Wright, W. Richard

Range: 1963 - 1966 Size: 4 cubic feet Record Group:

Regarding the Ohio Youth Services Advisory Board (chaired by Wright), includes: governing documents, minutes of board meetings, correspondence, inspection reports and recommendations, news releases, pamphlets, photograph albums, scrapbook, and oral history phonotapes of W. Richard Wright.

Wilson, Dr. Gregory S., Rubber Workers Oral History Collection

Range: 2014 - 2014 Size: 0.17 Record Group: $content.recordGroup

The Dr. Gregory S. Wilson Rubber Workers Oral History Collection consists of seven oral histories conducted by students in his Oral History class at The University of Akron, which took place in Spring Semester 2014. The oral histories include digital audio recordings and transcripts of interviews with people who worked in various positions in Akron’s rubber industry, mostly at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and Firestone Tire & Rubber Company.  This includes Dr. Charles Bell, Al Fitch, Don Heffner, Jim Hooks, Rick Houck, Dave Persons, and Mike Waugh. 

Wilson, Dr. Charles W., Papers

Range: 1960s - 1970s Size: 1.0 Record Group: $content.recordGroup

Dr. Charles W. Wilson is an Emeritus Professor of Physics at The University of Akron (UA) and member of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP). His papers include correspondence, publications, presentation notes, curriculum vitas, research notebooks, and syllabi. They also consist of materials collected by Wilson including publications of his colleagues at UA and annual reports, meeting minutes, and photographs from the Department of Physics and the Institute of Polymer Science as well as records relating to the AAUP. 

Voris, Alvin Coe, Letters

Range: 1860 - 1865 Size: .50 Record Group: 99/140

Alvin Coe Voris (1827-1904), an attorney from Akron, Ohio, served in the Ohio Legislature and then as commander of the 67th Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the American Civil War. He rose to the rank of Brevet Major General commanding a Brigade and then a Division. His letters consist of correspondence to his wife, Lydia Allyn Voris, from 1860 through 1865 that relate his experiences as a soldier and officer in the Union Army.

  View the Voris letters here.

[Finding Aid] What is this?

Vallen, George D., Sr., Papers

Range: 1916 - 2013 Size: 1.25 Record Group: 99/173

T

George Dales Vallen, Sr. (1899-1978) of Akron, Ohio served during the Mexican Border War and during World War I in Company F of the 8th Ohio Infantry Regiment of the Ohio National Guard, which was redesignated Company F of the 146th Infantry Regiment of the 73rd Infantry Brigade of the 37th Division, also known as the “Buckeye Division.”  His papers document his experiences during the Border War and World War I and include diaries, correspondence, photographs, Company F rosters, maps of the front, a two-volume history of the 37th Division, and a biography of Vallen.  Researchers interested in the experience of an enlisted man during the Great War or the war in general would find this collection useful. 

  To view the Letters and Diaries.

[Finding Aid] What is this?

Suso, Julian., Papers

Range: 1949 - 1972 Size: 8 cubic feet Record Group: $content.recordGroup

Julian Suso was a faculty member at The University of Akron and Director of the Akron Department of Planning and Urban Renewal. His papers include reports, proposals, and correspondence regarding his career and the development of the Akron area.

Stux, Erica, Papers

Range: 1996 - 2010 Size: 1.0 Record Group: $content.recordGroup

Erica (Houser) Stux (1929-2018) was a chemist and writer from Akron, Ohio and Los Angeles, California who wrote poetry, prose, and humorous pieces for children and adults as well as songs and musicals. Her papers include her published and unpublished poetry and short stories, articles, books, sheet music, and CDs.

 

Shilts, W. D.

Range: 1908 - 1955 Size: 2 cubic feet Record Group:

Correspondence, clipping file and research notes of William Delbert Shilts, official of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, including a manuscript history of the company, 1898-1927.

Seiberling, Willard P., Papers

Range: 1859 - 1964 Size: 29 cubic feet Record Group: 99/130

Willard Penfield Seiberling (1892-1981) was the son of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company co-founder F. A. Seiberling and his wife, Gertrude Penfield Seiberling. He was the first assistant manager and then manager of the Goodyear Aeronautics Department. He later served as a manager at the Seiberling Tire and Rubber Company and eventually became secretary and director. His papers include personal and business correspondence, drawings, photographs, negatives, blueprints, and legal documents regarding his business activities at both the Goodyear and Seiberling tire and rubber companies.

[Finding Aid] What is this?

Seiberling, John F., Papers

Range: 1937 - 1995 Size: 650 cubic feet Record Group: $content.recordGroup

John F. Seiberling, Jr. (1918-2008) was the grandson of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company co-founder F.A. Seiberling and a Democratic congressman representing Ohio’s 14th Congressional District, based in Akron, Ohio. He helped establish the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and served on the House Judiciary Committee that held the impeachment hearings against President Richard Nixon. His papers document his congressional activities and include correspondence, legislation drafts, reports, newspaper clippings, artifacts, and materials relating to bills before Congress. Subjects include the Nixon impeachment hearings, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Alaska lands, strip and surface mining, and public lands issues.

