Manuscript Group 392
JACK BOWLING PAPERS
1926-1984
5 cubic feet
Born in Bonham, Texas, Jack F. Bowling (1903-1979) graduated from the United States
Naval Academy in 1927 and was named a Commanding Ensign in the United States Navy
that same year. During World War II he served on the staff of Admiral King and
also commanded the Anti-submarine Task Force in the North Atlantic from 1944-1945.
Bowling graduated from the United States Naval War College in 1945, retiring from
the Navy in 1947 with the rank of Rear Admiral. Prior to the War, Bowling had
already achieved an international reputation as an engraver and printmaker. During
the war, he taught himself the art of metal working and in 1958 became a silversmith
in Philadelphia. Bowling gave lectures on silver and silver work, with his craftsmanship
being exhibited worldwide. His art is represented in permanent collections at
the Honolulu Academy of Art and the Library of Congress. Bowling received several
awards for his work including the First Award for Ecclesiastic Arts in Los Angeles,
1959, and the First Award for Gold or Silver, Woodmere Art Gallery, 1962, 1963,
1967 and 1968. He was a member of the Woodmere Art Association, the Guild of Religious
Architects, the Stained Glass Association of America, the Philadelphia Art Alliance
and the American Craftsmen's Council.
**Three folders of moldy unprocessed items were placed into a secure storage
area at the time of processing (June 2006), until they can be cleaned. Items in
the folders include: files relative to an exhibit at the Pennsylvania State Museum
in 1972, various art-related magazines from the 1930s and 1940s and miscellaneous
correspondence and personal materials.**
