John G. Olmstead Family Papers

The John G. Olmstead Family papers (1840-1955) consist of correspondence, professional and student files, and other miscellaneous material as collected by John G. Olmstead. This collection is arranged into sixteen series: Series I. Olmstead Letters regarding Academy and College Years; Series II. Files relating to John G. Olmstead’s Professional Activities; Series III. Letters received by Icabod A. Olmstead and Mary C. Olmstead; Series IV. Letters received by John G. Olmstead; Series V. Letters between John G. Olmstead and Louise H. Olmstead; Series VI. Letters received by John and Louise Olmstead; Series VII. Letters received by Louise H. Olmstead; Series VIII. Miscellaneous Correspondence; Series IX. Miscellaneous Student Course Files of John G. Olmstead; Series X. Financial Papers of John G. Olmstead and Louise H. Olmstead; Series XI. Scrapbook and Family Clippings File; Series XII. Olmstead Family Subject Files; Series XIII. Miscellaneous Printed Material; Series XIV. Postcards; Series XV. Miscellany; and Series XVI. Materials relating to the Scanning Project of the John G. Olmstead Family Papers.

The correspondence series, Olmstead’s professional files, and his student course files are the strongest portions of this collection. Collectively in spanning the life and times of Olmstead, these papers chart Olmstead’s formative years in Elmira, New York, and document as well his adult years when he was a conscientious father and early 20th Century social worker.

The correspondence series provide several windows from which one can follow the personal and professional development of Olmstead. His letters to his parents and wife detail his experiences as an Oberlin student (1902-1906). Here one can follow Olmstead’s growing awareness and appreciation of the work of the Shansi missionaries in light of the Boxer Rebellion, as well as glean information regarding the development and success of Oberlin’s first inter-collegiate basketball team.

The correspondence series also provides information regarding his career with the YMCA (1909-1925). As a man who held lower leadership positions in the YMCA, these letters provide insight into the administration and effectiveness of YMCA programs on the regional and local levels. Early correspondence in Series I serves as a documentation of Olmstead’s YMCA work in the United States Army during World War I – and the effect such separation had on the his marriage.

The correspondence between John and Louise (1906-1931) also allows one to follow their relationship through the early stages of their courtship and marriage (1909), to the raising of their children, the death of two sons, and long periods of separation. Their correspondence displays a level of sensibility mixed with great affection, respect, and love. They consult honestly and directly with one another regarding major decisions they individually or collectively faced during the course of their lives, while writing frankly regarding such issues as birth control and their roles as husband and wife.

Other correspondence from family and friends cover such topics as the YMCA, the Oberlin Shansi Memorial Association, the Oberlin College Alumni Association, and John and Louise’s care and “adoption” of their niece Helen Vreeland (1930). Several letters also exist detailing the life and work of social gospeller, William “Bull” Johnstone. Finally, the correspondence series contains Olmstead family news covering such topics as Icabod Olmstead’s coal business, local gossip, and family health and finances.

John Olmstead’s professional files provide valuable information regarding Olmstead’s career and of the work of such bodies as the YMCA, the Oberlin Alumni Association (1925-1932), the Oberlin Shansi Memorial Association (1936-1955), the National Youth Administration (1936), and other Ohio based New Deal programs (1935-1943). As with the correspondence series, these files shed light on the impact and manner in which the missions of federal programs and national institutions were fulfilled on the state and local levels. Finally, the value of Olmstead’s student papers (1897-1910) rests not only in highlighting John’s academic formation, but also in the insight they provide as to the type of liberal arts education Oberlin students were receiving in the early 20th Century.

The balance of this collection consists of family clippings, financial papers, a variety of miscellaneous printed material, postcards, subject files, and other miscellaneous items.

While this collection covers nearly the entire span of Olmstead’s life, gaps exist in some areas. Documentation regarding Olmstead’s work with the Oberlin Alumni Council (1925-1932) is scattered and uneven. Unfortunately, no documentation exists regarding Olmstead’s work with the Citizenship Council of Cincinnati (1943-1957).