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Schneider, Dorothy

Range: - Size: Record Group:

Notebooks, news clippings, photographs, and other genealogical material.

Schnee, Charles F.

Range: 1940 - 1966 Size: 3 cubic feet Record Group:

The collection includes legal briefs, documents, notes, correspondence, bulletins, and pamphlets relating to Schnee's career as a lawyer and conservationist activities.

Sawyer, William T., Family

Range: 1877 - 1953 Size: 5.3 cubic feet Record Group: 99/138

Correspondence, travel accounts, photographs, genealogies and miscellaneous material concerning Sawyer's personal life, professional life and family. Includes military memorabilia from George Childs (1860s-1890s).

[Finding Aid] What is this?

Sailor, Joseph, Letters

Range: 1862 - 1894 Size: 0.5 cubic feet Record Group: 99/82

Joseph Sailor (1824-1863), a tanner from DeGraff, Ohio, served as a private in Company E of the 45th Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the American Civil War. His letters primarily consist of correspondence to his wife and parents from 1862 to his death in 1863 and detail daily life of the Union soldier in camp, prosecution of the war in Kentucky, and medical practice during the Civil War. Also included are a newspaper account of Sailor's life and several letters describing politics in Civil War-era Ohio.

 View the Sailor letters here.

[Finding Aid] What is this?

Ruhlin, Mrs. Ben. Prayer Campaign Committee Records

Range: 1970 - 1977 Size: 12 cubic feet Record Group: $content.recordGroup

Mrs. Ben H. Ruhlin was a “prayer crusader” from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio who spent two and a half years crusading to have prayer restored to schools during the 1970s through the Prayer Campaign Committee. The records include correspondence, publicity, petitions, and other materials relating to Mrs. Ruhlin and the committee’s efforts to restore prayer to public schools.

Rowland, Jasper M. Jr., Family

Range: 1956 - 1973 Size: 3 cubic feet Record Group:

This collection contains letters between parents of children of the Jasper M. Rowland, Jr. family, reflecting the cultural changes during the period of the late 1950's to the early 1970's.

Roth, Harry C.

Range: 1904 - 1920 Size: 1 cubic foot Record Group:

This is a collection of letters written to Harry C. Roth; mostly personal in nature.

Ross, Rev. George Everett, Papers

Range: 1957 - 1990 Size: 5.5 cubic feet Record Group: $content.recordGroup

Rev. George Everett Ross was Rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Akron, Ohio, one of the largest churches in the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio and played a pivotal role in the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous. Ross was an alcoholic who was a crusader for the addicted and homeless. His papers include sermons, correspondence, newspaper clippings, course outlines for classes he conducted, class notes, term papers, and phonotapes. They also include church bulletins and documents relating to diocesan and parish matters of the Episcopal Church. 

Rohner, Ralph

Range: 1882 - 1977 Size: 2 cubic feet Record Group:

Contains materials involving personal, business, and legal matters directly related to the Akron area. Also comprises a record of school papers and notebooks of Eva Rohner from grade school (Sacred Heart Academy) to her education at Buchtel College.

Priest, Dr. Ira A., Papers and Artifacts

Range: 1876 - 1956 Size: 12.0 Record Group: 99/84

Dr. Ira A. Priest (1856-1933) was a minister in the Universalist Church, fifth president of Buchtel College (now The University of Akron), and a chaplain in the 8th Ohio Infantry of the Ohio National Guard. His papers and artifacts consist of correspondence, sermons, writings, printed materials, photographs, clippings, uniforms, personal items, and memorabilia that relate to Dr. Priest’s long career as a minister, chaplain, and academic in Ohio, Texas, and Vermont.

[Finding Aid] What is this?

Polsley, John J.

Range: 1839 - 1948 Size: 0.5 cubic feet Record Group: 99/136

Lieutenant Colonel John J. Polsley served in the American Civil War in the 8th Regiment Virginia Volunteers, which later became the 7th Regiment West Virginia Cavalry. Polsley was captured in 1863 and sent to Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia. The papers primarily contain correspondence to his wife, Ellen (Nelly) S. Donnally Polsley. He wrote of camp life and battles as well as his thoughts on war. Also included are letters to his father, Judge Daniel H. Polsley.

[Finding Aid] What is this?

Polen, Edna Mae, Papers

Range: 1936 - 2010 Size: 1.0 Record Group: $content.recordGroup

Edna Mae Polen (1917-2010) of Salineville, Ohio was a 1940 graduate of The University of Akron (UA). She worked for many years as Secretary at the B.F. Goodrich Company and Coastal Trucking Co./Coastal Tank Lines, Inc. of Akron. Her papers include booklets, yearbooks, newsletters, report cards, and photographs documenting student life at UA in the 1930s as well as the B.F. Goodrich Company and several local organizations she was involved with. 

