    13

    5

    Commercial work: Bettendorf Company: Bakery equipment publications

    undated

    13

    4

    Commercial work: Bottled Gas Corporation: Stationery and business cards

    undated

    13

    11

    Commercial work: Dexter Company washer manuals

    1940-1950

    13

    9

    Commercial work: Eagle Signal Corporation publications

    1950-1962

    13

    13-14

    Commercial work: Herman Nelson publications

    1951-1958, undated

    13

    10

    Commercial work: Home-O-Nize (HON Company) cabinets catalogs

    undated

    13

    6

    Commercial work: HON Company: Office equipment catalog

    1956

    12

    6

    Commercial work: Iowa Mutual Casualty Company: Correspondence and sketches for storekeeper insurance policy brochure

    1947, undated

    12

    7

    Commercial work: Iowa Mutual Casualty Company: Correspondence and sketches for office robbery insurance policy brochure

    1947, undated

    12

    8

    Commercial work: Iowa Mutual Casualty Company: Correspondence, sketches, and brochure for King Canute burglary protection policy

    1947, undated

    12

    11

    Commercial work: Iowa Mutual Insurance Company: Brochures

    undated

    12

    12

    Commercial work: Iowa Mutual Insurance Company: Correspondence

    1947, 1949

    12

    10

    Commercial work: Iowa Mutual Insurance Company: Correspondence and sketches related to personal property insurance policy brochure

    1947, undated

    12

    13

    Commercial work: Iowa Mutual Insurance Company: Correspondence and sketches for residence and outside theft policy brochure

    1947, undated

    12

    9

    Commercial work: Iowa Mutual Insurance Company: Correspondence, notes and sketches

    1947, undated

    13

    12

    Commercial work: John Deere publications

    1950s

    12

    16-17

    Commercial work: Accounts and invoices

    1947-1948

    14

    1

    Commercial work: Brochures and publications

    1950-1955, undated

    12

    14

    Commercial work: Documents, notes, and sketches

    1956, undated

    17

    OVR

    Commercial work: Parts and installation sketches and illustrations

    undated

    13

    8

    Commercial work: Publications possibly designed by Bloom

    1936-1970

    13

    3

    Commercial work: Roy E. Roth Company: Two-stage power plant pumps publications

    1949, 1954

    12

    18

    Commercial work: Samplings, Inc.: Brochures, notes, and publication sheets

    undated

    13

    1

    Commercial work: Strombeck-Becker Manufacturing Co.: Strombecker toy assembly instructions

    undated

    13

    2

    Commercial work: Tire-Tell Corporation: Brochures

    undated

    5

    13

    Competitions, calls for entries, announcements, and artist directories (some items are photocopies of the originals)

    1930-1997

    7

    3

    Correspondence: Binz, Elsworth (includes 6 b/w photographs)

    1930-1980, undated

    5

    14

    Correspondence: Bloom, Caroline

    1922-1925

    10

    4

    Correspondence: DeWitt Post Office mural; includes photocopy of contract and post office blueprints

    1937-1941, undated

    7

    4

    Correspondence: Eidson, Scott

    1930-1934, undated

    7

    5

    Correspondence: Eldred, Thomas (includes 2 b/w photographs)

    1927-1954, undated

    5

    17

    Correspondence: Family

    1930-1980, undated

    7

    7

    Correspondence: Iowa artists: Adams, Bert (includes 4 b/w photographs)

    1934-1993

    7

    8

    Correspondence: Iowa artists: Allen, Lee

    1990-1995

    7

    9

    Correspondence: Iowa artists: Jones, Harry David (not official WPA correspondence)

    1934-1939

    7

    6

    Correspondence: Iowa artists: Miscellaneous

    1932-1936, undated

    7

    10

    Correspondence: Iowa artists: Savage, Tom

    1934-1941, undated

    8

    15

    Correspondence: Iowa Cooperative Artists

    1935-1936, undated

    9

    8

    Correspondence: Jones, Harry D., Work Projects Administration

    1936-1941

    6

    11

    Correspondence: Miscellaneous

    1930-1953, undated

    8

    3

    Correspondence: Miscellaneous

    1985-1997

    10

    1

    Correspondence: Museums, galleries, organizations, and art historians (not in Davenport)

    1930-1990, undated

    7

    1

    Correspondence: Neal, Reginald

    1935-1988

    10

    5

    Correspondence: Section of Fine Arts, Public Buildings Administration: Material not related to DeWitt and Tipton projects

    1938, 1943

    1

    18

    Correspondence: Tipton, Iowa, post office to John Bloom

    1939

    10

    3

    Correspondence: Tipton, Iowa, post office mural; includes photocopy of contract

    1939-1940, undated

    7

    2

    Correspondence: Walker, Dickman

    1930-1948, undated

    6

    2

    Davenport, Iowa: Clippings on art (not Bloom)

