RG 30. Personal Papers

Scope and Contents The papers of Elam J. Comings include correspondence, writings, miscellaneous family papers, and photographs. The bulk of the collection consists of the correspondence of Elam J. Comings to his family, written while a student at Oberlin College (1836-41) and while serving pastorates in Ohio (1842-43, 1853-60), Vermont (1845-48), and Massachusetts (1848-53). Topics covered in the Oberlin correspondence include the preaching of Asa Mahan (1799-1889) and Charles Grandison Finney (1792-1875),...

Abstract

The papers of Ellsworth C. Carlson document his undergraduate days at Oberlin College, his years as an Oberlin Shansi Memorial Association representative to China and Shansi board member, his professional contributions as a faculty exchange member, and his special interest in East Asian History.

Scope and Contents The Adelia A. Field Johnston papers are divided into the following five series: Series I. Biographical File, Series II. Correspondence, Series III. Travel Accounts and Diaries, Series IV. Writings and Notebooks, and Series V. Photographs. Of importance to the Oberlin community is the correspondence series, which sheds valuable insight on the central role Johnston played in the establishment of the Oberlin Village Improvement Society. Filed under the subheading "Oberlin...

Scope and Contents The papers of Karl Wilson Gehrkens consist mainly of Gehrkens' published and unpublished essays, articles, and addresses on the philosophy of music education, composed between 1914 and 1967. This collection includes one of Gehrkens' published works, Essentials in Conducting (1919). The Department of Special Collections in the Oberlin College Library holds a complete set of Gehrkens's publications. Files also include correspondence of a routine nature with...

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The Carlos A. Kenaston Papers consist of four (4) record series, and primarily relate to his travels, including maps and four volumes of journals.

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The papers consist of 12 letters from Lovancia Pease (1821-1912, enrolled 1839-1841) and classmates Rhodelia Cole and Fanny Hovey at Oberlin, 1839-1841; copies of five letters from her mother, Lucinda Pease, 1839-40; notes on Alice Welch Cowles' lectures, 1839; a printed essay, ca. 1868, focused on the "woman question" and titled "Lost Image Found," by Lovancia P. Lyman; a sketch of her life; photographs; genealogical information; song books; and other related items.

Scope and Contents The George Feick Papers consist of contracts, architectural plans and specifications for Oberlin College buildings as well as specifications for the Ohio State University Athletic Field. Also included are copies of biographical information about George Feick and Feick family members assembled by Archives staff. Architectural records by George Feick himself include details for parts of the interior of the Cox Administration Building, the Athletic Field Grandstand, and the Ohio...

Scope and Contents The papers of Henry Clarence Burr document his theological beliefs and his service as a Methodist Episcopal minister. His voluminous sermons—there are at least 150 separate sermons present in his volumes—are an example of his life’s major vocation. A few documents exist from his time as a college professor of history either at Baldwin Wallace College, 1913-14, or Mt. Union-Scio College, 1913-18, but are limited to a thin volume of American history lecture outlines and some miscellaneous...

Scope and Contents This extensive collection contains papers and multimedia documenting Phillip Bennett's life. Because Bennett was blind, this collection provides information about Oberlin College's efforts to help students with disabilites, services available to help the blind, and Bennett's ability to conduct everyday life in a very successful fashion and to excel as a musician. Twelve folders of correspondence provide information about Bennett's admission to the Conservatory at Oberlin College...

Scope and Contents The papers of Fred L. Steen document his career as a minister, his social interests, and his activities. The bulk of the papers concern his lengthy position as pastor of the Mount Zion Baptist Church in Oberlin. Steen’s correspondence contains letters from various individuals relating to his involvement with the Progressive National Baptist Convention, various elected officials, and many friends. The materials provide evidence of Steen’s commitment to his pastorship at Mount Zion Baptist...