Women's History Sources Survey Prepares List of Nationwide Materials
With funds provided by the National Endowment for the Association, and members of the original convening group Humanities and the~ University of Minnesota, the -Social invited Clarke Chambers and Andrea Hinding to submit a Welfare History Archives has begun a nationwide survey grant proposal to the National Endowment for the Humani- of archives and manuscripts repositories for material re- ties. The first proposal was rejected, but a second, revised lating to the history of women in the United States from with the assistance of Simone Reagor, then a staff member the colonial period to the present. The results of the Wo- of the Research Grants Division and now its head, was re- men's History Sources Survey (WHSS) will be published submitted and approved in March, 1975. as a guide to facilitate research on women's lives and roles Because no one knew-and few were willing even to in American society. guess-how many archives and manuscripts repositories The Women's History Sources Survey began, to borrow existed, the WHSS staff's first effort has been to create a a slightly sexist metaphor, as a gleam in the eye of histo- directory or union list of repositories in the United States. rians Mary Maples Dunn, Carl Degler, Janet Wilson James, Staff members Ann Glover and Doris Lunden combed Gerda Lerner and Anne Firor Scott. As this group became directories, published guides and scholarly works, and aware in the early 1970s of a rapidly i-Acreasing interest nooks and crannies of reference rooms to compile a list. in women's history, it urged the Organization of American Historians to offer a session on archival and manuscript see women, page 6 sources for women's history in its 1972 annual convention program. At the 1972 meeting in Washington, D.C. , an over-flow crowd, which had to be hurriedly moved to a larger room, heard chairman Clarke A. Chambers, director of the Social Welfare History Archives and professor of history, and other archivists and historians describe mate- rial in repositories in their regions or useful in their own research fields. A fifty-page checklist prepared by Andrea Hinding, curator of the Social Welfare History Archives, and members of the Social Welfare History Archives staff was distributed to more than 150 people who attended the session and later by mail to hundreds who wrote to request copies. The response to the session and the preliminary check- list led Anne Firor Scott to discuss the possibility of a women's history conference with Rockefeller Foundation staff members Peter Wood and Jane Allen. In the summer of 1972 the Rockefeller Foundation sponsored a confer- ence to discuss priorities in the women's history field. The historians, archivists, and students gathered at Foundation headquarters in New York spent two days discussing the need for research, fellowships for junior and established historians in the field, support for graduate students and bibliographic work yet to be done. High among the priori- ties which emerged from the discussion was a project to establish control over the primary sources which serve as the base of research in women's history and related fields in the humanities. Suffragettes campaign in Ohio in 1914. Following the Rockefeller Foundation conference, Doro- thy Rabin Ross, special assistant at the American Historical viewpoints
Ohio Archivists Should Support Legislation.Related to Archives
By Dennis Harrison would include current legislation which will affect access to public records, the National Archives and archival se- At the risk of stirring a controversy within the SOA, I curity. It should also be made clear that any proposal for wish to advance the following personal opinion: Ohio ar- the SOA to follow in the steps of other professional groups chivists should actively support legislation which is in the by seeking to influence this legislation is not the sharp public interest and which is directly related to the archival break with tradition it might at first appear to be. Several profession. Given the current disenchantment with politi- years ago, when rumors abounded that the Maine Archives cians among many Americans and the distaste with which was to be relegated to a purely records management func- some of us may view the political process, it is not unlikely tion, the Council of the SOA was ready to protest any di- that I will be charged with permitting the serpent to enter minution in the scope of the Maine Archives. More recently, the garden by advancing that the SOA should take posi- when the leadership of the United States House of Repre- tions on political issues. We all know, however', that many sentatives proposed the appropriation of the Madison professional organizations regularly work to influence a Library Building as an office building for the House of wide variety of legislation. It should also be Quite clear that Representatives, the SOA Council acted. This proposal many political decisions on major issues in our society had aroused librarians around the country who were aware are reached only after pressure groups have worked suc- that the Library of Congress was in dire need of this build- cessfully to influence these decisions. Among a few of the ing which had been constructed specifically for the Library. organizations which come to mind are the American Medi- They were joined in their protests by the Society of Ameri- cal Association, state and local bar associations, and the can Archivists. Council, acting in response to an appeal by professional and labor organizations of teachers. While Ann Campbell, Executive Director of the SAA, joined in- the activities of these groups have often been associated dividuals and organizations around the country to request with special interests of their members, in many instances that the building be used for its intended purpose. It is these organizations have advanced the public interest, clear that this campaign was a decisive factor in the deci- securing the regulation of patent medicines, promoting the sion of the House Leadership to abandon their plan to extension of legal aid to the poor and upgrading the statu- appropriate the Madison Library Building. tory qualifications for membership in their respective pro- While the issue of the Madison Library Building is of fessions. These organizations have successfully advanced primary importance to librarians, there are several issues both their professional interests-and the public interest on of national import which will come before the Congress or many occasions. the various state legislatures and which are of vital interest There are many reasons why archivists should seek to to members of the archival profession. Of these, perhaps influence the legislative process. Many archivists are none will offer more possibilities for conflict of interest funded through general assemblies and legislatures, par- and dissension within the profession than the proposals ticularly those in the profession who are responsible for to separate the National Archives and Records Service state archival materials, or those who work in state uni- from the General Services Administration and to class the versities. In our own state many of us are indirectly asso- papers created by public officials as public records. The ciated with state government through our participation in question of securing independent agency status for the the local records program of the Ohio Network of American National Archives is one which every archivist should care- History Research Centers. This particular program, which fully consider. Should the widespread consideration of includes many of the key repositories in the state, is funded this question result in a concrete legislative proposal, I through the G·eneral Assembly and as such exists at the hope that SOA will be prepared to join with other regional pleasure of the legislature. Obviously it is in the interest organizations and with the SAA to assure that our profes- of archivists throughout the state that the benefits of this sion will have a voice in any decision which is reached. program be clearly understood by the body responsible The proposal to declare the papers of public officials to be for the continued funding of the project. public records has often been combined with a proposal There are a number of other areas in which the views of to require that the papers of elected public officials be archivists should be known to legislators. Among these I see viewpoints, page 7 2 I SOA News Notes I Sam Roshon, head of the Columbus and Ohio Division Watson have joined the staff as student assistants; and that of the Public Ubrary of Columbus and Franklin County, the archives has begun to microfilm local government reports that the division's bicentennial project was the records. preparation of a slide show, "Early History of Columbus, 1797-1912," featuring 73 slides of historical landmarks and prominent citizens. It is on videotape and available Gervis Brady, Director of the Stark County Historical for viewing in the audiovisual division any time during Society, is Canton Bicentennial Chairman and County regular library hours. The slides and script may also be Coordinator. The major county bicentennial project is the checked out for home viewing or group presentation. restoration of the McKinley Monument and grounds in Canton.
Barbara A. Bensch was hired in September as Assistant Bernice Williams Foley of the Ohioana Library Associa- to the Archivist at University Hospitals of Cleveland. Bar- tion reports that copies of the 1976 Ohio Yearbook, "Ohio bara is a 1974 graduate of Bowling Green and has had 1776-1803," are available from the Association. The 1977 previous job experience with technical manuscripts. Eu- Ohio Yearbook will be " Ethnic Groups of Ohio." The Asso- genia Kucherenko, the Archivist at University Hospitals, ciation's quarterly magazine features original pen drawings also reports that regular exhibits were prepared for the of Ohio scenes by Caroline Williams on the front cover. Bishop Lobby (2 cases) at intervals of four to five weeks Mrs. Foley also reminds us that Ohioana Day will be Octo- each during 1975; that a new exhibit case has been placed ber9, 1976, atthe Fawcett Center for Tomorrow in Columbus. in the Hanna House Waiting Room; and that the archives also prepared an exhibit on kidney dialysis for the Health Clifford Neal Smith will be the featured speaker at the Museum. I regional conference of the Ohio Genealogical Society on April 1O at Atwood Lodge in Carroll County. The annual OGS convention will be held Apri I 30 and May 1 at the Lucille Emch of the University of Toledo Libraries is Holiday Inn in Columbus. The Ohto Genealogical Society executive secretary of the Friends of the University of Library, located at 454 Park Avenue West, Mansfield Toledo Libraries, a group which has recently published (Route 430), is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from Ezra Pound's Pennsylvania by Noel Stock. This limited 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The mailing address is P. 0. Box edition publication (1,000 numbered copies) is 110 pages 2625, Mansfield, Ohio 44906. in length, and is based on manuscripts, photographs and memorabilia of Pound held by the University of Toledo Archives. An oral history workshop devoted to fundamental tech- niques was held on February 1O & 1 7 at the Maumee Branch Library. Local history staff members conducted Rev. Msgr. H. E. Mattingly of the Catholic Record Soci- the training session with the aim of recruiting effective ety, Diocese of Columbus, reports that the Society pub- volunteer interviewers. lishes a monthly bulletin which began in January, 1975. The Society meets quarterly. Open house will be held in the new Mercer County His- torical Mus·eum, the Riley Home, April 25, 1976. The Jane Browne has replaced Denise Burrows as the office Director of the Museum is Joyce L. Alig, St. Henry, Ohio secretary at the Northwest Ohio-Great Lakes Research 45883. Center, Bowling Green State University. Lorain County Historical Society has purchased a new museum building, The Garford Mansion ("The Hickories") Edward Rider was appointed Curator of the Nippert at 509 Washington Ave., Elyria, 0 . 44035. The Genealogi- Collection at The Cincinnati Historical Society in Novem- cal Workshop of the Society will have two rooms as their ber, 1975. His duties include processing the collections of library and will catalogue all books, papers, etc., of the materials dealing with German Methodism and supervision Society. of the manuscript collection. Mr. Rider received his archival training at the State Historical Society of Wisconsin. Tim- othy Willard, manuscript processor, also joined the staff in November. Tim is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University. The Ohio Archivist . .. is the semi-annual newsletter of the Society of Ohio Archivists. It is published every spring and fall Robert McDonnell, Assistant Head, Special Collections prior to the regularly scheduled meetings of the and Archives, Ohio University, resigned in December to society. accept the post of Archivist of the W. E. B. Du Bois Papers, The editors welcome articles, photographs, opin- University of Massachusetts, Amherst. ions, and other suggestions. Andrea Lentz, Editor Dr. Patrick Nolan, Head of Archives and Special Collec- Nancy Essex, Managing Editor tions at Wright State University, read a paper on regional Address: Ohio Historical Society archival networks at the SM convention in Philadelphia Interstate 71 and 17th Avenue last fall. Pat also reports that Mrs. Rae Huff and Mrs. Claudia Columbus, Ohio 43211
3 Bicentennial Conference on American Genealogy a~d Family History
The Genealogical Committee of the Western Reserve Society; Mrs. Lida Flint Harshman, Publisher of the Index Historical Society in collaboration with the American So- to the 1850 Federal Population Census of Ohio; Dale C. ciety of Genealogists, the History Department of Case Kellogg, Chairman, Genealogical Committee of the Western Western Reserve University and the Ohio Genealogical Reserve Historical Society; Mrs. Virginia P. Livingston, Society is sponsoring a Bicentennial Conference on Amer- President, American Society of Genealogists; Dr. George ican Genealogy and Family History to be held in Cleveland, E. McCracken, Editor, The American Genealogist; Dr. Ohio, August 8-12, 1976. Headquarters for the Conference James B. Rhoads, Archivist of the United States; Dr. H. S. will be the Park Plaza Hotel located at Carnegie and East Ritter, President, Ohio Genealogical Society; Milton Rub- 96th Street. Opportunity for dialogue between the gene- incam, Book Review Editor, National Genealogical Society alogist and the professional historian at this meeting will Quarterly; George Ely Russell, Editor, National Genea- be a great step toward cooperation between genealogists logical Society Quarterly; Dr. Kenn Stryker-Rodda, who and social historians of the family in establishing a con- edits the New York Genealogical and Biographical Record; tinuing working arrangement. At the same time, presenta- and Dr. David D. Van Tassel, History Department, Case Western Reserve University. Members of the National Committee will also deliver talks on their areas of expertise. The concept of the Conference grew out of an interest of the sponsoring organizations in recognizing the signifi- cance of genealogy during the Bicentennial year. The century-old Western Reserve Historical Society possesses an outstanding collection of Americana augmented by one of the most complete libraries on American genealogy. In it are most of the standard works on genealogy as well as one of the largest collections of genealogies on individ- ual families. Its microfilm of the population schedules