Petersen, Jorgen, Diaries

Range: 1864 - 1880 Size: 0.5 cubic feet Record Group: 99/156

Jorgen Petersen (1822-1904) of Peninsula, Ohio was a canal boat captain on the Ohio & Erie Canal in the mid-1860s and ‘70s. He mostly hauled coal, iron ore, and merchandise for stores along the canal. His diaries consist of 11 personal diaries kept by Peterson during his days hauling freight on the canal and chronicle his life and work on the canal from 1864 until 1880.  View the Petersen Diaries

[Finding Aid] What is this?

Pardee, Caroline J., Papers

Range: 1828 - 2004 Size: 70 Record Group: 99/184

Caroline J. Pardee (1911-2003) was administrative assistant in the President's Office of The University of Akron for over thirty years, as well as an active member of the Akron community. She was a local writer and poet, an active member of the Delta Gamma Sorority, a world traveler, and member of the Universalist Church of Akron. Her papers document her community involvement, family, travels, and University of Akron connections and include correspondence, newspaper clippings, publications, photographs, slides, stories and poems, personal notes, artifacts, and travel materials.

[Finding Aid] What is this?

Pahlau, James A.

Range: 1842 - 2003 Size: 68 cubic feet Record Group: 99/142

James A. “Jim” Pahlau (1930-2007) was an expert on local and regional architecture, especially in Akron and Summit County, Ohio.  He was also a collector of resources on the subject.  The James A. Pahlau Collection consists of personal papers, printed materials, photographs, architectural drawings, and phonograph records documenting local and regional architecture and theater.  There is also a large amount of materials on Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens and Progress Through Preservation.

[Finding Aid] What is this?

Neumann, Loretta, Oral History Interviews

Range: 1996 - 2006 Size: 1.0 Record Group: $content.recordGroup

Loretta Neumann of Washington, D.C. served as legislative assistant to Congressman John F. Seiberling of Akron, Ohio from 1973 to 1987. Her oral history interviews include 14 cassette tapes and transcriptions of interviews she conducted with Congressman Seiberling and his colleagues and members of his staff and family. 

Munn, Russell

Range: 1944 - 1944 Size: 2 cubic feet Record Group:

The papers of R. Russell Munn, director of the Akron-Summit County Public Library, includes: correspondence, news clippings, publications, miscellanea, annual reports, survey of public libraries, and photographs.

Milkovich, Dr. Ralph, Papers, 1956-1986

Range: 1956 - 1986 Size: 4.0 Record Group: 99/254

Dr. Ralph Milkovich was a polymer scientist and polymer chemist and Professor of Polymer Science at The University of Akron. As a pioneer in the synthesis of pure block and graft polymers, he has over 40 patents and is cited on many others. The Dr. Ralph Milkovich Papers consist of information detailing Milkovich’s life and work and include resumes, CVs, obituaries, awards, patents, publications, organizational records, and collected material.

[Finding Aid] What is this?

McKeeman, Rev. Gordon B., Papers

Range: 1980s - 1990s Size: 1.0 Record Group: $content.recordGroup

Rev. Gordon B. McKeeman (1920-2013) of Lynn, Massachusetts served as minister of several Universalist churches in New England before serving as pastor of the Unitarian Universalist Church (UUC) in Akron, Ohio from 1961 to 1983. He was also an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Association and served as president of the Starr King School, a seminary in Berkeley, California. His papers include notes, newsletters, sermons, programs, and other materials created and collected by McKeeman that document his life and work and the history of the UUC.

McIntosh, W. B.

Range: 1920 - 1980 Size: 7 cubic feet Record Group:

The collection contains material relating to McIntosh's relationships with: Akron Community Trust, Litchfield Rehabilitation Center, Seiberling Foundation, First Congregational Church, Canal Street Property, Children's Hospital, and Pyramid Rubber Company. Materials include correspondence, reports, appraisals, lists of grants, financial reports, minutes, publications, governance papers, building plans, yearbooks, notes, donations records, and agreements.

McDonald, Peter Papers

Range: 1964 - 2013 Size: 7.0 Record Group:

Peter McDonald (1930-2013) was a tire designer/engineer with The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company and a tire forensics expert who served as a consultant and expert witness on numerous murder trials throughout the United States and Canada.  His papers include correspondence, drawings, patents, news releases, publications, newspaper clippings, photographs, slides, audio/video, and training materials that document his life and work and the trials that he worked on.

McCollam, William, Papers

Range: 1864 - 1864 Size: 0.33 cubic feet Record Group: 99/241

William McCollam (1831-1896) was a carpenter from Uhrichsville, Ohio who served with the 161st Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI) of the 70th Battalion during the American Civil War and later became captain in the Ohio National Guard. His papers include correspondence and records that document his military career and other Civil War soldiers from Uhrichsville.   View the McCollam letters here.