    1925-1996, undated

    6

    6

    Davenport, Iowa: Flyers and brochures for "Village of East Davenport"

    1979, undated

    6

    3

    Davenport, Iowa: Helen J. Hinrichsen mural

    1936-1971, undated

    6

    5

    Davenport, Iowa: Museum and Riverssance materials

    1935-1995, undated

    6

    4

    Davenport, Iowa: News clippings of various subjects

    1939-1997, undated

    9

    1-2

    Davenport, Iowa: Post-war city planning reports

    1945-1947

    4

    7

    Day planner

    1941

    4

    8

    Day planner

    1945

    4

    9

    Day planner

    1946

    4

    10

    Day planner

    1947

    4

    11

    Day planner

    1949

    4

    12

    Day planner

    1950

    10

    2

    DeWitt, Iowa: Materials related to town other than mural, including DeWitt Observer masthead (photocopies of the originals)

    1928-1947, undated

    3

    8

    Diary

    1917

    5

    1

    Diary

    1920

    2

    6

    Diary pages (loose leaf)

    1929-1937

    2

    7

    Diary pages (loose leaf)

    1937-1946

    2

    8

    Diary pages (loose leaf)

    1947-1956

    2

    9

    Diary pages (loose leaf)

    1956-1966

    3

    1

    Diary pages (loose leaf)

    1967-1976

    3

    2

    Diary pages (loose leaf)

    1976-1984

    3

    3

    Diary pages (loose leaf)

    1984-1992

    3

    4

    Diary pages (loose leaf)

    1992-1997

    3

    9

    Diary: Summer trips and vacations

    1928-1929

    6

    7

    Exhibition catalogs: Solo and group exhibitions including Bloom

    1932-1997, undated

    6

    8

    Exhibition catalogs: Solo and group exhibitions not including Bloom

    1932-1978, undated

    5

    15

    Exhibitions: Correspondence and materials related to solo and group exhibitions

    1985-1997

    5

    16

    Exhibitions: Correspondence and materials related to solo and group exhibitions (including Russian exhibition) (includes 2 b/w photographs)

    1990

    Artifact Collection

     

    Fishing lures (2) (artifacts 2003-076.001-.002)

    undated

    15

    OVR

    Government documents: New Deal publications

    1936-1939, undated

    9

    3-4

    Government publications: Printed materials from the Treasury Section, WPA, and other New Deal agencies (some items photocopies of originals)

    1934-1943, undated

    8

    14

    Guggenheim applications

    1943-1946, undated

    17

    OVR

    Handmade sketchbook

    undated

    6

    9

    Iowa State Fair and Iowa Art Salon, Iowa State College (University): Exhibition catalogs

    1932-1959

    6

    10

    Iowa State Fair and Iowa Art Salon, Iowa State College (University): Correspondence (some items are photocopies of the originals)

    1940-1953, undated

    Artifact Collection

     

    Iowa State Fair and Iowa Art Salon, Iowa State College (University): Medals (4) (artifacts 2003-076.003-.006)

    1932-1947

    8

    2

    Lists of works, including Mississippi Fine Arts documents

    1984-1995, undated

    8

    1

    Manuscripts by and about Bloom

    1972-1990, undated

    17

    OVR

    Nation-wide Art Week: Posters and description sheet

    1940

    5

    5

    Negatives (no corresponding prints) (16 b/w negatives)

    undated

    5

    6

    Negatives: Visual sources of rural, residential, and industrial locations (6 color strip negatives)

    1970

    8

    6

    New Deal mural projects in Iowa and Iowa's Depression-era artists: Clippings and manuscripts

    1982-1994

    17

    OVR

    News clippings (photocopies, negatives): Isabel Bloom

    1954-1958, undated

    5

    11

    News clippings and articles on art

    1976-1979, undated

    5

    7

    News clippings and correspondence: Grant Wood Art Festival, Anamosa, Iowa

    1987-1995, undated

    16

    OVR

    News clippings: Artists and artwork of the 1930s

    1935-1976, undated

    11

    4

    News clippings: Davenport, Iowa, riverfront sculpture

    1991-1992

    11

    2

    News clippings: DeWitt Post Office mural

    1938, undated

    16

    OVR

    News clippings: Grant Wood and his artwork

    1934-1985, undated

    16

    OVR

    News clippings: John and Isabel Bloom

    1970s-1990s

    11

    3

    News clippings: John Bloom

    1939, undated

    11

    1

    News clippings: Tipton Post Office mural

    undated

    4

    1

    Notebook: Notes on drawing and composition

    1920s

    3

    10

    Notebook: Notes on printing lithographs

    1930s

    5

    12

    Notes and information on artists' materials, techniques, and supplies

    1959, undated

    8

    4

    Notes: Miscellaneous

    undated

    1

    11

    Photographs: Bloom and his wife, Isabel (7 b/w)

