Gammage Family Photo Gallery
Who lived in the Piper House?
Originally constructed in 1907, the Piper Writers House served as a home for the presidents of ASU—Arthur John Matthews (1904-30), Ralph W. Swetman (1930-1933), and most recently Grady Gammage (1933-59).
The photos below are of the Gammage family in the historic home during the 50's and 60's.
If you are interested in taking a tour of the house in person, you can sign up here!
Photograph of Kathryn (Kay) Gammage. She received an honorary doctorate from ASU in 1986.
Photograph of Kathryn (Kay) Gammage in her armchair near the fireplace still present in the house today.
Olgivanna Wright (Frank Lloyd Wright’s wife), Grady Jr., and Kathryn Gammage at the groundbreaking ceremony of Gammage Memorial Auditorium. The shovel being held by Grady Jr. is still in the auditorium on display.
Sketch gifted to Grady Jr. from Jim Garrison, longtime Tempe resident, architect, and State Historic Preservation Officer.
The newest Gammage! Grady Gammage Jr., also referred to as G.G. by his parents, was born October 1951. The announcement of his birth was locally televised.
Grady Sr. and Jr. Grady Sr. was 59 years old when he became a father.
Grady Gammage Jr., early 20’s. As a child, he loved walking around campus with his father watching the construction of new campus buildings and getting into mischief with his friends.
Barrel roll! Young Grady Gammage Jr. in his western wear playing in the yard.
Officially a university!
President Grady announced the name change from Arizona State College to University on November 11, 1958 from the Memorial Union balcony. ASU was the first institution in American history to have a name change by vote of the people with the passing of Proposition 200.
Kathryn Gammage in the 1990’s with her family photos displayed proudly. She passed away on December 25, 1997 in Friendship Village, a retirement home located in Tempe.
Celebrating the 10 year anniversary of the Gammages’ marriage in November 1959. Grady Jr. celebrates in his boy scout uniform.
Gammage family posing in front of the fireplace of the Piper Writers House.
Grady Jr. and Kathryn Gammage walking up one of the iconic promenade ramps to visit the Gammage Memorial Auditorium shortly after the opening in 1964.
