The H. H. DeLong Papers are comprised of research, publications, and professional activity related to rammed earth construction, with a strong focus on agricultural and rural building applications. Materials include bulletins, circulars, extension publications, engineering data, research reports, manuals, and bibliographies dating from 1919 to 1988, with some later contextual material through 2011. The publications were issued by land grant universities, federal and state agencies, international organizations, and research institutions, including South Dakota State College, the United States Department of Agriculture, Texas A and M University, the University of California, and the United Nations. Subjects addressed include soil composition, construction techniques, structural performance, building finishes, housing design, and applications of rammed earth and related earthen building methods such as adobe, cob, and pisé de terre. The collection also includes news articles highlighting rammed earth projects and public interest in the method. Biographical materials related to Henry Herbert DeLong are present, including clippings, honors, obituary material, a curriculum vitae, and portrait photographs, documenting his professional career and recognition for contributions to agricultural engineering and rammed earth research.
The collection provides documentation of twentieth century research and practical guidance on rammed earth construction in agricultural and rural contexts, reflecting the role of land grant institutions and government agencies in promoting cost effective and locally sourced building materials. The inclusion of publications authored by or associated with Henry Herbert DeLong documents his contributions to the development and dissemination of rammed earth construction methods and their application in the United States. The materials support research in agricultural engineering, sustainable building practices, rural housing, and the history of earthen construction technologies.