[Finding Aid] What is this?

McClain, Dr. Shirla R., Collection

Range: 1918 - 1998 Size: 2.0 Record Group: 99/255

The Dr. Shirla R. McClain Collection includes the writings and research materials of Dr. McClain, a University of Akron alumna who was a public school educator and a Kent State University professor of education. McClain published over 45 academic papers during her career, but is still best known for her doctoral dissertation The Contributions of Blacks in Akron, 1825-1975, which was the first comprehensive history of Akron’s black community.

[Finding Aid] What is this?

Lodge, William R., Papers

Range: 1930 - 1946 Size: 0.5 cubic feet Record Group: $content.recordGroup

William Ralph Lodge (1874-1947), known as “Mr. Silver Lake,” was mayor and justice of the peace of what became known as the Village of Silver Lake, Ohio. His family owned Silver Lake and built an amusement park on its shores, for which Lodge served as secretary and manager. His papers include typewritten articles relating to Silver Lake, Stow, Cuyahoga Falls, and surrounding areas.

Knight, John S.

Range: 1921 - 1981 Size: 100 cubic feet Record Group: 99/110

John S. Knight (1894-1981) was a journalist and newspaper publisher from Akron, Ohio who inherited the Akron Beacon Journal from his father and parlayed it into a newspaper conglomerate known as Knight-Ridder Newspapers, Inc. His papers consist primarily of material relating to his life and career including correspondence, speeches, scrapbooks, “Editor's Notebooks,” newspaper clippings, photographs, phonotapes, and memorabilia.

[Finding Aid] What is this?

Knight, Dr. Charles M., Family Papers

Range: 1849 - 1940 Size: 21 cubic feet Record Group: $content.recordGroup

Dr. Charles M. Knight (1848-1941) held numerous positions at Buchtel College (now The University of Akron) including Professor and Chair of Natural Sciences, Professor of Chemistry, Professor Emeritus, Dean, and Acting President from 1896-1897. He started the first course in rubber chemistry in 1909 and the Knight Chemical Laboratory at the university was named in his honor. The papers include personal letters, diaries, journals, business papers, photographs, and artifacts relating Knight and his family including Joel Knight, Jr., Fanny Maria Duncan Knight, Sophie Knight McCollester, Eva Knight Greenwood, Colonel William Henry (Hal) Greenwood, Susan Helen Knight, Esther Knight Guild, and Mary Knight Dutton.

Karam, Adib, Papers

Range: 1925 - 1985 Size: 6 cubic feet Record Group: $content.recordGroup

Dr. Adib Karam was a physician, humanitarian, and alumnus of The University of Akron (Class of 1925) who established a fund to further the interests of UA alumni and for the benefit of University Libraries. His papers include certificates, diaries, slides, photographs, maps, newspaper and journal articles, correspondence, manuscripts, booklets, and brochures that document his volunteer work with people and causes around the world including Project Hope, Africa, Navajo Indians, Vietnam, Middle East, Alaska, San Quentin, California Institute for Women, and Southeast Asia.

Jacobson, John and Betty, Papers

Range: 1936 - 1979 Size: 5.5 Record Group: $content.recordGroup

John M. Jacobson (1911-1992) and Betty Virginia (Heberlein) Jacobson (1917-2007) of Akron, Ohio owned and operated the John Jacobson Company, General Contractors. The couple were very active in numerous community organizations including the Akron Art Museum, Akron Civic Theater, Akron General Hospital, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Weathervane Theater, and The University of Akron. Their papers including correspondence, pamphlets, newspaper clippings, photographs, and negatives that document their life and work and numerous community organizations. 

Isroff, Lola, Papers

Range: 1942 - 1995 Size: 3.3 cubic feet Record Group: 99/145

Lola K. Isroff (1909-2000) was an award-winning New York-born author, self-trained visual artist, and long-time Akron, Ohio resident. She is known for her folk memory paintings depicting historic architecture and vignettes of contemporary urban life that have been exhibited in major museums and galleries across the globe. Her papers document her life and work and consist of biographical information, photographs, artwork, writings by and about the artist, and materials documenting her travels. 

[Finding Aid] What is this?

Isenman, Louis P. Papers

Range: 1862 - 1975 Size: 0.39 Record Group: 99/183

Louis P. Isenman was born in 1895 to German immigrant, John Isenman. A member of the Alsace-Lorraine Benevolent Union, he joined the military and served in both the Mexican Border War and World War I. Discharged in 1919, he passed away in 1986. The collection contains several documents from his father’s citizenship papers to his military papers as well as 152 photographs covering both the Mexican Border War and World War I.

 

[Finding Aid] What is this?