Meredith B. Colket, Jr. tions ·by highly qualified individuals in the fields of gene- alogy and family history will provide important instruction for the novice. About fifty highly qualified individuals will provide im- portantinformation about American genealogical and family history research. Among the speakers will be Fellows of the American Society of Genealogists, Midwest genealo- gists chiefly from Ohio, and American university history professors. The scope of the Conference will primarily cover people and records of the American Revolution, Dr. Theodore M. Burton migrations to and within the United States following the Revolution, the nature and use of some major genealogical through 1850 is extensive, while the microfilm of the Revo- collections and family history studies at American universi- lutionary War pension and bounty land warrant application ties. Although the topics will be presented mainly in lecture files ot the National Archives is complete. The Society is sessions, workshops and seminars on genealogical meth- particularly rich in Ohio genealogy. In addition to printed ods and the preparation and printing or publishing of gene- materials, it has significant collections of typed, hand- alogical material are planned. written and microfilm materials, maps, atlases and county The National Advisory Committee, established to aid histories. One of the many arms of the Society, the Gene- in the development and planning for the Conference, is alogical Committee, actively supports the genealogy library composed of: Meredith B. Colket, Jr., Director, The West- with projects such as developing the Union Catalog of ern Reserve Historical Society, Conference Chairman; American genealogies and publishing materials relating to Dr. James B. Bell, Director, New England Historic and Ohio genealogy. The Committee, headed by Dale C. Kel- Genealogical Society; Dr. Theodore M. Burton, President, logg, gave its wholehearted support to the idea of a national the Genealogical Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of genealogical meeting. Latter-day Saints; P. W. Filby, Director, Maryland Historical Near the Historical Society is Case Western Reserve 4 University whose .History Department possesses a special be the topic of Dr. Samuel P. Hayes, Chairman ot the His- interest in family history studies. Professor David Van Tas- tory Department at the University of Pittsburgh and Dr. sel, who teaches a standard course, "The American Family Bertram Wyatt-Brown, of the History Department at Case in Historical and Legal Perspective," recognizes the rela- Western Reserve University. Also from the latter depart- tionship of genealogy to the social history of the family. ment is Dr. David Van Tassel who will speak on family his- He also has a wide knowledge of university faculties across tory studies at American universities. From the National the country interested in this specialized field. Archives, John Butler of the Center for the Documentary Combining forces with these institutions is the Ohio Study of the American Revolution will speak on "The Pa- Genealogical Society. This rapidly growing Society, which pers of the Continental Congress as an Unusual Source acquired most of its 1800 members in the last decade, for Genealogical Research." Herman R. Friis, nationally bears witness to the increasing interest in genealogy and known cartographer of the National Archives, will speak the need for exchange of ideas through a conference of on migrations through the Appalachian barrier following this kind. Mrs. Lida Flint Harshman, past president of the the American Revolution. Special problems in preparing Society and editor of its newsletter, has provided great and documenting genealogies relating to the American impetus in helping to publicize and organize the Confer- ence proceedings. . Finally, the American Society of Genealogists, a national group limited to fifty persons who are elected on the basis of the amount and quality of their scholarly published work, is a major supporter. The Society agreed to endorse the Conference and provide financial backing. As indicated by the growth of genealogical societies and libraries across the country during the past decade, p~ople are taking a greater interest in their roots, irrespec- tive of the date their forebears arrived in America. Many persons of ethnic origin whose forebears came to America in the last century have an opportunity to pull together from contemporary sources clues to their family origins that in later generations may be lost forever. Talks at this Con- ference may help direct their searches.
Dr. David Van Tassel Negro will be discussed by Dr. Lawrence Goodwyn, Direc- tor of the Oral History Program at Duke University and James Walker, Genealogy and Local History Specialist of the National Archives. A research specialist with the Gene- alogical Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints, James Parker, will speak on similar problems relating to the American Indian. Dr. Malcolm H. Stern, Fellow of the American Society of Genealogists, will speak on Jewish migrations in the United States during the first half of the 19th century. Ohio genealogical authorities Anne Dallas Budd, carol Willsey Flavell, Dr. Delbert Gratz and Lida Flint Harshman will speak on their areas of ex- pertise. Dr. Rick J. Ashton of the Newberry Library and Dr. James E. Mooney, Director of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania are among those who will speak on American Loyalists. Ethnic and regional migrations and genealogies Dr. James B. Rhoads will be covered extensively. The planned Conference agenda on Sunday, August 8, In a sense, genealogy can be regarded as an introduction 1 :00-4:00 p.m. includes registration at the Park Plaza, tours to history. Oft~n. both genealogy and family history studies of the University Circle, use of the Western Reserve His- offer a more personal approach to history. At the same torical Society Genealogical Library and viewing of the time, genealogical searching encourages research in the Society's American Bicentennial Exhibit. The day will be primary source material of our country: Genealogical re- highlighted by a reception in the Auto-Aviation Museum of search, coupled with in-depth family history studies, seems the Society from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Speaker sessions as well particularly appropriate to emphasize during the year of as exhibits by major genealogical firms are scheduled for the Bicentennial as America seeks to learn more about Monday, August 9 through Thursday, August 12, 9:00 where it came from and where it is going. a.m.-5:00 p.m. at the Park Plaza. A luncheon at the Greater Included in the list of speakers are many who will deli~er Cleveland Garden Center is planned for Tuesday noon talks of particular interest to the archivist. Dr. James B. and a banquet at the Park Plaza for Wednesday evening. Bell, ·Director of the New England Historic Genealogical Post-Conference activities scheduled for Friday, August Society will discuss the holdings and policies of that insti- 13, include tours of the Ohio Historical Society, Colum- tution. The importance of history to the genealogist will see genealogy, page 8 5 women, continued from page 1 dorsement of the Council of the Society of American Ar- The American Association for State and Local History con- chivists as . well as other groups in the women's history tributed the names of additional historical agencies, and and archives fields. In his letter to the National Endowment Anne Harris Henry and staff members of the project to for the Humanities supporting the revised proposal, AHA revise the 1962 Guide to Archives and Manuscripts in the executive secretary Paul Ward described his concern about U.S. (the " Hamer Guide") generously shared their own the lack of bibliographic control of primary materials in the extensive mailing list. Colleagues at the University of Illi- "diffuse field of social history, the history of the American nois Chicago Circle Manuscripts Division, the Minnesota people as such." Women's history, he wrote, "has in unique Historical Society, the California Historical Society and measure the scholarly and popular energies" to begin to many others sent additional entries. The WHSS staff had advance control over sources in the field of social history estimated 6,000 repositories, but when the list went to a and thereby facilitate "humanistic studies of American commercial firm which agreed to produce mailing labels, life." Ann Morgan Campbell, executive director of the So- it consisted of more than 9,500 names! Although not every ciety of American Archivists, concurred in his evaluation entry represented an individual repository (directors of and added that the "initiative shown by those making pos- university libraries are included along with the archivists sible the Women's History Sources Survey is another im- who head library units) and not every historical agency portant indication of the expansion of the modern archivist's surveyed will have records, it is safe to estimate that there role-from passive custodian of 'old papers' to the vigorous ,are more than 8,500 repositories holding manuscripts in partnership in the quest to document American life." the country. Given the rate at which names continue to The project staff consists of Clarke A Chambers and be added, the union list might reach 10,000 repositories Andrea Hinding, directors; Ames S. Bower, editor; Doris before the project is concluded. L. Lunden, administrative assistant; Lois Upham, systems Most repositories in the country will be surveyed by mail analyst; Ann Glover, project coordinator; and Wendy Lar- questio~naire. Each will be invited to report collections son, project secretary. The WHSS staff is being advised bearing on women's history, using criteria for inclusion by_ a board of distinguished archivists and historians: Max- which will be outlined for the repositories. Although ar- ine B. Clapp, University of Minnesota; Carl N. Degler, Stan- chivists and manuscripts curators will be invited to use ford University; Lynn B. Donovan, California Historical their professional judgment in responding, "women's col- Society; Frank B. Evans, National Archives and Records lections" will generally include the papers of an individual Service; Elsie Freivogel, National Archives and Records woman or of a family in which there is material about the Service; Janet Wilson James, Boston College; Lucile M. female members of the family. Also included as a "women's Kane, Minnesota Historical Society; Gerda Lerner, Sarah collection" will be the records of a woman's organization Lawrence College; Dorothy Porter, librarian emeritus, How- such as the Hebrew Ladies Benevolent Society of Albany, ard University; Anne Firor Scott, Duke University; and Georgia, or an organization in which women played a sig- Joan Hoff Wilson, Sacramento State College. nificant part, e.g., papers of the Consumers League of The Women's History Sources Survey staff seeks the Ohio or the Immigrants' Protective League. Collections cooperation of all archivists, manuscripts curators, and col- built around a women's movement or a movement or or- leagues in history and library science in identifying· impor- ganization which significantly affected women's lives and tantcollectionsinwomen'shistory. (It should be emphasized roles would also be included, e.g., the Massachusetts Anti- that the Social Welfare History Archives which houses the Suffrage League or the Birth Control Federation of America. project does not wish to acquire collections in the women's Work accomplished by the mail survey will be supple- history field but to report their existence to others.) The mented by that of twenty field workers who will survey National Endowment for the Humanities and the University selected repositories during 1976. In order to test the of Minnesota have been generous in supporting the project effectiveness of this procedure and to be able to estimate but ultimately only the cooperation and generosity of pro- what the efforts might yield, Mary Ostling, a graduate stu- fessionals in the fields of archives, library science, and dent in American history at the University of Minnesota, history will make possible production of the kind of guide spent the past summer surveying repositories in Minne- the field of women's history in particular and social history sota, North Dakota and South Dakota. In the weeks she in general need and deserve. spent moving from repository to repository by Greyhound bus, Ms. Ostling identified more than 150 collections, most of which were known only to the staffs of the repositories and to a few researchers. (She did not survey the Minne- sota Historical Society and units at the University of Min- Tenth Anniversary of AHAP· nesota, both of which will assign their own staff members to respond to the survey.) Among the most valuable collec- . tions she reported were the records of the Duluth Chapter This year marks the tenth anniversary of the founding of the American Red Cross, which consisted in large part of the Archives of the History of American Psychology. of card files maintained on 10,000 Chapter volunteers who During that time more than 500 separate collections have gave service during the first and second world wars. The been accessed. Present holdings include 1,200 linear feet cards provide information on the volunteer's age, family of documents as well as 600 pieces of pioneer laboratory status, education, special skills, and so forth. As Ms. Ostling and teaching equipment. The finding aids include an inven- noted, a collection of this size for a city which had a popu- tory of each deposit as well as a reference file noting the lation of approximately 100,000 is a demographer's dream. location of materials relevant to psychologists represented In addition to the collections she found, Ms. Ostling also in any deposit. The current roster includes approximately discovered what the WHSS hoped she would, that staff 30,000 individuals. members in historical agencies were remarkably helpful There have been at least 223 guests who have traveled and encouraging to her as she worked through basements to Akron to visit the Archives and the last two years have and little-used collections. Even South Dakota governor been ones of dramatic increase in the on site use of the Richard Kniep, grounded temporarily in Pierre while his resources. The post-to pre-doctoral ratio of scholars is 2:1. plane was being repaired, took time to listen to her account There is diversity in the professional identification. For of the project and lend moral support. example, in a sample of 27, 15 were psychologists, 1O his- The Women's History Sources Survey has the support torians, one a philosopher and one an educator. of the American Historical Association and the formal en- 6 viewpoints, continued from page 2 Ohio shoplifting law, then we should be. Archivists in Vir- administered by an independent federal agency, thus re- ginia recently campaigned successfully to be included moving these records from the local repository and from under the Virginia shoplifting law. Certainly, a similar cam- their state and regional documentary bases. If enacted, paign by the SOA would be in order if it is determined that this would affect many Ohio archivists and the SOA should we are not adequately protected from theft by current certainly be sure that its views are well known to Ohio statutes. There will be no better time to deal with this ques- legislators. tion than at the forthcoming Spring Meeting. Another issue which will arouse much controversy and I believe the SOA, in cooperation, wherever possible, one in which archival expertise may help officials to arrive with the SAA and the other regional organizations, should at an equitable decision is in the area of individual privacy support positions which archivists consider professionally vs. freedom of information. Not only is a variety of conflict- sound. Within the SOA these positions should be well ing legislation being offered in Congress on this issue, but thought out by Council and might be the result of a com- many states are likewise considering legislation in this mittee study. Ideally, they would be subject to review by area. . the entire SOA membership. For especially important An issue much closer to home, and certainly less contro- issues, members might be called upon to visit local repre- versial, is the question of the legal position of an archivist sentatives while more routine matters would be left to in confrontation with a thief. An immediate consideration Council. By successfully implementing the above policy is whether or not the archivist is afforded the same rights we can assure that archivists speak with one voice on these I as a merchant in defending his property against theft. This issues. If we speak loudly, we may expect that the records question will be dealt with by an attorney at the Spring of the nation will be better preserved and administered Meeting of the SOA. If in fact we are not covered by the as a result of our efforts. \ Duckett's M odern Manuscripts Fills Enduring Void