    1991, undated

    1

    5

    Photographs: Bloom with artwork (6 b/w)

    1934-1979, undated

    1

    1

    Photographs: Bloom with groups of people (1 b/w and 2 color)

    undated

    1

    4

    Photographs: Bloom with his artwork at gallery (25 color)

    1984

    1

    3

    Photographs: Davenport, Iowa, riverboats and bridges (13 b/w and 1 color)

    1936, undated

    2

    3

    Photographs: Drawings by Bloom (31 b/w and 13 color)

    1936, undated

    1

    2

    Photographs: Fairfield High School (4 b/w)

    1930s

    1

    16

    Photographs: John Deere combine (2 color)

    1980s

    1

    15

    Photographs: John Deere combine (5 b/w)

    1930s

    4

    13

    Photographs: Landscapes and still lifes (12 b/w)

    1930s

    1

    13

    Photographs: Murals by Bloom: DeWitt, Iowa, post office (24 images have been scanned and digitally reproduced; originals were returned to University Museums)

    1938, undated

    1

    12

    Photographs: Murals by Bloom: Tipton, Iowa, post office (19 images have been scanned and digitally reproduced; originals were returned to University Museums)

    1937, undated

    1

    14

    Photographs: Murals in central Iowa by other artists (9 b/w)

    undated

    1

    10

    Photographs: Paintings by Bloom (36 b/w and 7 color)

    1986, undated

    1

    17

    Photographs: Paintings, carvings, and murals by Bloom (4 b/w and 38 color)

    undated

    1

    6

    Photographs: Sculptures by Bloom (30 b/w and 5 color)

    1955, undated

    2

    5

    Photographs: Unidentified people (7 b/w)

    1956, undated

    2

    1

    Photographs: Visual sources of agricultural equipment, rural scenery, and urban locations (23 b/w)

    1936-1937, undated

    2

    2

    Photographs: Visual sources of rural, residential, and industrial locations (17 color)

    1970

    8

    13

    Photographs: Visual sources of steam engine, stove, people at beach (7 b/w photographs)

    undated

    1

    8

    Postcards: County fair scenes (6 b/w postcards)

    1930s

    1

    9

    Postcards: Davenport, Iowa, riverboats, bridges, and parks (5 b/w and 4 color postcards)

    undated

    1

    7

    Postcards: Dewitt, Iowa, downtown and Hotel Tuller, Detroit, Michigan (1 b/w and 1 color postcards)

    1930s

    8

    7

    Public Works of Art Project (PWAP) and Stone City: Correspondence and brochures (some items are photocopies of the originals)

    1932-1995, undated

    10

    8

    Publications discussing and depicting 1930s art

    1934, 1939

    Artifact Collection

     

    Ribbon, First Place, Riverssance (artifact 2003-076.008)

    undated

    Artifact Collection

     

    Ribbon, Special Guest, Grant Wood Art Festival, Stone City, Anamosa (artifact 2003-076.007)

    undated

    8

    9

    Sales catalogs (not including Bloom)

    1987, undated

    12

    3

    School drawing tablet with pencil, ink, and watercolor drawings (23 items; loose)

    1928-1929, undated

    4

    2

    Sketch book

    1918 circa

    4

    3

    Sketch book

    1920 circa

    4

    4

    Sketch book

    1920s

    3

    5

    Sketch book

    1940s

    3

    7

    Sketch book and journal

    1918-1919

    4

    6

    Sketch book and journal

    1938, undated

    3

    6

    Sketch books

    1940s

    12

    1

    Sketch books (2) of pencil drawings

    1984, undated

    10

    10

    Sketch books (2) of pencil drawings

    undated

    12

    2

    Sketch books (5) with pencil drawings

    1946-1984, undated

    17

    OVR

    Sketchbook (large gray) with drawing and watercolor

    undated

    4

    5

    Sketches and notes

    1921-1952, undated

    11

    9

    Sketches: "The Story of Little Cat" ink and gouache drawings (9 items)

    undated

    11

    10

    Sketches: "The Story of Little Cat" notebook of pencil drawings

    undated

    11

    11

    Sketches: "The Story of Little Cat" pencil and ink drawings and narration (46 items)

    undated

    11

    12

    Sketches: "The Story of Little Cat" pencil drawings and source material clippings

    undated

    15

    OVR

    Sketches: Cat pencil drawings (14 items)

    1938-1944

    11

    5

    Sketches: Church entrance pencil drawings (3 items)

    undated

    11

    24

    Sketches: Dancing carnival woman and snake woman pencil drawings (8 items)

    undated

    11

    23

    Sketches: Fish pencil drawings and clippings (8 items)

    undated

    11

    13

    Sketches: Frankfurters ink drawings

    undated

    11

    16

    Sketches: House and morning after rain pencil drawings (4 items)