Huber, William Henry, Papers

Range: 1920 - 1945 Size: 6 cubic feet Record Group: $content.recordGroup

Dr. William Henry Huber was a Reverend and Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Akron, Ohio.  His papers include sermons, articles for the Akron Beacon Journal, photographs, and newspaper clippings documenting his life and work.

Huber, Walter B., Papers

Range: 1939 - 1955 Size: 42 cubic feet Record Group: $content.recordGroup

Walter B. Huber (1903-1982) was a Democratic United States Representative from Akron, Ohio who served in Congress from 1945 until 1951. His papers include correspondence, annual reports, Congressional Directories, copies of the Congressional Record, and political convention proceedings.

Hower House, Friends of, Records

Range: 1974 - 2002 Size: 3.3 Record Group: 99/237

The Hower House is a 28-room Second Empire Italianate mansion in Akron, Ohio. Built in 1871 by Akron industrialist John Henry Hower and his wife, the house was deeded to The University of Akron in 1970 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. In 1974 the Friends of Hower House was established to preserve the house and its furnishings and merged with the Hower House Victorians in 2016 to form the Hower House Museum Guild. The records document the Friends of Hower House, the Hower House Victorians, and the Conservation and Restoration Committee and includes meeting minutes, publications, and photographs and slides of the house, displays, and artifacts.

[Finding Aid] What is this?

Hower Family Papers

Range: 1822 - 1970 Size: 35 cubic feet Record Group: $content.recordGroup

Otis Hower (1859-1916) was director, vice president, and then general manager of the American Cereal Company (later Quaker Oats Company) in Akron, Ohio and held administrative positions in numerous Akron businesses and organizations. His wife, Blanche Brout Hower, was a leader in community and civic affairs, served as a state representative from 1935-1936, and was instrumental in starting the Hower Trade School. The papers include business correspondence, financial records, legal documents, accounts of foreign travel, photographs, newspaper clippings, ledgers, certificates, and scrapbooks documenting this branch of the Hower family.

Hower & Ayers Family

Range: 1896 - 1980 Size: 3 cubic feet Record Group:

Materials relating to the Hower and Ayers families, including: books, materials regarding Hower companies, genealogy publications, photograph albums, newspaper clippings, and notes. The three series are comprised of materials relating to John Bruot Hower, Mary Hamilton Ayers, and Allan F. Ayers/Lucy A. Hamilton.

House, John D.

Range: 1938 - 1941 Size: 0.1 cubic feet Record Group:

Correspondence and other materials of CIO field representative, principally regarding United Rubber Workers activity at the Gadsden, Alabama, plant of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company.

Gsellman, Barbara, Collection

Range: 1936 - 1989 Size: 0.2 Record Group: $content.recordGroup

Barbara Gsellman (1927-2013) was an instructor/lecturer in Mechanical Engineering, the Community & Technical College, and the Evening College at The University of Akron (UA) from the late 1950s to the early 1980s. Her collection contains materials relating to UA and local history including UA Faculty Women’s Club yearbooks, newspaper clippings of UA faculty and staff, and several pamphlets relating to aeronautics.

Grismer, Karl H.

Range: 1913 - 1952 Size: .25 Record Group: 99/242

Karl H. Grismer was a journalist who worked in Akron, Ohio and Florida. He published several books on local history in the two states. His papers contain materials that document his life and work including his writings and a selection of his artwork as well as numerous newspaper clippings.

[Finding Aid] What is this?

Gladwin, Mary E., Papers

Range: 1889 - 1939 Size: 1.25 cubic feet Record Group: 99/116

Mary E. Gladwin (1861-1939) was an early graduate of The University of Akron (then Buchtel College) who served as a Red Cross nurse during the Spanish-American War, the Philippine Insurrection, the Russo-Japanese War, and World War I. During the flood of 1913, she directed the Red Cross nursing services in Dayton and stayed in Ohio to become Head of Women's Employment and Welfare Department of the B.F. Goodrich Company in Akron. Gladwin also organized and directed the George T. Perkins Visiting Nurse Association and was an incorporator and member of the first Board of Directors of the Summit County Chapter of the American Red Cross. Her papers include her memoirs, letters, photographs, diary, medals, and other materials documenting her life and work.

[Finding Aid] What is this?

Furry, Thelma C., Papers

Range: 1911 - 1990 Size: 4 cubic feet Record Group: 99/115

Thelma C. Furry (1910-2000) was an Akron, Ohio attorney, graduate of The University of Akron School of Law, member of the Communist Party, and the first female trial lawyer in Akron.  Specializing in domestic and juvenile cases, she was known for taking controversial and unpopular stands and was the defender of those who had no voice in their own defense locally and nationally including people who suffered civil rights violations such as homosexuals and AIDS patients. Her papers include legal documents, correspondence, a scrapbook, publications, and taped interviews regarding her defense of civil rights cases.