By Kermit Pike P,apers known by the author to have been reproduced in facsimile-a most helpful feature for the novice curator. Modern Manuscripts: A Practical Manual for Their Man- Throughout the body of the text, the reader is presented agement, Care, and Use, by Kenneth W. Duckett. Nashville: with a wide variety of pertinent examples, cogent analyses American Association for State and Local History, 1975. and evaluations, and good guidelines and suggestions. 375 pp. $16. Given the expanse of the topic covered in this one volume, Manuscript curators, archivists and others who have had there is some unevenness, some things to praise and some the responsibility of training, educating and/or supervising · to quibble about. To mention a few: the survey of manu- students and employees in manuscript-related activities scripts collecting, albeit not as essential to this book as the have for years found the difficulty of their task compounded other chapters, fails to capture the passion, enthusiasm by the unavailability of a comprehensive and scholarly and motivational characteristics that frequently are mani- study of manuscripts. After years of hardship comes Ken fest in the collector; the broad and nebulous subject of Ducketttotherescue! administration is treated in a manner that reflects the fact Duckett's own work experience (he is currently curator that little has been written about it; the chapter on biblio- of special collections, Southern Illinois University) and graphic control, covering accessioning through publication organizational affiliations and activities make him emi- of finding aids, is effectively presented; information re- nently qualified to tackle this assignment, which he has trieval, including automation, the computer, and micro- done in a serious and competent manner. Modern Manu- photography, all rapidly developing concerns of the manu- scripts, to be sure, will not satisfy all needs and constitu- scripts curator, serves as a good introduction to these encies; the diverse nature of the institutions that collect areas; and many curators wrn benefit greatly from the dis- manuscripts is enough to ensure some discontent. Never- cussion of nonmanuscript material, a long-ignored subject theless, this book will be required reading for current as rightly singled out by Duckett for special attention. well as future generations interested in the what, why and In light of all the useful information that Duckett has how of manuscripts curatorship. Much to the author's credit, compiled it seems unfortunate that the publisher did not "Duckett" will take its place alongside "~ane" and "Bordin use better judgment in regard to the book's production, & Warner," and not necessarily in-that order. especially its design, format, and layout. Modern Manu- Duckett treats manuscripts dating primarily from the 17th scripts is not easy to use as a reference book; the index century to the present. The main subjects of nine chapters is inadequate. Given the subtitle A Practical Manual . .. , are as follows: survey of manuscripts collecting, adminis- one might expect to find a practical, and utilitarian design, tration, acquisition, physical care and conservation, biblio- e.g. frequent headings, sub-headings and other features graphic control, information retrieval, nonmanuscript ma- that serve to quickly direct the reader to specific informa- terial, use of collections, and public service. Each chapter tion and to demarcate transitions. Instead one finds long is followed by a helpful annotated list of selected readings sections of exposition and few headings. A Treatise ... that serves both as an overview of currently available might have been a more accurate subtitle for this book literature and a guide to the most useful writings on the given its format as well as its price. subject. Throughout the 270 pages of text are interspersed This flaw should not discourage the prospective reader 33 illustrations, some instructional, some merely amusing. from wading in, for there is much of value in this book. The 29 pages of footnotes at the rear of the book must be While the author states that it is directed toward the novice used in conjunction with the 25-page bibliography in order curator of manuscripts, there is much here for the experi- to obtain full citations to the sources referred to. The ap- enced curator to learn and to think about. Modern . Manu- pendices ·include the following: a series of drawings of scripts should be particularly useful to the curator who, in manuscripts containers to help one make his own; a table response to Duckett's call in 1972 for suggestions about of equivalents relative to size, volume, weight, etc.; a per- what to include in this book, tersely replied as follows: petual calendar; a guide to associations, publications, "all manuscripts should be collected, ... arranged in either equipment, supplies, and services; and a glossary of terms. alphabetical or chronological order ..., they should be kept Most unusual, however, is a list of manuscripts and news- neat, clean, and dry." 7 genealogy, continued from page 5 bus; Hale Farm and Village, Peninsula; and the Cleveland Public Library. Advance registration for the Conference is $60.00 for an individual, $30.00 for spouse registration. The costs of registration after May 15 will increase to Introductory Workshop, $80.00 and $40.00 respectively. Registration is limited Advanced Workshop and will be honored by date received. Therefore, early Again Available registration is encouraged. Individuals who are interested in a brochure, which includes information on the Confer- ence proceedings, a registration form and poster, are in- vited to write to the Western Reserve Historical Spciety, 10825 East Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, Attention: The Seventh Annual Workshop will again offer a Mrs. Martha Tomer. Information on accommodations at choice: an Advanced Workshop for practicing archi- the Park Plaza Hotel and Case Western Reserve University vists, as well as the traditional Introductory Workshop. dormitories also is available upon request. The Advanced group will cover selected topics in depth, working with recognized experts in each field. Responsible experience is required for registration in this group, and preference will be given to partici- Directory Now Available For pants in previous workshops. College and University Archives The Introductory Workshop is planned for individ- uals new to the field, for librarians who have been assigned to develop archival programs or for adminis- trators concerned with records problems. It offers a The College and University Archives Committee of survey of theory and techniques in college archives the Society of Ohio Archivists has recently completed with instruction by outstanding college and university a Directory of College and University Archives in archivists. Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Both groups will join in tours and social events, Western New York and Western Pennsylvania. This planned to allow discussion and interchange with 23-page guide, covering 147 institutions, includes lecturers and staff. names, addresses and telephone numbers in addition For further information write: to information on the type of operation and the size Mrs. Ruth Helmuth of holdings. The Directory can be obtained for 75¢ University Archivist from Stephen C. Morton, SOA Secretary-Treasurer, Case Western Reserve University Bowling Green State University Library, Bowling Cleveland, Ohio 441 06 Green, Ohio 43403.
Bicentennial Project Focuses on To ledo and Lucas County Area
With the cooperation of the Toledo American Bicenten- nial Commission, the Local History Department of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library has received a grant for the collection and preservation of all types of pictorial materials which illustrate the history and development of the Toledo and Lucas County area. The $1,700 grant is being financed by First Federal Savings & Loan Associa- tion of Toledo, People's Savings Association, Toledo Home Federal Savings and Loan, and United Savings and Loan Association. The major focus of the project is a large publicity cam- paign to urge citizens to look in their attics, basements, and photograph albums for significant views of Maumee Valley history. Not only photographs but post cards, lithographs, posters, and engravings of local scenes are being sought. Local radio, television stations, and newspapers have en- thusiastically supported the project. In the first month of operation about 160 pictures have been given or loaned for photographic copying. A recently completed darkroom facility in the library makes it possible to return the item to the lender within a two week period. Eighty percent of the gifts and loans have been significant topical additions to the 5,000 pictures already in the col- lection. An example of this is an unusual series of pictures documenting an early greenhouse industry in Toledo. A by-product of the project has been the receipt of gifts of other types of materials such as books and manuscripts. Equally valuable, a more widespread awareness of depart- An A. W. Crane employee packs lettuce to be shipped to mental facilities and holdings seems to have occurred, for the New York Wholesale Market about 1890. most persons donating items are not regular library users. 8 Statement on Appraisal of Gifts
Guidelines Suggested For Answers to Appraisal Questions
It is safe to say that every librarian or archivist at one Section of the Association of College and Research Librar- ti(ne or another will have a request from a patron that goes ies and approved by the ACRL Board of Directors on Feb- something like this: "I have a book that is over one hundred ruary 1, 1973, (reproduced below) and he should offer years old, and I would like to know how much it is worth." every possible assistance in locating a competent appraiser If the librarian is responsible for rare books, manuscripts, for the patron. or archives, the question is likely to be presented to him Readers desiring background information on appraisal frequently. Most reference people feel that every question should consult "Book Appraisals" by John S. Kebabian in deserves an answer, and we will attempt to present guide- Library Trends, 9 (April, 1961 ), 466-470; "Appraisal of lines for answering this one. Literary Properties" by Robert F. Metzdorf in The A B Problems of appraisal seem to fall into two general cate- Bookman's Yearbook (1965) pt. 2, p. 815-816, and the gories. The first involves the person who has one or a few series of articles in The A B Bookman's Yearbook (1968) books or manuscripts for which he wishes to know the pt. 2, p. 22-28, based upon a panel discussion of Valuation value. He may wish to sell the books or manuscripts to the and Appraisal held by the Rare Books Section of ACRL/ library or archive or to a dealer or private collector, or he ALA at Stanford University in 1968. Kenneth W. Duckett, may just want to know the value of his property for his in his Modern Manuscripts (Nashville, American Associa- own satisfaction. Most librarians and archivists are not tion for State and Local History, ·1975, p. 72-80), provides experts on the value and price of old books and manu- a good introduction to the appraisal of manuscripts. scripts in the current market. We are not, after all, rare book and autograph dealers. This is the first fact that should be made clear to the patron. You might suggest that he Statement on Appraisal of Gifts* take his material to a local book or autograph dealer. It is 1. The appraisal of a gift to a library for tax purposes a good idea to have some names and addresses on hand. generally is the responsibility of the donor since it is the The patron should be warned that a dealer might well ex- donor who benefits from the tax deduction. Generally, the pect a fee for his appraisal services. If it is obvious that cost of the appraisal should be borne by the donor. the patron expects more from you, he should be guided 2. The library should at all times protect the interest of to such reference tools as American Book-Prices Current, its donors as best it can and should suggest the desirability A Record of Books, Manuscripts and Autographs Sold at of appraisals whenever such a suggestion would be in Auction in New York and Elsewhere 1894/95- (New York, . order. 1895-), Book-Prices Current, December, 1886- (London, 3. To protect both its donor and itself, the library, as an 1931-), Daniel F. McGrath, Bookman's Price Index, (Detroit, interested party, ordinarily should not appraise gifts made Gale Publishing Co., 1964-) and Van Allen Bradley, The to it. It is recognized, however, that on occasion the library Book Collector's Handbook of Values, second edition (New may wish to appraise small gifts, since many of them are York, Putman, 1975). There he may find prices realized in not worth the time and expense an outside appraisal re- the book and manuscript trade for the material in his pos- quires. Generally, however, the library will limit its assis- session, or he may find a professional estimate of the value tance to the donor to: (a) providing him with information of his book. If your library or archive does not have a suf- such as auction records and dealer's catalogs; (b) sugges- ficient number of these resources, it would be well to tions of appropriate professional appraisers who might be locate copies in nearby institutions so that the patron can consulted; (c)administrative and processing services which be referred to them. · would assist the appraiser in making an accurate evaluation. The second category of appraisal problem is in some 4. The acceptance of a gift which has been appraised ways more complex than the first, for it involves a gift to by a third, and disinterested party, does not in any way your institution. A donor contacts the library or archive and imply an endorsement of the appraisal by the library. offers to present a collection of books or manuscripts. All 5. An archivist, curator, or librarian, if he is conscious that is wanted in return is a letter of acknowledgement and that as an expert he may have to prove his competence in an appraisal. How to let the donor know that the appraisal court, may properly act as an independent appraiser of is his responsibility and still receive his gift is often a deli- library materials. He should not in any way suggest that his cate matter. For his own protection, the donor should se- appraisal is endorsed by his library (such as by the use cure the appraisal if he plans to use it for tax purposes, for of the library's letterhead), nor should he ordinarily act in the I RS frowns upon appraisals made by the institution , this fashion (except when handling small gifts) if his insti- which is receiving the items appraised. The librarian or tution is to receive the donation. archivist should give the donor a copy of the "Statement on Appraisal of Gifts" drawn up by the Committee on Manu- *Reprinted, with permission, from College & Research Li- scripts Collections_of the Rare Books and Manuscripts braries News, March 1973, page one. 9 other material documenting the growth and experience of North America's oldest Jewish congregation, which was founded at New Amsterdam in 1654. These are important American Jewish Archives for reconstructing American synagogal and ecclesiastical affairs, especially during the earlier period, and for social welfare and education. The Henrietta Szold papers (1 box, 11 microfilm rolls, Editor's Note: This list of collections, continued from the 22 linear feet) include correspondence and diaries of prime Fall 1975 issue of The Ohio Archivist, represents only a selection of the fine research holdings at the American importance for documenting the activities of a leading 20th century American Zionist. They cover communal Jewish Archives in Cincinnati. It was intended to accom- leadership and politics, the founding and growth of Hadas- pany Herbert Zaffron's article on the NEH cataloging grant awarded to the Hebrew Union College Library and the sah Women's Zionist Organization of America, Youth Ali- American Jewish Archives. This relationship was not ex- yah, social welfare, American-Middle Eastern relations, plained in the Fall 1975 issue because of an editorial error. and women, 1866-1945. The Louis Marshall papers (185 boxes, 92 linear feet) The Frank L. Weil papers (42 boxes, 20 linear feet) in- contain voluminous correspondence and other papers doc- clude correspondence and records important for docu- umenting the public career and personal life of the promi- menting the career of a prominent New York lawyer and nent lawyer and powerful founder-president of the Ameri- national Jewish leader. Topics include the American Jew- can Jewish Committee; as well as dealing with New York, ish Joint Distribution Committee, the American Red Cross, immigration, social welfare, civic contributions, Jewish the President's Committee on Religion and Welfare in the c~mmunity politics, anti-defamation, Zionism, and anti- Armed Services, communal leadership, and education, Zionism, 1891-1929. · 1897-1955. The Jacob H. Schiff papers (41 boxes, 22 microfilm rolls, The Stephen S. Wise papers (9 boxes, 4 linear feet) in- 64 linear feet) document the career and interests of a major clude correspondence and· other material important for a financier during his last six years, 1914-1920; and deal study of the varied career of an extremely notable rabbi, with philanthropy, civic affairs, social welfare, anti-defama- communal leader, and civic activist, the founder-president tion, economic life, and community leadership. of the Jewish Institute of Religion which later merged with The Shearith Israel (New York) records; 1706-1946, (1 O Hebrew Union College, and an intimate of presidents Wil- boxes, 8 microfilm rolls, 21 linear feet) include minutes and son and Roosevelt; New York, 1906-1963.