    1947, undated

    17

    OVR

    Sketches: House on East 13th (4 items)

    undated

    11

    20

    Sketches: Human form pencil and ink drawings (18 items)

    1928-1929

    11

    17

    Sketches: Landscapes and people ink drawings (17 items)

    1929, undated

    15

    OVR

    Sketches: Mechanical drawings for Mast Development Company (4 items)

    undated

    11

    14

    Sketches: Pencil and ink drawings (47 items)

    undated

    17

    OVR

    Sketches: pencil drawing of outline of heads of public artists in a group photo with names

    undated

    10

    9

    Sketches: Pencil drawings (3 items)

    undated

    11

    25

    Sketches: Pencil drawings (7 items)

    1936-1948, undated

    11

    15

    Sketches: Pencil, colored pencil, and ink drawings of landscapes, houses, and people (57 items)

    1928-1942, undated

    11

    18

    Sketches: People and vehicle pencil and ink drawings (14 items)

    undated

    11

    21

    Sketches: Riverboat scene and other miscellaneous pencil and colored pencil drawings (15 items)

    undated

    11

    6

    Sketches: Skier scene ink drawings (2 items)

    undated

    11

    7

    Sketches: Sporting events, football and basketball (18 items)

    undated

    11

    19

    Sketches: Tennis players pencil drawings (10 items)

    undated

    11

    22

    Sketches: Train engine pencil drawings (3 items)

    undated

    17

    OVR

    Sketches: Viewing riverboat pencil drawings (6 items)

    undated

    17

    OVR

    Sketches: Woman with baby pencil drawings (3 items)

    undated

    2

    4

    Slides: Bloom and artwork (21 color slides)

    1986, undated

    12

    4

    Student drawing tablet with pencil and ink drawings

    1927-1929, undated

    12

    5

    Tablet with pencil drawings (13 items; loose)

    1928-1931, undated

    5

    3

    Time slips

    1956-1958

    1

    19

    University Museums (Iowa State University) John Bloom exhibit placards

    undated

    18

    5

    Visual clippings: Clippings on hunting, boating, and outdoor life

    1958-1962, undated

    18

    4

    Visual clippings: Clippings on religion

    1955-1990, undated

    18

    7

    Visual clippings: Clippings on travel

    1958-1976, undated

    18

    6

    Visual clippings: Clippings on western history/lore and American Indians

    undated

    19

    1

    Visual sources: Agricultural catalogs

    1933, undated

    15

    OVR

    Visual sources: Angkor, India, image portfolio

    undated

    15

    OVR

    Visual sources: Art book, folio-sized

    1929

    19

    7

    Visual sources: Clippings of agricultural and horse racing activities; includes 1 pencil drawing (includes 1 b/w photograph)

    1934 circa-1935

    19

    2

    Visual sources: Clippings of agricultural and rural scenes

    1937-1940, undated

    8

    11

    Visual sources: Clippings of animals and nature scenes

    1935-1980, undated

    19

    8

    Visual sources: Clippings of artwork

    1930s-1989

    18

    3

    Visual sources: Clippings of education, science education, psychology, technology, and stamps

    1958, undated

    19

    3

    Visual sources: Clippings of football, basketball, baseball, and track athletes

    1934 circa-1944

    19

    6

    Visual sources: Clippings of murders, war, poor, trains, music, medical operations, etc.

    1936 circa-1944

    18

    2

    Visual sources: Clippings of nature, exploration, anthropology, and geography

    1954-1997

    18

    1

    Visual sources: Clippings of space exploration, rockets, and astronomy

    1958-1990, undated

    19

    4

    Visual sources: Clippings of steamboats and the river; includes 1 drawing

    1939 circa-1944

    19

    5

    Visual sources: Clippings of swimming, boxing, ice skating, wrestling; includes 1 drawing5 (includes 3 b/w photographs)

    1934 circa-1938

    19

    11

    Visual sources: Clippings of works of art

    undated

    19

    9

    Visual sources: Clippings of works of art pasted on scrap book pages (loose)

    1926 circa-1928

    19

    10

    Visual sources: Clippings on design, architecture, and gardening/landscape

    1941-1976, undated

    8

    10

    Visual sources: Clippings used for recognizable work

    1942, undated

    17

    OVR

    Visual sources: Farm machinery catalogs

    1931, undated

    15

    OVR

    Visual sources: Japanese color prints folio

    undated

    8

    12

    Visual sources: Possibly for design and commercial work

    1946-1978, undated

    11

    8

    Visual sources: Scrapbook of clippings on works of art

    1926 circa-1928

    10

    6-7

    World War II materials: Illustrated machine manuals, notes, request for proposals, and invoices from Rock Island Ordnance Center

    1943-1948, undated

    5

    4

    Writings by Bloom about his marriage

    1969-1979, undated