[Finding Aid] What is this?

Flickinger, Maynard L., Papers

Range: 1924 - 1987 Size: 1 cubic feet Record Group: 99/131

Maynard L. Flickinger (1900-1990) of Barberton, Ohio was an M.I.T. graduate and an airship engineer for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company’s s Aeronautics Department, the Goodyear-Zeppelin Corporation, and the Goodyear Aircraft Corporation. His papers predominantly contain photographs and printed materials pertaining to airship design and airship travel, especially the U.S.S. Akron and the U.S.S. Macon. 

[Finding Aid] What is this?

Fish, Floyd Hamilton Jr., Papers

Range: 1929 - 1974 Size: .25 Record Group: 99/111

Floyd Hamilton “Ham” Fish, Jr. (1923-2009) of Blacksburg, Virginia was a mechanical engineer and inventor who worked for Dupont in Wilmington, Delaware from 1954-1986, primarily in Pioneering Research. He was also an airship aficionado and assembled a small collection on the subject. His papers include correspondence, working/office files, original drawings by Fish of lighter-than-air craft, and Fish’s publications relating to his time working at DuPont, particularly on airship envelopes.

[Finding Aid] What is this?

Firestone, Elizabeth Parke, Papers

Range: 1940 - 1970 Size: 55 cubic feet Record Group: $content.recordGroup

Elizabeth Parke Firestone (1897-1990) was the wife of Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., son of Firestone Tire & Rubber Company founder Harvey S. Firestone, Sr. Her papers include correspondence, speeches, writings, family photographs, newspaper clippings, phonodiscs, and medals and awards. The papers also include information relating to clubs and interests of Elizabeth Parke Firestone and her husband as well as the family's Akron, Ohio residence known as Twin Oaks. 

Fetzer, Herman and Hazel, Papers

Range: 1918 - 1973 Size: 7.88 cubic feet Record Group: 99/129

Herman Fetzer (1899-1935) was a journalist in Akron, Ohio who worked for a number of local newspapers and contributed numerous articles and columns to several local and national publications, usually under the pen-name Jake Falstaff. After Fetzer’s death, his wife, Hazel, edited many of his works and published them posthumously. The papers consist of manuscripts, correspondence, newspaper clippings, photographs, and miscellaneous material that document Fetzer’s life and work. 

[Finding Aid] What is this?

Evans, Opie, Papers

Range: ca. 1940 - 1990 Size: 32 Record Group: 99/246

Opie Evans (1906-2000) was an African-American photographer, reporter, broadcaster, publisher, and businessman in Akron, Ohio who accomplished many firsts for African-Americans in the city.  His papers consist of correspondence, photographic prints and negatives, newspapers and publications, and sound recordings that document the life and work of Evans in addition to the African-American community in the Akron area.

[Finding Aid] What is this?

Endres, Dr. Kathleen L. Collection

Range: 1841 - 2018 Size: 6 Record Group: 99/253

Dr. Kathleen L “Kitty” Endres is a distinguished professor emerita of Communications at The University of Akron. This collection is comprised of files and collected materials assembled and used by Dr. Endres during her career as a professor of Communications and Women’s Studies at The University of Akron.

[Finding Aid] What is this?

Edgerton, Sidney, Papers

Range: 1846 - 1901 Size: 0.86 cubic feet Record Group: 99/114

Sidney Edgerton (1818-1900) was a politician, lawyer, judge, teacher, and abolitionist from Akron, Ohio. He served as a U.S. Congressional Representative for the Akron area from 1859 to 1863 and first Territorial Governor of Montana from 1864 to 1866. His papers include correspondence, speeches, certificates, and biographical material. The Civil War is the prominent subject, especially as it is seen from Congress and the people of the Akron area and Montana Territory.  View the Edgerton letters here.

[Finding Aid] What is this?

Dixon, G. Gale, Papers

Range: 1912 - 1954 Size: 1 cubic foot Record Group: $content.recordGroup

Gale Dixon served as Chief Engineer for the Bureau of Water Works Improvement for the City of Akron, Ohio. Dixon’s papers relate to her career and Akron's water supply and include biographical information, reports, publications, topographic maps, and miscellaneous materials.

Davidson, Dr. Herbert A., Papers

Range: 1927 - 1974 Size: 1 cubic foot Record Group: 99/112

Herbert A. Davidson (1900-1974) was an African-American physician in Barberton, Ohio.  Active in numerous community organizations, he worked for justice and equality for all people throughout his lifetime. His papers consist of scrapbooks, meeting minutes, correspondence, financial records, and reports of numerous businesses and organizations he founded or directed including the American Welfare Workers Club, the Carver Thrift Club, and the Dunbar and Supreme Life Insurance companies.

[Finding Aid] What is this?

