Irving W. Metcalf Papers

The collection is arranged around seven series. The series are: 1. Correspondence, 2. Charles M. Hall Property Records, 3. Ministerial Career and Religious Associations, 4. Student Notes and Class Records, 5. Temperance Records, 6. Miscellaneous Material, and 7. Architectural Records.

The correspondence series, which constitutes the bulk of the collection, is segregated into two parts. The first part contains correspondence of a general nature, dealing with virtually all facets of his life from business through religion, including correspondence regarding the missionary work of Annie E. Pinneo (1876-1960, A.B. Oberlin 1899) with Armenian and Turkish refugees. His correspondence from missionary Chauncey Marvin Cady (1854-1928) exists as a discrete subseries. Cady, a member of the original volunteer band from Oberlin, describes life in China and Japan in the mid-1880s. Other correspondence relating specifically to temperance can be found in the temperance series, which includes letters about the genesis of the Anti-Saloon League.

The Charles Martin Hall Property Records detail Metcalf's work as a purchasing agent for industrialist Hall. The records include correspondence as well as titles and supporting documents noting Hall's interest in securing land in Oberlin which he later bequeathed to the College. Metcalf served as an intermediary, purchasing property on behalf of Hall under his own name. After Hall's death, the title was restored to Hall's name and given to the college.

Metcalf's ministerial career is evidenced in the records of the churches he ministered to, and his affiliation with numerous religious associations and organizations. The "Parish Registers" record important genealogical information such as baptisms, marriages and funerals performed by Rev. Metcalf. Religious organizations are represented in the minutes from the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, and Congregational City Missionary Society pamphlets and programs.

Metcalf's studies and affiliation with members of the class of 1878 are well documented in Student Notes and Class Records. Notes from James H. Fairchild's theological lectures at the Oberlin Theological Seminary offer an especially vivid picture of the curriculum and theological currents offered at the Seminary in 1878-79. Notes from the Andover Theological Seminary provide additional insight into Metcalf's theological training. The class records maintained by Metcalf, consisting primarily of letters received from members of his graduating class of 1878, discuss their activities during the 20 years following graduation.

The temperance movement is documented in the correspondence received by Metcalf and pro-temperance pamphlets and fliers. The bulk of the material is correspondence received between 1884 and 1900 which illustrates the formation of the Anti-Saloon League in Oberlin and the impact of the temperance movement in politics at all levels. Included is extensive correspondence with Howard Russell, the State Superintendent of the Ohio Anti-Saloon League. Printed materials, consisting of pamphlets and fliers, promoted the temperance cause and its candidates.

Miscellaneous material is comprised of ephemera associated with Metcalf's life. Included are campaign buttons and ribbons from temperance conventions and political elections. Maps of Kansas reflect his tenure as businessman in Kansas and his ongoing relationship with Wilder S. Metcalf. A scrapbook of a trip to Germany in 1906 compiled by his daughter Edith concludes the series.

The last series comprises blueprints for a summer cottage for I. W. Metcalf in Point Ripley, Maine. These were drawn by a builder or architect in Lorain, Ohio and are undated.