Alfred and Gilbert Bettman Papers Now Ready for _Research
Editor's Note: The publication in this issue of the Ohio this local experience, Bettman accepted a post as Special Archivist of an article on the Bettman Papers marks the Assistant to the Attorney General of the United States in beginning of a major series of articles intended to highlight · the War Emergency Division of the Department of Justice. significant new research collections. The Ohio Archivist His division was in charge of the enforcement of the prin- solicits similar articles from any institution in Ohio that has cipal war statutes including the Alien Enemy Act, the Es- new holdings which it wishes to make known to the readers pionage Act and the Selective Service Law. In 1919 Bett- of this publication. All articles that meet the criteria de- man rejoined his law firm and became active in municipal scribed below will be published as space permits on a reform, city planning and housing. While remaining a prin- rotating basis. cipal partner in the firm of Moulinier, Bettman and Hunt, The criteria that the Society of Ohio Archivists Council's Bettman became an important member of the City Planning editorial committee have established are 1J that the collec- Commission of Cincinnati and served as its chairman for tion be of major dimensions in terms of research potential. over ten years. As interested as he was in urban planning, The committee is more concerned that the collection pro- Bettman also became a leader in the development of local vides new and significant materials that will be of notable and state legislation in this area and his ideas influenced value to researchers than with the physical size of the developers from many states. collection. The collection should consist of at least one Bettman was a member of the Advisory Committee on cubic foot of materials, though this will not preclude the Housing and Zoning for the United States Department of possible publication of articles on smaller collections that Commerce as well as consultant to the National Resources are of exceptional research value. 2) The collection must Planning Board. With his expertise in the field of urban be available for use in Ohio though it need not be housed planning, he became Director of the American Planning in a public research facility. 3) The collection should be Institute and a member of both the American Society of open to all researchers with no major restrictions on its Planning Officials and the British Town Planning Institute. use and 4) it must be processed and presently accessible Bettman maintained an active involvement in law and ur- for use with completed finding aids and descriptions ban development until his death in January, J 945. available. The Alfred Bettman Collection comprises 25 linear feet The Special Collections Department at the University of material relating to Bettman's involvement in legal and of Cincinnati now has ready for research the papers of urban affairs for the period 1910-1945. Researchers in- both Alfred and Gilbert Bettman, Cincinnatians active in terested in studying Bettman's participation in Ohio city legal and civic affairs. planning will find extensive information in the correspon- Alfred Bettman, born in 1873, was educated at Harvard dence, memoranda, proceedings and minutes of the Cin- where he received his law degree in 1898. That same year cinnati Planning Commission, the Regional Planning Com- he began his law practice in Cincinnati, and in subsequent mittee of Hamilton, the Ohio State Conferenoe of City years he was appointed Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for . Planning and the Ohio State Planning Board. Information Hamilton County. In· 1916 he became Attorney for the regarding the Cincinnati City Planning Commission is avail- Trustees of the Cincinnati Southern Railway. Following see Bettman, page 11 10 Expenses Secretary-Treasurer's Report Bumper Stickers ...... $ 45.00 College and University The Council of the Society met on January 12, Archives Committee 1976, to formulate plans for the Spring Meeting to Directory ...... 116.71 be held in Cleveland. Details of the meeting, plus Fall Meeting, The Ohio the slate of candidates to be voted on for 1976-1977, State University ...... 514.51 may be found elsewhere in this issue. The Fall Meet- Newsletter ...... 350.00 ing wilr be held in Dayton and hosted by the Mont- Stamps ...... 24.92 $1051.14 gomery County Historical Society. Balance on hand, February 27, 1976 $1275.07 The current membership of the Society is 212- Fall Meeting, The Ohio 156 individuals and 56 subscriptions. State University...... 854.00 Balance on hand, August 31 , 1975 $ 747.61 Guides ...... 232.00 Income Miscellaneous ...... 2.25 College and University SOA Booth, Philadelphia Archives Committee SAA Meeting ...... 72.35 $1578.60 $ 42.00 Directories ...... $2326.21 Dues ...... 376.00
Bettman, continued from page 1O able in particular detail and is found in the proceedings of Ohio Supreme Court apd he served as a judge on that the Commission from 1927-1944, and copies of building court until his death in July, 1942. and zoning codes, as well as in material dealing with vari- The Gilbert Bettman Collection comprises 25 linear feet ous city plans developed during this period. of material covering the period 1894-1942. It is divided There is a wide selection of materials relating to federal into two major sections: the first dealing with his private urban development in the collection, including drafts of life and the second relating to his professional careers. bills for state planning and correspondence as well as Materials in each section are arranged chronologically. In memoranda and drafts of the National Capital Park and the personal section there is an early series of letters writ- Planning Commission. Bettman kept in close contact with ten between Gilbert and his mother, while Gilbert was a a number of other planning organizations including the student a.t Harvard, which contain a great deal of informa- Maryland National Park and Planning Commission and the tion on that period. In 1916 Gilbert married lphigene Mo- Tennessee Valley Association. His interest in city planning lony and for the period 1917-1918 the collection contains also involved a desire for the improvement of the formal their correspondence. Gilbert corresponded sporadically training of city planners as is evidenced by his correspon- with his brother Irwin in St. Louis ahd with relatives in New dence with the Harvard School of City Planning between York City. There are records, too, of his correspondence 1929-1943. with Adolph Ochs, publisher of the New York Times, with - The remaining materials of the collection detail Bett- the Arthur Sulzberger family and with Dr. Selina Bloom. man's wartime duties as a special assistant to the Attorney The later parts of the personal section contain many letters General. There are briefs outlining the cases he dealt with written by Bettman to his three children: Gilbert, Jr. born and the records of governmental decisions. 1917, Carol H~len born 1918, and Alfred Milton born 1922. The professional and public aspects of Bettman's career His letters to them at college are lengthy and contain much are well represented in the collection. There are few ma- information about the family and Bettman 's personal terials in this collection relating to family affairs. This will philosophy. not hinder the researcher whose primary interest lies in The second major section of the papers deals with Bett- Alfred Bettman's professional life and his activities as an man 's public and professional careers. The collection con- urban planner. tains copies of several political speeches beginning in Gilbert Bettman was born in October, 1881 , and like his 1910. However, the bulk of the political material dates older brother attended Harvard where he received his law from 1927, when he announced his candidacy for the State degree in 1907. Upon his return to Cincinnati he, too, Attorney Generalship. In this section there are records of established a legal practice which he did not interrupt until debates, press releases, speeches, campaign information he became Counsel to the Director of the War Risk Bureau and correspondence relating to election issues. In his 1932 in 1917. After the German offensive of March, 1918, Bett- Senatorial campaign, one of the most crucial issues was man enlisted in the army and served as a captain in the prohibition and the views of both Bettman and his oppo- military intelligence division of the General Staff. Once nents are fully covered. There are also a great number of discharged from the army, Bettman returned to his law newspaper articles that Bettman collected in scrapbooks. practice and accepted the deanship of the Cincinnati His law briefs are in bound volumes and most of the Young Men's Christian Association Law School which at materials pertaining to the Attorney Generalship are also that time offered a four year night course. in separately bound volumes. Among the latter are six From that time Bettman became increasingly involved volumes labeled personal correspondence, one of which in community affairs. In 1921 he began a four year term as covers the election campaign of 1930. There are five addi- the Vice Mayor of Cincinnati, after which he assumed the tional volumes of press releases and finally nine volumes position of Commander of the American Legion in the State of records and briefs. The collection is well-balanced in its of Ohio. During this period he was also the President of coverage of Bettman's personal and professional lives. The the local Republican Club and Chairman of the Republican researcher will be able to gain a good understanding of State Convention. In 1928 Bettman scored a major politi- his personality and relationship with the family as well as cal success through his election as Attorney General for . with his legal and professional friends and opponents. Ohio. He was re-elected to this post in 1930, and in 1932 Both sets of papers form an important part of the Urban was nominated as the Ohio Republican candidate for the Studies Collection at the University of Cincinnati. This United States Senate. Following his defeat in that election collection contains a large and growing body of material he returned to private law practice where he remained relating to the twentieth century city and those individuals until 1940. In Noven:i_ber of that year, he was elected to the who have had an influence on it. 11 Comprehensive Microfilm Edition of Hayes Papers to be Published
On a cold and rainy day, Monday, March 5, 1877, fellow Civil War records; (H) business papers, paid bills, and ac- Ohioan Chief Justice Morrison R. Waite of Toledo adminis- count books (1833-93); (I) the President's speeches, ad- tered the oath of office to Rutherford B. Hayes. The more dresses, notes, vetoes, and executive orders (1877-81 ); than 30,000 spectators who had crowded around the front speeches prior to and after the Presidential term; and (J) steps of the Gapitol to watch the ceremonies had witnessed miscellaneous items. Those portions of the related collec- the peaceful ending to one of the most tumultuous epi- tions of William King Rogers, the President's private secre- sodes in our nation's history. In commemoration of the tary, his wife Lucy Webb Hayes, Webb Cook Hayes, his one hundredth anniversary of Hayes' inauguration, the son and personal secretary, and the othe, Hayes children Rutherford B. Hayes Library is planning to publish, with which are pertinent to the Presidential years will also be support from The National Historical Publications and included in the microfilm publication. Records Commission and the Rutherford B. and Lucy The microfilm edition will contain in the neighborhood Webb Hayes Foundation, a comprehensive microfilm edi- of 200 rolls of film when completed. All the work except tion of the Papers of Rutherford Birchard Hayes (1822-93), for the processing of the film will be done by project per- the nineteenth President of the United States. sonnel. A second microfilm camera is being made opera- The two year NHPRC grant with matching funds calls tional to help film the papers. During the past several for the publication of a microfilm edition and a guide to the months, the staff has devoted most of its time and energy papers of Ohio's third President. Because the indexing of to processing and arranging the Hayes Papers for micro- the Hayes Papers has already been completed,. an index filming. Additional Hayes material also was solicited from to the papers in letterpress or offset edition will also ac- various libraries, historical societies, manuscript reposi- .company the microfilm publication. The papers, which tories and other research institutions from around the number between 90,000 and 100,000 manuscripts and country to help make the microfilm edition as complete as several hundred manuscript volumes, represent one of the possible. last major collections of presidential papers to be micro- The project is under the direction of Watt P. Marchman, filmed. Director of the Rutherford 8. Hayes Library, who is serving -lrlcluded in the President's Papers (1833-93) for the as executive editor. Thomas A. Smith, the Manuscripts microfilm edition are the following groups or series: (A) Librarian, is the managing editor of the project. The job of genealogical records of the Hayes and Webb families com- preparing the President's papers for the microfilm cameras piled by the President; (8) his diaries, 30 manuscript vol- is being handled by associate editor and chief manuscripts umes; (C) common place books (including school note- processor, Earl W. Crosby, and assistant editor, Dr. Stanley books, essays, campaign notebooks, etc.); (D) incoming C. Harrold. In addition to assisting with the processing of correspondence; (E)outgoing correspondence/manuscript the papers, Dr. Harrold also will be operating one of the letter copy books (1868-77); (F) records associated with microfilm cameras. One of the chief duties of Mr. Smith Hayes· Presidency (1877-81 ) (including campaign music; and Mr. Crosby will be the preparation of a printed guide election returns (1876); petitions, commissions, appoint- to accompany the microfilm edition. Both Mr. Smith and ments, etc.); Executive Mansion record books (manuscript Mr. Crosby are completing work on their Ph.D. degrees at catalogue of the White House Library (1878), callers on Miami University, while Dr. Harrold received a similar the President, desk pad notes, social register, copies of degree last June from Kent State University. Other mem- telegrams sent and received, etc.); Senate Executive Ses- bers of the Hayes Library staff associated with the project sion minutes (1877-81 ); Indian Territory correspondence are Janice Haas, Librarian in charge of Special Collec- (1880); and White House scrapbooks, 130 volumes; (G) tions, and Mrs. U. B. Lust.