Dales Family Papers

Range: 1895 - 1972 Size: .86 Record Group: 99/181

The George S. Dales Company was founded by George S. Dales Sr. in 1876. Known for selling jewelry, instruments, and Victrola's, it was handed down to George S. Dales Jr. and then to Gerald L. Dales and lasted until 1969. George Dales Jr's other son, George Franklin Dales, founded the George Franklin Dales company in 1946. Working with Mechanical Industries Production Company, he invented the Mighty Mite Thermostat. Included in the collection are 39 Glass plate negatives showing images from around the turn of the 19th-20th century.

[Finding Aid] What is this?

Collyer, John L.

Range: 1939 - 1976 Size: 1 cubic foot Record Group: $content.recordGroup

John L. Collyer (1893-1979) was a mechanical engineer and naval architect who served as Vice President at Dunlop Tire & Rubber Company before becoming President of the B.F. Goodrich Company where he contributed to the development and production of synthetic rubber. His papers include newspaper clippings and photographs documenting his life and work. 

Colley, Russell S.

Range: 1933 - 1971 Size: 0.5 cubic foot Record Group: 99/239

Russell S. Colley (1899-1996) was a mechanical engineer at the B.F. Goodrich Company in Akron, Ohio and later the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). He is known as inventor or co-inventor of numerous products including the "Riv-nut" that allowed a single worker to affix rivets to airplane wings and the first aircraft de-icer. Dubbed the "First Tailor of the Space Age" and "Father of the Spacesuit," Colley is also known for the design and development of space suits, including those worn by daredevil pilot Wiley Post and the Mercury astronauts. His papers include photographs, patents, and printed materials documenting his life and work.

[Finding Aid] What is this?

Clark, C. J., Collection

Range: 1922 - 1933 Size: 0.33 cubic feet Record Group: $content.recordGroup

Mrs. C.J. Clark, an early radio enthusiast, transcribed radio program transmissions from around the world and corresponded with various radio stations in the 1920s and ‘30s. Her collection includes scrapbooks, postcards, and correspondence collected by Clark over a ten year period.

Clapp, Kate, Papers

Range: 1931 - 1977 Size: 10 cubic feet Record Group: $content.recordGroup

Kate Clapp was a journalist from Akron, Ohio who served as the garden specialist for the Akron Beacon Journal for over forty years. Her papers include scrapbooks, newspaper clippings, and photographs that document her life and career.

Chamberlain, Gladys, Collection

Range: 1949 - 1954 Size: 25 cubic feet Record Group: $content.recordGroup

Gladys Chamberlain was a long-time resident of Summit County, Ohio who collected materials on the history of the state. Her collection includes publications, correspondence, photographs, drawings, and newspaper clippings that document Akron/Summit County and Ohio history. Topics include The University of Akron, Akron during World War II, area families, Akron clubs and associations, the War of 1812, and Summit County government, agencies, schools, and special interest groups.  The collection also includes copies of the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company’s newsletter the Non-skid.

Bosworth, Glenn "Speed", Papers

Range: 1894 - 1979 Size: 3.6 cubic feet Record Group: 99/140

Glenn V. "Speed" Bosworth (1894-1979) was a player, manager, and coach for numerous Akron, Ohio baseball and basketball teams and also served as a scout for the Cleveland Indians. His papers include correspondence, military records, church programs, autograph sheets, awards, newspaper clippings, team statistics and scorecards, scrapbooks, and photographs of Bosworth's activities as a player and coach. His papers also include materials relating to the leagues in he coached as well as records pertaining to scouting for the Cleveland Indians such as Indians season passes, minor league rosters, player evaluation reports, and schedules.

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Bluhm, Eileen E. Scrapbook

Range: 1981 - 2005 Size: 0.13 Record Group:

Eileen Bluhm was the Vice President of Communications at the Akron Regional Development Board from 1975 to 1995 and was considered one of Akron’s “chief civic boosters.”  She was involved in a number of local organizations including the Ohio Ballet, Akron Zoo, and the Akron Art Museum, to name  a few.  She was also a supporter of education and women’s rights. The scrapbook contains photographs, articles, awards, and newspaper clippings that document her life and work in the Akron area.

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Bailey, Rae, Papers

Range: 1849 - 1957 Size: 1 cubic foot Record Group: 99/104

Rae Bailey (1879-1958) was an author born in Savannah, Ohio who spent most of her life serving the community under a variety of different occupations. In addition to numerous poems and short stories, Bailey's most noted works are The Heritage of Agriculture: Historical Pageant Depicting the Past Achievements of Ashland County (1933) and Old Keys: An Historical Sketch of Clear Creek Township, Ashland County, Ohio (1941). Her papers include various poems and short stories as well as materials relating to her interest in the history of Savannah and Clear Creek Township in Ashland County. The papers also include genealogical records about the author’s ancestors, the John R. Bailey Family.

