Frederic Goldsmith (1925-2009) followed his sister Nell Goldsmith to Black Mountain College. Both Goldsmiths had attended a progressive school at Milwaukee State Teachers College. After serving in the army, Goldsmith received his B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He worked at the Clasmann Corporation, the family business which sold products to the power industry, heating/ventilating equipment, and air conditioning equipment.

Frederic Goldsmith was a student from 1943 to 1944. He was also noted as house manager for theater production, Importance of Being Earnest, 1939-1940.

Relationships

Sister: Cornelia "Nell" Goldsmith

Black Mountain College Project

Mary Emma Harris interviewed Frederic in 2005 and the transcript is available from Appalachian State University under The Mary Emma Harris and Black Mountain College Project, Inc. Oral History collection.

Topics: Hearing about BMC from Ruth O’Neill and family members – general curriculum – work program – Mary Gregory – Anni Albers weaving class – post BMC study and professional career – children and professions

Courses Taken

Fall Quarter 1943: Matter and Energy with Hansgirg, Calculus with Dreier, Intro to Music with Cohen, Eukinetics with Kahn, Chorus with Jalowetz

Winter Quarter 1943-1944: Introductory Weaving with Albers, Matter and Energy with Hansgirg, Anthropology with Radin, Chorus with Jalowetz

Spring Quarter 1943-1944: Weaving with A. Albers, General Design with J. Albers, Drama with Wunsch, Psychology with Woodward