Inadequate Records Management Costs Ohio Taxpayers $1 ½ Million Inadequate records management practices in state gov- ernment are costing Ohio taxpayers over a million and a ment of Administrative Services alone would save an esti- half dollars annually. These figures are from a September, mated $424,100 annually. The expanded use of microfilm 1975 report released by the Governor's Council on Cost and microfiche in major records keeping agencies such as Control. Some state agencies are doing redundant record the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Taxa- keeping, maintaining duplicate files, creating thousands tion could provide cost reductions near the quarter million of needless forms, failing to use microfilm when needed, dollar mark. In another major agency, for example, the and operating an over-abundance of copy machines. same records are maintained at three different levels, re- Ohio's records management problems are just the symp- sulting in the employment of nine people at a cost of tom of a national paperwork glut. According to the Com- $70,500. Consolidating photocopying facilities for the En- mission on Federal Paperwork, federal agencies are pro- vironmental Protection Agency and Department of Eco- ducing ten billion forms a year at a cost of over forty billion nomic and Community Development could save more dollars to the United States economy. Records currently than $145,000. held by federal agencies would fill 28 buildings each as As a partial response to the Council report, the State high as the Washington Monument. The Office of Manage- Records Commission, which has ultimate authority in re- ment and Budget in Washington estimates that business viewing applications for records disposal or transfer, acted spends in the neighborhood of 35.6 million person hours upon 496 record schedules and 55 one-time disposals per year in filling out forms for federal regulatory agencies. during 1975. These totals are the highest in Commission State agencies coming under special scrutiny by the business for the past decade. Council on Cost Control were the departments of Taxation, Steps are now being taken to implement a number of Highway Safety, Administrative Services and the Bureau recommendations of the Cost Council. However, the task of Workmen's Compensation. The elimination, shortening ahead is monumental, as the study focused on only 36 of and reduction of certain forms in the Civil Rights Commis- the approximately 200 agencies, boards, commissions and sion, Bureau of Workmen's Compensation and the Depart- authorities in Ohio government. 12 SOA Manuscript Committee Reports on Nationwide Study
Editor's Note: Members of the Manuscripts Committee for prisingly, all but two recognize the need for processing the year 1974-1975 were: Ted Appel, Cincinnati Historical priorities and systematically assign them. · Society; Gary Arnold, Ohio Historical Society; Morgan In assigning processing priorities, 41 repositories, or Barclay, Toled~Lucas County Public Library; Stephen Gut- . 42% of all respondents, believe that research value is the gese/1, chairman, Ohio Historical Society; Linda Webb factor of primary consideration. Twenty-nine, or 30%, con- Ohio Historical Society. A complete statistical analysis of sider researcher interest as most important. Five other the questionnaire is available from the author. variables-subject, accession date, size, original arrange- ment, and physical condition-were considered respec- By Stephen Gutgesell tively by 7 or fewer respondents. To function effectively service institutions, as well as After assigning order, only 19 institutions process all business organizations, need well ordered and clearly de- collections to the maximum level. Of the 79 repositories fined sets of priorities. Priorities are essential. An attempt which do not process all collections to this level, 37, or to do everything merely ensures the accomplishment of 38% of the respondents, believe research value is the nothing. At the same time, the establishment of priorities most important consideration. Fourteen respondents con- sider researcher interest as the factor most important. Size, involves a high element of risk; for, as Peter Drucker ob- serves: "whatever does not receive priority is, in effect, original arrangement, s·ubject, physical condition and pe- abandoned."* riod were considered respectively as the primary factor by In what manner and degree manuscript repositories, as less than 1 O respondents. service institutions, are assuming this risk provided the Although a vast majority of respondents, by assigning basis for a nationwide study conducted by the Society of priorities in processing order and by varying processing Ohio Archivists' Manuscript Committee in 1974-75. The level, tacitly neglect many collections under their control, committee's study concentrated on processing-an area researcher wants generally are not ignored. Seventy-one of manuscript curatorship replete With perplexities, not repositories indicated they allow researchers to use un- the least of which is backlog. Of the many problems facing processed collections. And of these 71 institutions, 50 curators and others responsible for the administration of prepare some type of finding aid. Priorities do not neces- manuscript collections, none is more widespread and acute sitate the abandonment of either researcher interests or than ever-accumulating arrears. A backlog of unprocessed, primary finding aids. uncataloged and often unserviceable collections not only The goal of the Manuscripts Committee's study was not presents difficulties of storage, access and control but also to illustrate the usefulness of priorities; for this is obvious, leads to the more subtle dilemma of choice-the question or at least it should be. The study's object, as stated above, of priorities and levels of processing. was to determine which of several factors is most influential The committee's study attempted to determine if any in determining order and level of processing. As shown, rationale exists for setting priorities in manuscript process- 42 %of the respondents feel the research value of a par- ing and to learn if such diverse factors as the original ar- ticular manuscript collection should determine the order rangement, research value or size of various collections in which it is processed; 38% believe·research value should in any way influence the order and manner in which they determine the level to which it is processed. The signifi- are dealt with. cance of this study lies not in what it reveals about manu- The basic tool of the study was a short questionnaire fo- script repositories' processing priorities but rather what cusing on the relationship of collection variables and proc- these priorities reveal about the institutions' collecting essing goals. Central to the inquiry were the following policies and their holdings. questions: 1. Are priorities assigned? 2. If yes, which of The fact that a judgment regarding the research value of the following factors are considered most important? a. a manuscript collection has to be made at the processing collection's accession date; b. period; c. subject; d. size; stage would seem to argue that collections of questionable e. physical condition; f. researcher interest in collection· merit find their way into manuscript repositories. Perhaps g. research value of collection {as determined by staff); a number of curators, following the logic of Senator ~- physical facilities; and, i. original arrangement. {Obliga- Hruska's defense of the Carswell nomination, feel ·that tions to donors or funding agencies and staff and budgetary mediocrity should be represented. Concern regarding this considerations were assumed to be paramount factors proble·m has been expressed of late in professional common to all manuscript repositories.) 3. Are all collec- literature. tions processed to the maximum level {as defined by each Any decision regarding collection value should not have repository)? 4. If all collections are not processed to the to be made immediately prior to processing. Research maximum level, which of the following factors is considered value becomes a factor if, and only if, it has not been con- most important in determining the processing level? a. sidered at a previous point. And the proper point of con- period; b. subject; c. size;- d. physical condition; e. re- sideration is before a collection is acquired. It is gratifying searcher interest in collection; f. research value of collec- to learn, however, that, as the results of the questionnaire tion {as determined by staff); and, g. original arrangement. reveal, research value is considered at the processing stage 5. Are researchers allowed to use unprocessed collections? and that collecting errors are not thereby compounded. 6. Are finding aids prepared for unprocessed collections? The Manuscripts Committee's study indicates that cura- In March 1975 the committee sent the questionnaire to tors are assuming the risk of priorittes, in one phase of their 134 manuscript repositories across the country. Ohio was operation, and abdicating, at least in part, the responsibility not included. The response was more than favorable. of critical judgment in another. Priorities are essential for Ninety-eight replies were received, including responses aneffectiveprogram-inall areas of ma·nuscriptcuratorship. from 41 universities; 37 state historical societies, archives ~r lib~aries; 5 local historical societies; 5 private research *Peter Drucker, Management: Tasks, Responsibilities, Prac- libraries; 4 public libraries; and 6 other repositories. Sur- tices {New York: Harper and Row, 1973), p. 119. 13 Recent Acquisitions
I LB. Harrison Club for Young Men. Photographs, 1914- I 1970, 100 items. · Ohio Volunteer Infantry (9th). Records, 1861-1865, 1 University of Akron, linear foot. American History Research Center: Area Progress Board of Summit, Portage, and Medina University of Cincinnati, Counties. Records, 1944-1974, 15 cubic feet. (Minutes, Ohio Network Collection: correspondence, scrapbooks, reports, and subject files.) Brown County Auditor's Office. Records, 1830-1967, 3 Ashland County Central Labor Council, Minutes, 1941- linear feet. (Enumeration of youth and annual reports of 1965, 9 volumes. commissioner of common schools.) Dr. Herbert A. Davidson. Papers, 1927-1974, 1 cubic Brown County Clerk of Courts. Records, 1820-1900, 8 foot. (Scrapbooks, writings, and personal documents of linear feet. (Circuit court records, chancery record, a black physician.) enumeration of white males over 21, district court National Association of Social Workers, North Central journal.) Ohio Chapter. Records, 1954-1975, 8 cubic feet. Brown County Probate Court. Records, 1853-1973, 17 (Minutes, correspondence, and publications.) linear feet. (Statements of births and deaths, final record.) United Community Council of Summit County. Records, Cincinnati City Hall Architect. Records, 1887-1894, 4.5 . 1953-1975, 2 cubic feet. (Minutes, correspondence, and linear feet. (Regarding construction of the new city hall.) reports.) Clermont Courier, 1919-1960. Bowling Green State University, Clermont Sun, 1919-1968. Northwest Ohio-Great Lakes Research Center: Clinton County Clerk of Courts. Records, 1907, 2 linear Bruce Mines, Ontario. Account Records, 1850-1872, feet. (Quadrennial enumeration.) 1 Iinear foot. University Archives: W. G. Bartenfeld, Cleveland. Papers, 1930-1975, 100 Board of Directors. Minutes, 1964-1971 , 7 linear feet. linear feet. (Correspondence, tracings, drawings of a Great Lakes architect.) · (lncludes supporting papers.) Development Office. Records, 1966-1972, 4.5 linear feet. Defiance, Ohio. Newspapers, 1844-1941 . Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. Office Great Lakes Marine Collection. Photographs, current, files, 1968-1975, 29 linear feet. 2 linear feet. Green Springs, Ohio, Green Springs Echo, 1972-present. Office of Student Publications. Office files, 1938-1973, 4 linear feet. · Huron City Council. Records, 1870-1955, 4 linear feet. (Ordinances, minutes, scrapbooks.) Ohio College of Applied Science-Ohio Mechanics Institute Alumni Association. Records, 1947-1970, 4 Huron, Ohio, Huron Reporter, 1973-current. linear feet. Lucas County Auditor's Office. Records, 1837-1870, 1O Public Information Office. News releases, various dates, linear feet. (Tax duplicates.) 6.5 linear feet. Paulding, Ohio. Newspapers, 1859-1940, 20 linear feet. Summer School. Printed material, n.d., 2 linear feet. Ten titles of Paulding county newspapers. Taft Memorial Fund. Office files, 1930-1974, 5 linear feet. Perrysburg, Ohio, Rossford Record and Northwood Record, 1966-present. University Libraries. Gift records, 1926-1968, 2.5 linear feet. Poole Marine Collection, Detroit, Michigan. Records, 1940-1955, 3 linear feet. Addition. Vice President for Public.Affairs. Office files, various dates, 1.5 linear feet. Toledo, Ohio, The Toledo Record, 1966-1967. United States Coast Guard. Records, 1871-1942, 1 linear Urban Studies Collection: foot. (Steamboat inspection and master carpenter Better Housing League of Greater Cincinnati, Inc. certificates.) Records, 1919-1975, 18 linear feet. Wabash and Erie Canal. Records, 1846-1848, 1 linear Thomas Luken. Papers, ca. 1971-1972, 1 linear foot. foot. (Bills of lading.) · Clark County Historical Society, Clark County Treasurer's Williams County Auditor's Office. Records, 1861-1885. Office. Tax duplicates, 1860-1900, 20 linear feet. (Appraisements, tax records, militia bounty records, Thomas McBeth. Papers, 1876- , 1 linear foot. enumerations, correspondence.) (Major floriculturist in Springfield.) ·0. B. Workman. Papers, 1968-1971 , 2 linear feet. (Black Swamp museum records.) Columbus Public Library: The Catholic Record Society, Diocese of Columbus: Ohio Reports and Ohio State Reports, 1823-1910, 22 Bishop Sylvester H. Rosecrans (1868-1878). Papers, n.d. linear feet. (Manuscript volumes of sermons.) Kent State University, Cincinnati Historical Society: American History Research Center: Children's Home of Cincinnati. Records, 1864-1929, Ashtabula County Council on Aging. Records, 1972- 7 linear feet. 1 linear foot. 14 Apple Family. Papers, 1848-1960, 1 linear foot. analytic records.) County Relief Administration of Jefferson County. Advisory Committee on Transit, Columbus, Ohio. Records, 1932-1935, 1 linear foot. Records, 1969-1973, 8 linear feet. Cowles Family. Papers, 1790-1975, .5 cubic feet. The Advocate, Newark, Ohio. Photographs, 1950-1973, Rev. Giles H. Cowles. Papers, 1773-1834, 5.5 cubic feet. 100,000 negatives. (Sermons and other material relating to a member of the Aladdin Studios. Postcards, 1940-1970, 250 items. Connecticut Missionary Society.) Amalie K. Nelson. Papers, 1949-1974, 1/ 4 linear foot. Donaghy Family. Papers, 1896-1955, 1 linear foot. American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio. Records, 1956- Fuller Family. Papers, 1841-1946, 2 cubic feet. 1969, 22 linear feet. Addition. (Chapter minutes, state · (Includes papers of Jeannette Fuller, who was active in · and national correspondence, subject files, court cases.) both the W.C.T.U. and the No-Tobacco League.) American Red Cross, Columbus Area Chapter. Film, International Brotherhood of Pottery and Allied Workers. 1952-1970, 33 reels. Records, 50 cubic feet. (Defunct locals.) Architecture of the Western Reserve. Color slides, 1970, Jefferson County Court of Common Pleas. Records, 296 items. 1818-1935·, 3.5 cubic feet. Leland Beard. Papers, 1937-1974, 9 linear feet. Mrs. William I. Parmelee, Sr. Papers, 1807-1935, 1 cubic Big Sister Association, Columbus, Ohio.. Records, 1912- foot. (Ravenna, sermons, playbills, postcards.) 1973, 1 linear foot. Trumbull County Federation of Labor. Records, 1938- Cable at the Fair. Photographs, 1975, 235 items. 1960, 1 cubic foot. Clara G. Mark. Papers, 1858-1965, 1 linear foot. Trumbull County Mental Health Center. Records, Clerk of the Senate. Records, 1951-1974, 3 linear feet. 1952-1973, 1 cubic foot. Columbus Area Council on Alcoholism. Records, 1957- United Way of Ashtabula County. Records, 1902-1969, 1972, 4 linear feet. (Board minutes, subject files, 7 cubic feet. correspondence, and audiovisual materials.) Woodard Family. Papers, 1841- , 1 linear foot. Columbus Junior League. Records, 1926-1975, 11 linear (Genealogies, photographs, justice of the peace docket feet. (Board minutes,·scrapbooks and program files.) for Franklin Mills 1841-1844.) Commission on Nursing. Records, 1974-1975, 2 linear Youngstown Cares, POW/MIA Records, 1972-1975, 1 feet. cubic foot. Community Relations Committee, Columbus, Ohio. Records, 1960-1970, 5 linear feet. (Minutes, University Archives: correspondence and reports.) Dwight Arnold. Papers, 1968-1970, 2 cubic feet. Council of Southside Organization. Records, 1940-1969, (Emeritus Professor of Counseling and Personnel 1 linear foot. Services Education.) Crichton Club, Columbus, Ohio. Records, 1919-1975, William C. Barrett. Papers, May 4, 1970, 1 cubic foot. 1-1 /4 linear feet. Examination Aids Center. Office files, 1948-1974, 3 cubic Daughters of America National Council, Columbus, Ohio feet. Records, 1920-1975, 2 linear feet. \ Department' of Forensics. Office files, 1939-1973, 5.5 Department of Rehabilitation and Correction-Ohio cubic feet. Reformatory for Women. Photograp~s. 1916-1965, 250 Kenneth Hammond. Papers, 1968-1973, 1 cubic foot. items. (SOS activities at Kent State.) Donald E. Lukens. Papers, 1973-1974, 2.5 linear feet. Edward Heiliger. Papers, 1970-1972, 2 cubic feet. Addition. James N. Holm. Papers, 1948-1965, 5 cubic feet. Food and Allied Workers District Union #346, Columbus, Director of Libraries. Office files, 1956-1973, 11.5 cubic Ohio. Records, 1946-1961, 1 linear foot. (Employment feet. records, organizational campaign, financial records, Center for Peaceful Change. Office files, 1971-1975, correspondence, minutes.) 1 cubic foot. (Related to the May 4 memorial services.) Frank Bemis. Papers, 1878-1885, 1 linear foot. Committee on Political Education. Office files, Gallery Players Collection, Columbus, Ohio. Records, 1972-1975, 2 cubic feet. 1950-1970, 4 linear feet. (Scrapbooks, publicity, Printing Service. Records, 1973, 3 cubic feet. documents on plays.) Speech and Hearing Clinic. Scrapbooks, 1946-1966, Gladden Community House, Columbus, Ohio. Records, 1 cubic foot. 1923-1970, 8 linear feet. (Minutes, scrapbooks, William Taylor. Papers, 1890-1965, 1O cubic feet. newspaper clippings.) Griggs Family. Photographs, 1900-1965, 250 items. Kenyon College: Industrial Commission. Records; 1911-1974, 33 linear Rt. Rev. Charles P. Mcllvaine. Papers, no dates, 55 feet. letters. (Second Bishop of Ohio and second President of Legislative Service Commission. Records, 1953, 1 linear Kenyon College.) foot. Ohio Historical Society: Mary Louise Mark. Papers, 1900-1972, 1-1/2 linear feet. Note: This is a selected list. A complete accession list Musicol, Inc. Recordings, 1972-1975, 1 /2 linear foot. is issued as a quarterly publication and is available in News Tribune, Columbus, Ohio. Photographs, 1950-1973, major public and academic libraries in Ohio. 145 items. MUW-Ohio. Records, 1959-1971, 6 linear feet. Addition. Ohio Arts Council. Records, 1965-1975, 1 linear foot. Academy for Contemporary Problems, Benchmark Ohio Board of Regents. Records, 1963-1975, 2 linear Program, Columbus, Ohio. Records, 1973-1975, 65 linear feet. feet. (Administrative, legal, fiscal, operations, and Ohio Board of Regents. Records, 1975, 1 linear foot. 15 Ohio Commission on Nursing. Records, 1974-1975, 2 Charles Allen Smart. Papers, ca. 1935-55, 1 linear foot. linear feet. Muskingum County. Records, 1822-1965, 60 linear feet. Ohio Constitutional Revision Commission. Records, (Auditor, Board of Education, Clerk of Courts, 1975, 1 linear foot. Commissioners, Conservancy District, Probate Court.) Ohio Department of Education. Records, 1970-1975, United Brotherhood of carpenters and Joiners of 36 linear feet. America. Local Union, No. 716, Zanesville. ·Records, Ohio Department of Education. Records, 1921-1973, 1890-1972, 20 linear feet. 70 linear feet. University Archives: Ohio Department of Insurance. Records, 1961-1966, College of Fine Arts. Records, 1969-74, 6 feet. (Dean's 17 linear feet. Office.) Ohio Department of LiQuor Control. Records, 1939-1974, International Studies Office. Records and rGports, ca. 114 linear feet. 1958-68. Ohio Department of Mental Health and Mental Journalism Department. Records, 1948-67. ca. 40 feet. Retardation. Records, 1896-1926, 10 linear feet. (Publications workshops.) Ohio Department of Public Welfare. Records, 1949, Learning Resources Center. Tape recordings, n.d., 173 5 linear feet. tapes. (Campus events.) · Ohio Department of Public Welfare. Records, 1975, 5 School of Journalism. Records, 1951-62. ca. 20 feet. linear feet. (Director's Office.) Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction. Records, 1896-1970, 60 linear feet. Rutherford B. Hayes Library: Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction. Joseph Warren Keifer (1836-1932). Papers, 1852-1932, Records, 1896-1926, 1O linear feet. 1 linear foot. U.S. Representative (Republican). Ohio Exposition Commission. Records, 1975, 2 linear (Collection includes pamphlets, speeches, writings, feet. newspapers, correspondence. ) Ohio High School Athletic Association, Columbus, Ohio. Toledo-Lucas County Public Library: Records, 1965-1970, 16 linear feet and film, 1955, 1970, 42 reels. Margaret Best. Papers, 1857-1879, 1 linear foot. (Account books, letters, and diaries.) Ohio Legislative Service Commission. Records, 1961- 1974, 1.5 linear feet. ' Bette C. Lanier. Scrapbook, 1905-1940, 1 linear foot. (Clippings on the black movement in Toledo, emphasizing Rehabilitation Service Commission. Photographs, c. the 1920s and 1930s.) 1940s, 200 items. Alexander Latty. Papers, 1846-1920, 1 linear foot. Rocky Fork Enterprise. Photographs, 1975, 179 items, (Personal, business, and political papers of Paulding photographic files of newspaper. (Gift: Mark Geffert, county politician and businessman.) Gahanna, Ohio-TZ) Jesse L. Myers. Papers, 1917-1919, 1 linear foot. (Diary Rocky Fork Printing Company. Photographs, 1972-1973, of Myers' World War I service in the Signal Corps in 500 negatives. France.) Rotary Club, Columbus, Ohio. Photographs, 1930-1932, Rice-Moore. Papers, 1837-1876, 1 linear foot. (Account 275 items. books, court records, scrapbooks, and family papers.) Ruth Mougay Worrell. Papers, 1913-1951, 1 linear foot. Segur Family. Papers, 1847-1876, 2 linear feet. State Library of Ohio. Records, 1969-1971, 6 linear feet. (Personal, business, and political papers of Daniel Segur, State Office Housing Commission. Records, 1953-1954, Toledo businessman and politician, and Rosa Segur, 1 linear foot. . author and suffragist. Includes the financial records of Task Force on Insurance. Records, 1962-1966, 2.5 linear the Wabash and Erie canal, 1847-1850.) feet. Temple of Goodwill Project, Ohio Council of Churches, University Hospitals of Cleveland: Columbus, Ohio. Records, 1946-1956. 1 linear foot. Dr. Donald M. Glover. Papers, n.d., 3 linear feet. (Chief United Glass Workers Local 20. Photographs, 1970-1975, Commander, Lakeside Unit, WWI I, South Pacific, containing memorabilia, photographs, papers, personal 800 items. collections.) United Service Organization, Columbus, Ohio. Records, 1954-1974, 1 linear foot. (Minutes and publicity material) Ors. Little and Booher, MacDonald House. Papers, 1907-1955, 35 linear feet. (Registers, ledgers, home United Service Organization. Photographs, 1970-1974, delivery logs, reprints, manuscripts, correspondence. ) 300 items. Department of Medicine. Records, 1948-1955, 7 linear Volunteers of America. Film, c. 1940, 10 reels. feet. West Side and Ohio Avenue Day care Centers. Ors. W. H. Pritchard and T. W. Moir. Records, n.d., 11 Records, 1892-1971, 4 linear feet. (Annual reports, legal linear feet. (Patient files and selected cardiology cases.) documents, minutes, rules and regulations, and Department of Surgery. Records, ca. 1900-1944, 16 correspondence.) linear feet. World War I War History Commission. Photographs, University Hospitals Administrative files. Records, 1917-1918, 14 linear feet. 1960-1966, 12 linear feet. WTVN-TV Inc., Columbus, Ohio. Records, 1970-1972, 20 linear feet. Addition. Western Reserve Historical Society: Academy of Medicine. Cleveland, Ohio. Records, ca. Ohio University, 1914-1969, 6 linear feet. (Records of interns, deceased Network Collections: members and memorial scrapbooks.) Alexander Presbyterian Church. Records, 1871-1959, Altenheim. Cleveland, Ohio. Records, ca. 1876-1945, 25 volumes. 