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B-26 Marauder Archives, Thelbert H. Thomas Collection

Range: 1943 - 2017 Size: .13 Record Group: 100/36

Thelbert "Dick" H. Thomas (1918-1985) was a B-26 Marauder pilot with the 391st Bomb Group (BG) of the 572nd Bombardment Squadron (BS) during World War II before being reassigned to the 323 BG, 454 BS and ultimately the 323 BG, 457 BS. His collection includes military orders, correspondence that details Thomas’s army career, photocopies of photographs from his service, and other war-time documents including a graduation list and certificates. 

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B-26 Marauder Archives, Robert E. Herndon Papers

Range: 1940 - 1957 Size: .25 Record Group: 100/20

Colonel Robert E. Herndon (1916-2006) served as a pilot of B-26 Marauders with different squadrons including the 476th, 440th, and 619th during World War II. His papers consist of his military records, self-authored magazine articles, and the 42nd Bombardment Wing operations report.

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B-26 Marauder Archives, Richard J. Atkinson Collection

Range: 1988 - 2003 Size: .76 Record Group: 100/23

Richard J. Atkinson (1923-2009) served as a radio operator and gunner on B-Marauders in the 397th Bomb Group of the 9th Air Force during World War II. His collection consists of his personal papers including correspondence and plaques documenting his military career, as well as collected materials such as newsletters and information on B-26 Marauders and the Ninth Air Force Association.

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B-26 Marauder Archives, Richard C. Booth Papers

Range: 1942 - 1995 Size: .58 Record Group: 100/14

Richard C. Booth (1925-2011) of Akron, Ohio served stateside as an airplane mechanic working on B-26 Marauders in the United States Army Air Force during World War II.  After the war he served as a sheet metal worker and for NASA. His papers include his autobiography, correspondence with various organizations, personal records, and magazine articles on Richard Booth, B-26 Marauders, and Barksdale Air Force Base.

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B-26 Marauder Archives, Marvin C. Colton Papers

Range: 1942 - 1994 Size: 0.5 cubic feet Record Group: 100/5

Marvin C. Colton (1920-1998) served as a bombardier on B-26 Marauders in the 555th Bomb Squadron, 386th Bomb Group (M) during World War II. His papers consists of photographs from the World War II era and the 1980s and 1990s "Return of the Crusader" reunions. They also include a brief history of the 555th Bomb Squadron and rosters for the 386th Bomb Group (M) Association.

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B-26 Marauder Archives, Charles H. Tillson Papers

Range: 1941 - 1999 Size: .33 Record Group: 100/22

Charles H. Tillson (1920-2007) of Iowa served stateside with the United States Army Air Force as a flight instructor for the B-26 Marauders during World War II.  After the war he became an engineer and worked for the B.F. Goodrich Company. His papers include correspondence, military records, photographs, and his autobiography.

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B-26 Marauder Archives, Charles H. Drake Papers

Range: 1943 - 1949 Size: 0.25 cubic feet Record Group: 100/2

Major Charles H. Drake (1918-2009) of Georgia served as a bombardier/navigator and later combat intelligence officer in the Headquarters Squadron of the 391st Bomb Group of the 9th Air Force during World War II. He saw action in England, France, Holland, Belgium, and Germany. His papers include orders he received throughout his military service and numerous photographs taken during World War II.

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B-26 Marauder Archives, C. Forman “Dee” Dirickson Collection

Range: 1941 - 1946 Size: 1.8 Record Group: 100/39

C. Forman “Dee” Dirickson (1919-2007) was a 1st Lieutenant and B-26 Marauder pilot in the 451st Squadron of the 322nd Bomb Group of the 9th Air Force during World War II. After the war he served as a corporate pilot. His collection consists of materials from his time as a pilot during World War II including flight logs, orders, photographs, maps, memorabilia, and records from pilot training.

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Arnstein, Karl, Papers

Range: 1919 - 1957 Size: 30 cubic feet Record Group: 99/126

Dr. Karl Arnstein (1887-1974) was a designer of zeppelin airships for the Luftschiffbau-Zeppelin Company in Germany and later for the Goodyear-Zeppelin Corporation in the United States.  His papers consist of personal and professional notes, correspondence, publications, photographs, drawings, sound recordings, and mementos that document his life and career. The papers also include published articles and manuscripts by Dr. Arnstein and his associates, scripts for speeches and presentations given by Arnstein, and publications and clippings related to Arnstein’s career interests.

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Arnold, Helen E., Papers

Range: 1965 - 1975 Size: 0.5 cubic feet Record Group: 99/240

Helen E. Arnold (1924-2001) was a City of Akron employee who fought for education reform and equal rights for women and African-Americans in the Akron/Summit County area. She was the first African-American woman to serve on the Akron Board of Education and served in various capacities on numerous boards and organizations, including President of the Akron Branch of the NAACP. Her papers include speeches, writings, correspondence, newspaper clippings, and subject files that document her life and work and the organizations on which she served.

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