2.5 linear feet. (German home for the aged.) 16 Edward Bushnell (b. 1865, d. ca. 1945). Papers, 1888- Wright State University: 1932, 8.5 linear feet. (Cleveland Attorney and School Auglaize County. Records, 1840-1900, 14 linear feet. Board president.) (Militia roll, enumerations, school house record, Clerk of Fidelity Baptist Church. Cleveland, Ohio. Records, Courts.) 1915-1964, 8 linear feet. (Black church.) Champaign County. Records, 1838-1968, 6 linear feet. Future Outlook League. Cleveland, Ohio. Records, (Children's home and county home.) 1934-1965, 3.5 linear feet. (Early black activist group Clark County Auditor's Office. Records, 1828-1900, which fought against job discrimination.) 1O linear feet. Hebrew Free Loan Association. Cleveland, Ohio. Clark County Children's Home. Records 1878-1965, 7 Records, 1906-1955, 5.5 linear feet. linear feet. Thomas Ireland (1895-1969). Papers, 1916-1967, 1 linear Clark County Clerk of Courts. Records, 1819-1956, 20 - linear feet. (Circuit court, naturalization records, supreme foot. Addition. 1 Kaiser Family. Papers, ca. 1862-1923, 1 linear foot. court records, justice of peace records.) (Papers relate primarily to Peter Henry Kaiser, Clark County Commissioners. Records, 1836-1964, 13 Cleveland lawyer, writer and gentleman.) linear feet. (T.B. Sanatorium records, county home Leisy Brewing Company. Cleveland, Ohio. Records, · records.) 1838-1958, 2.5 linear feet. (Memorabilia, scrapbooks, Clark County Probate Court. Records, 1843-1934, 21 correspondence.) linear feet. (Naturalization, treasurer's tax duplicates, Alexander Miller (d. 1975). Papers, ca. 1927-1966, 1 soldiers records.) linear foot. (Relates to Dr. Miller's activities as a Carol Cline. PaperiS, 1956-1967, 2 linear feet. United States Army doctor.) (Transcripts, tapes and letters of Dayton radio talk-show The Montefiore Home. Cleveland, Ohio. Records, ca. host.) 1888-1965, 40 linear feet. (Cleveland Jewish home for Dayton Civic Ballet. Records, 1934-1970, 15 linear feet. the aged.) (Records of second oldest regional ballet in the U.S.) Joseph T. Nemanich (1908-1975). Papers, ca. 1924-1974, Grand Army of the Republic, Post 41. Records, 1883- 1 linear foot. (Concerns the American Slovenian Catholic 1926, 2 linear feet. (Auglaize County Civil War veterans.) Union.) Grand Army of the Republic, Post 83. Records, 1887- James D.. Nolan. Papers, ca. 1962-1966, 3.5 linear feet. 1932, 1 linear foot. (Auglaize County Civil War veterans.) (Concerns Nolan vs. Rhodes, an Ohio reapportionment Greene County Children's Home. Records, 1911-1970, suit.) 3 linear feet. Maria Ptak Family. Papers, 1920-1967, 1.5 linear feet. Greene County Home. Records, 1829-1950, 1 linear foot. (Concerns primarily Czech and Slovak organizations.) Leonard Hill. Papers, 1850-1970, 2 linear feet. (Papers Alice D. Seagrave. Papers, ca. 1930-1960, 2 linear feet. of Miami county local historian, include 19th century (Papers relate to the growth of the sport of golf in farmer's diary and Miami canal records.) greater Cleveland and Ohio.) Logan County Agricultural Society. Record,, 1884-1911 , Vaclav Snajdr (1847-1920). Papers, ca. 1870-1957. 1 1 linear foot. (Minutes of county fair organization.) linear foot. (Prominent Czech-American author · Logan County Clerk of Courts. Records, 1830-1922, 3 and editor.) linear feet. (Census schedules and returns, manumission Stage Door Canteen. Cleveland, Ohio. Photographs, record, school enumerations.) 1943-1945, 2 linear feet. (World War II Servicemen.) • Mercer County. Records, ca. 1820-1880, 7 linear feet. Robert M. Stecker Family. Papers, 1850-1972, 4.5 linear (Militia roll, school enumerations, poll books, wolf scalps, feet. (Genealogical and family papers.) treasurer's ledgers.) Dovie Sweet (v. 1920?). Papers, 1967-1975, 1 linear foot. Miami County. Records, ca. 1770-1970, 27 linear feet. Addition. Concerning the NAACP, National Council of (Grave registrations, "Keg" records, children's home Business and Professional Women, and Florida records.) Agricultural University.) Miami Valley Arts Council. Records, 1957-1973., 9 linear Halina Swidzinska. Papers, 1958-1974, 1 linear foot. feet. (Dayton area cultural groups.) (Consists of articles written by Mrs. Swidzinska for the Montgomery County Auditor's Office. Records, 1861- Polish press and for Radio Free Europe.) 1960, 1O linear feet. (Soldier's relief, poor relief, housing TRW, Inc. Cleveland, Ohio. Records, 1943-1967. 6 linear relief.) feet. Addition. Montgomery County Clerk of Courts. Records, 1859- Jean Tussey (b. 1918). Papers, 1970-1974, 1.5 linear 1961, 18 linear feet. (Circuit court, civil criminal blotters, feet. (Papers relate to her activities in the women's W.P.A. files, board of elections, probate court, sheriff's rights and in the labor_movement.) office, treasurer's poor relief.) University Circle Development, Inc. Cleveland, Ohio. Shelby County. Records, 1817-1874. (Clerk of courts, Records, ca. 1959-1973, 50 linear feet. (Minutes, soldier absentee ballots, poll books, enumerations, publications, newsletters, institutional files, naturalization.) correspondence, and admintstration files.) Wallace Family. Papers, 1845-1860, 1 linear foot. Walker and Weeks. Cleveland, Ohio. Records, ca. (Letters written to and from Oregon Territory.) 1920-1940, 450 linear feet of files. 250 cubic feet of Wapakoneta Building and Savings Society. Records, drawings. (Architectural firm.) 1900-1912, 1 linear foot. (Minutes of early savings bank.) Robert E. Ward (b. 1937). Papers, ca. 1969-1975, 5.5 West Liberty Wheel Company. Records, 1871-1876, 1 linear feet. (Collection deals with German-American linear foot. (Auglaize county firm, 19th century local authors.) industry.) Ella Grant Wilson (1854-1939). Papers, ca. 1900-1939, Wolf and Wolf Retail Segar Company. Records, 1867- 14 linear feet. (Cleveland newspaper columnist.) 1872, 1 linear foot. (Dayton Cigar Company.) Xenia Committee of 100. Records, 1901-1910, 1 linear Dovie Sweet (b. 1920?). Papers, 1967-1975, 1 linear foot. · foot. (Constitution and minutes of temperance society.) 17 SOA Candidates
The following list of candidates represents Council's nomina- 4. The Ohio Archivist should remain a joint OHS-SOA publica- t'ions for the 1976 election. Further nominations will be accepted tion so long as Council and the Ohio Historical Society are from the floor at the business meeting on Friday evening, April 23. satisfied with the current procedures. Perhaps we should consider an inexpensive newsletter published by the SOA and distributed between issues of the Ohio Archivist. For President PAUL YON DENNIS HARRISON Archivist, Northwest Ohio-Great Lakes Research Center, Bowling Curator of Manuscripts, The Western Reserve Historical Society, Green State University, 1971-present; Local Records Field Repre- Cleveland, Ohio. sentative, Ohio Historical Society, 1969-71. Professional Organizations: Organization of American Historians; Professional Organizations: Society of Ohio Archivists, Council, Society of Ohio Archivists, Council, 1972-74, vice-president 1974 - 1972-74, member, Joint SOA-OGS Committee; regional editor for 75, president, 1975-76; regional editor for northern Ohio, SOA northwestern Ohio, SOA Guide to Manuscripts and Institutional Guide to Manuscripts and Institutional Records in Ohio, 1969-73; Records in Ohio, 1969-73; Society of American Archivists. Society of American Archivists, program, 1975. Education: B.S., Defiance College, 1970; M.A., Bowling Green Education: B.A. cum laude, Heidelberg College, 1965; M.A., West- State University, 1975. ern Reserve University, 1967; Ph.D., Case Western Reserve Uni- Publications: Guide to Ohio County and Municipal Government versity, 1975. Records for Urban Research, Ohio Historical Society, 1973. Position Statement: Position Statement: During the forthcoming year, I would like the Society of Ohio During this Bicentennial year the SOA should, through the lead- Archivists to continue to develop as an increasingly valuable ad- ership of its officers and existing committee structure, concentrate junct to the professional activities of the state's archivists. I will on strengthening archival programs relative to the local scene. work toward.the following steps to further this goal. I strongly feel that the success of the SOA depends upon its mem- 1. The SOA should plan more advanced programs for the full- bership so I would propose to actively participate in working with time, professional archivist. the Membership Committee in an effort to solicit new members 2. The SOA should better utilize the talents of former officers that would include not only archivists and librarians but records of the Society. managers, genealqgists, conservators, curators, and local histo- 3. The SOA should spread responsibility for its programs among rians. Over the years, the Ohio Archivist, through the subsidization more archival institutions in the state. of the Ohio Historical Society, has kept the membership informed
Dennis Harrison Paul Yon
18 1. Quarterly publication of the SOA Bulletin would require a with articles on new archival and manuscript techniques, con- reduced format, but would allow the inclusion of more timely servation programs, museum and library devel9pment, records items. management, and recent accessions. However, I strongl-y_ fe_el 2. A job registry would provide opportunities for the advertise- that now is the time for the SOA membership, through ~h~. ed1tonal ment of positions available in Ohio and for the credentials of and publications committee, to assume total respons1b1hty for all individuals wishing to locate positions in the state. publications affiliated with the SOA. 3. The annual receipt of a membership list, including telephone numbers, would facilitate communication among archivists throughout the state. For Vice-President 4. A reference and referral service, coordinated through the JOHN R. KERWOOD Society's committees, would enable the Society to make its Director, Montgomery County Historical Society, Dayton, Ohio, members' expertise available to individuals and institutions 1973 to the present; Adjunct Assistant Professor of History, Wright with archival questions and/or problems. State University, 1975 to the present; Regional Workshop Direc- For Secretary-Treasurer tor, American Association for State and Local History, Naslwille, Tennessee, 1971-72; Editor and Historian, United States Capitol JOHN MILLER Historical Society, 1967-71. Director of Archival Services, The University of Akron. Professional Organizations: Member, Ohio Committee on Public Professional Organizations: Society of American Archivists; So- Programs in the Humanities, 1973; Ohio Membership Chairman, ciety of Ohio Archivists, Manuscripts Committee, 1973-74, College American Association for State and Local History, 1974-; Council, and University Archives Committee, 1974-present; American His- Society of Ohio Archivists, 1973-76; Vice Chairman, Heritage '76, torical Association; Organization of American Historians. Dayton-Montgomery County Bicentennial Commission, 1974-; Education: B.A., Franklin and Marshall College; M.A., University Trustee, Victory Theatre Association. of Delaware, Ph.D. candidate, University of Pennsylvania. Education: B.A., West Virginia Wesleyan College,jj,;1964; M.A., Publications: "Guide to the Papers of Thomas William Lamont in Pennsylvania State University, 1967. Baker Library, Harvard University;" "Eldridge Reeves Johnson," Publications: Author of articles published in the Congressional Dictionary of American Biography, Supplement Three 1941-1945, Record; American History Illustrated; and Civil War Times Illus- pp. 319-393. trated. Editor of the Capitol Dome: A Newsletter published by the Position Statement: United States Capitol Historical Society, 1967-71; editor (with The Society of Ohio Archivists should attempt to promote the others) The Albany Years, 1797-1832, Volume I of The Papers of interchange of ideas and information among all Ohioans (including Joseph Henry published by the Smithsonian Press, 1972; and archivists, manuscript curators, librarians, historical society em- editor of The United States Capitol: An Annotated Bibliography ployees and researchers) who deal with archival/manuscript ma- (Norman, Okla.: University of Oklahoma Press, 1973.) Foreword terials. Hopefully, through meetings and publications of the Society by Henry Steele Commager. and its committees, collectors and users of materials can learn Position Statement: about programs and procedures at repositories throughout the The preparation of a candidate's views in a position statement state (including smaller institutions) and the resources available such as this invariably leads to an attempt to define. the role and for research. function of the Society of Ohio Archivists. The result all too often The purposes and programs of the SOA should be examined is an oversimplification of one individual's concept of the SOA, in relation to the other state and regional archival organizations its purpose, and its work. As a member of the SOA Council, I have and the Society of American Archivists. supported programs and activities designed to improve and in- crease the ability of the archivist to deal effectively with the prob- STEPHEN MORTON lems that confront him and his institution. As vice president, I will University Archivist and Rare Books Librarian, Bowling Green continue to search for ways in which the SOA can better serve the State University. professional archivist and the archival profession. I will also urge Professional Organizations: Society of Ohio Archivists, Council, the SOA to concern itself more than it has in the past with the edu- 1969-71, Secretary-Treasurer, 1972-present; Society of American cational needs of organizations which have archival collections but Archivists, Committee on College and University Archives. do not have the financial means to hire professional archivists to administer them. Education: B.A., Bowling Green State University, 1960; M.A., American University, 1964. Publications: "The Politics Behind the Route of the First Trans- ALICE VESTAL continental Railroad in the United States," I.C.C. Practitioners· Assistant Head, Special Collections Department, University of Journal, 30 (1963), 561-568; "1948-Affair to Remember," Falcon Cincinnati. Sideline Illustrated, (Oct. 6, 1973), 37; co-editor, College and Uni- versity Archives in the U.S. and Canada. Ann Arbor: Society of Professional Organizations: American Association for State and American Archivists, 1972; co-editor, Faculty Publications 1968- Local History; The Manuscript Society; The Ohio Academy of 1971, Bowling Green: Bowling Green State University Archives, History; Society of American Archivists, Committee on Regional 1972; co-editor, College and University Archives Select Bibliog- Archival Activity, 1973-present; Society of Ohio Archivists, Coun- raphy. Madison, Wisc.: Committee on College and Uni~ersity Ar- cil, 1973-75, vice-president 1975-present. chives, Society of American Archivists, 1973; co-editor, Forms Education: B.A., Miami University, 1967; M.A., Syracuse Univers- Manual, Madison, Wisc.: Committee on College and University ity, 1970; Twenty-Seventh Institute: Introduction to Modern Ar- Archives, Society of American Archivists, 1973. chives Administration, American University, 1972. Position Statement: Publications: '"I Am Satisfied With What I Have Done': Collis P. There should be a willingness on the part of the officers of the Huntington, 19th Century Entrepreneur," The Courier, Vol. 8, No. Society of Ohio Archivists to be both firm and inventive in their 4, July 1971, pp. 20-29; '"Will You Come and Take an Indian Din- direction of the Society. Through development of programs and ner ...' An Invitation From .Thomas Jefferson," The Cincinnati overall guidance, they should influence and encourage greater Historical Society Bulletin, Vol. 30, Nos. 3 & 4, Fa/I-Winter 1972, participation in the work of the Society by those from other than pp. 192-195; "Arrangement and Description Problems Challenge the major state repositories and organizations. Large & Small Repositories," Tt~e Ohio Archivist, Vol. 5, No. 1, Programs should be varied in nature and there should be co- Spl'ing 1974, p. 10; "Standardized Finding Aids and Volunteers operation with other professional groups for mutual benefit. Com- Expedite Processing Demands, "The Ohio Archivist, Vol. 5, No. 1, mittees can play an important part in SOA. With chairpersons who Spring 1974, p. 12. will direct worthwhile projects, plus members who volunteer their Position Statement: • services, the committee structure will be an even greater aid in During the coming year the Society of Ohio Archivists should the development and work of SOA. develop new and expanded services to its members. The follow- There must be increased contact among the membership during ing are suggested for consideration because they would foster the year. Over and above the two meetings and the two copies of increased exchange of information among members. This, in turn, The Ohio Archivist, there might be periodic news bulletins, infor- would contribute to the achievement of the other constitutional mation leaflets, directories, or otherpublications to keep members objectives of the Society. and others abreast of SOA affairs. 19 For Council Seat #1 Education: B.A., Pikeville College, 1966; M.A., Virginia Polytech- nic Institute and State University, 1968; Ph.D. candidate, Ohio MORGAN BARCLAY State University. Head, Local History and Genealogy Department, Toledo-Lucas Publications: Author of articles published in Civil War History, County Public Library. Civil War Times Illustrated, Negro History Bulletin, West Virginia Professional Organizations: Society of Ohio Archivists, Manu- History, and Northwest Ohio Quarterly; contributor to Dictionary scripts Committee; Maumee Valley Historic~ Society, Landmarks of American Negro Biography, Dictionary of American Biography Committee secretary, Editorial Board, librarian. and Dictionary of Southern History; co-editor, Union Bibliography Education: B.A., Baldwin-Wallace College, 1968; M.A., The Uni- of Ohio Printed State Documents, 1803-1970, Ohio Historical versity of Toledo, 1972. _ Society, 1973. Publications: "Changing Images of Toledo's Polish Community, Position Statement: 1870-1920," Northwest Ohio Quarterly, 44 (Summer 1972), 64-71 ; As a Council member I would work toward making both the fall " Images of Toledo's German Community, 1850-1890," Northwest and spring meetings the exciting, renewing educational experi- Ohio Quarterly, 45 (Fall 1973), 133-143; contributing author to ences they should be. Membership recruitment, a must if the SOA Ohio Cues, historical magazine for young people; forthcoming a is to continue to be a viable organization, would be encouraged guide to the Samuel M. Jones Collection. and solicited across multi-disciplinary lines, i.e., records managers and professional historians. I would work toward organizing a Position Statement: broad coalition of professional historians, archivists, records man- After reading the various position statements of other SOA can- didates and participating in SOA meetings, it strikes me that the agers, genealogists, and librarians as a cohesive interest group in the accomplishment of common goals. Society's goal is to increase communication between various archival institutions around the state. Coming from a public library system I believe I can offer a different perspective and encourage cooperation and communication throughout the state archival PAT NOLAN agencies. I believe this goal can best be accomplished by encour- Head of Archives and Special Collections, Adjunct Assistant Pro- aging the exchange of regional materials and the development of fessor of History, Director of the Network Center, Wright State guidelines for agency holdings. A more effective committee struc- University. ture is neededtogenerate internal enthusiasms for the organization. Professional Organizations: Society of American Archivists, Edu- cation and Professional Development Committee; Society of Ohio LAURA CHACE Archivists, College and University Archives Committee; Ohio Net- Chief Librarian, The Cincinnati Historical Society. work of American History Research Centers, Acquisitions Com- Professional Organizations: Society of Ohio Archivists, chairper- mittee chairperson; member, Midwest Archives Conference, son, Archives-Library Association; Society of American Archivists, American Historical Association, Organization of American His- Reference and Access Committee; American Library Association. torians, Western History Association. Education: A.M.L.S.; certificate in Archival Administration. Education: Ph.D., University of Minnesota, 1971. Position Statement: Publications: Voices From the St. "Croix Valley: An Oral History To be a strong organization, the Society of Ohio Archivists must Collection (River Falls, WI, 1972); "Wisconsin's Respectable Vigi- strive to enlarge its membership and to encourage active partici- lantes, " Wisconsin Academy Review (Fall 1973); "Central State pation and interest in the Society through committees and pro- Archives destroyed in Xenia Tornado," Ohio Archivist (Fall 1974); grams. Committees should be structured to include representa- "Archives and Disaster," M.A.C. (April 1975); papers read at So- tives from various geographical areas of the state; programs and ciety of American Archivists annual meeting on regional archival projects of the Society should relate to the interests and needs systems andat Midwest Archives Conference on business archives. of members from various types of archives. Position Statement: I feel very strongly that the SOA should try to attract attention For Council Seat #2 and membership from among our friends in such allied areas as regional and local historical societies, libraries with strong his- FRANK LEVSTIK torical collections, genealogists and historians. To that end we Assistant State Archivist, Ohio Historical Society; Chairman, State need to broaden the appeal of the programs by encouraging ses- Records Commission. sions related to such concerns as local and family history research, Professional Organizations: Society of Ohio Archivists, Ohio Acad- and the uses of source materials for research in such allied fields emy of History, Social Welfare History Group. as geography, political science and sociology.
SOA MEMBERSHIP AND SUBSCRIPTION FORM NAME ______
TITLE------INSTITUTION ______
OFFICE ADDRESS ______
OFFICE PHONE ______
Individual Membership Institutional Membership Annual $ 3.00 Subscription $ 3.00 Sponsor 10.00 Sponsor 50.00 Patron 25.00 Sustaining 100.00 Individual membership privileges for Ohio or out-of-state persons include receipt of, two issues of The Ohio Archivist per year. Voting rights are limited exclusively to individual members living or working in Ohio. Institutional membership privileges for Ohio or out-of-state institutions include only the receipt of two issues of The Ohio Archivist per year. · Mail checks for three dollars with the above form to Stephen Morton, University Archivist, Bowling Green State - University, Bowling Green, Ohio 43402.
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