John E. Wirkler Papers

Collection

Identifier: RG 30-123

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The papers of John E. Wirkler primarily document his work as director of the Men's and Women's Glee Club of Oberlin College. The collection contains programs and publicity, sheet music, and scrapbooks relating to the Glee Clubs.

Of particular interest are the words and music to songs performed by the Glee Clubs. Included is sheet music to the popular song of the 1940s and 1950s at Oberlin entitled "I'll Be with You Where You Are" (1946).

Also included in the collection is correspondence relating to John E. Wirkler's work as editor of the 1948 Alumni Catalogue. The letters include matters concerning the catalogue as well as other issues relating to the College. Some of the correspondence pertains to Wirkler's work with the Oberlin College Glee Clubs.

The papers of John E. Wirkler are divided into two series: 1. Correspondence, 1932-57, and 2. Files relating to the Oberlin College Glee Clubs (Men and Women), 1880-1948, 1951-59, undated. Series 2 is further subdivided into three subseries: 1. Programs and Publicity, 1880-1930, 1945, 1948, 1951-59; 2. Music, 1923, 1946, undated; and 3. Scrapbooks, 1894-1951.

Dates

Creation: 1880-1959, undated
Other: Date acquired: 07/28/1978

Creator

Wirkler, John E., 1879-1958 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Unrestricted.

Biographical or Historical Information

John Ebenezer Wirkler, known widely on the Oberlin College campus as "Mr. Jack" during his long and varied career in the office of the Secretary and as Glee Club Director, first arrived in Oberlin as a transfer student from Bethel College, Newton, KA, in 1901. He was born in Wichita, Kansas, on July 2, 1879, the son of Christian (1840-1932) and Elizabeth Rediger Wirkler (1858-1963). He earned both an A.B. degree (1903) and an A.M. degree (1904) from Oberlin College. He was an Instructor of History in the Oberlin Academy from 1904 to 1911. In 1911, he was appointed Assistant to the Secretary. He served in the Office of the Secretary in several capacities, including Assistant to the Secretary, 1911-1915, Assistant Secretary,1915-1938, Associate Secretary,1938-1945, and Emeritus Associate Secretary, 1945-1946. Wirkler also served as a special assistant to the Secretary and Director of Admissions, 1945-1946. He was involved in matters related to admissions, scholarships, financial aid and student employment, rooming for men, the weekly calendar, and catalogues.

He was perhaps best known by generations of students for his active and enthusiastic work with the Men's and Women's Glee Clubs. He joined the Oberlin Glee Club in 1901. By 1906 he assumed the directorship from which he retired in 1951. He also led the Women's Glee Club from 1918 to 1951. These popular groups performed regularly to eager audiences both on and off campus, including major tours during school breaks. During World War II, Wirkler directed Navy V-12 choruses and Navy men were members of the Glee Club. In addition, he conducted choirs in Oberlin, Elyria, and Lorain.

The many personal contacts through his various professional activities on campus endeared him to generations of students. In 1947, he received the Alumni Medal for distinguished service to Oberlin. In 1948, he edited a catalogue of graduates of Oberlin College.

John Wirkler married Virginia "Jennie" Norfleet Ballard (1882-1963, OC 1909) in Suffolk, Virginia, on January 14, 1908. The couple had three children, Sarah "Sally" Elizabeth (1909-1994, OC enrolled 1926-1927), Richard Ballard (1912-1994, OC enrolled 1930-1933), and John E., Jr (1915-2006, OC enrolled 1934-1936). The Wirklers were members of First Church in Oberlin.

John Wirkler died of a heart attack on May 9, 1958, in Oberlin, Ohio. His wife died on April 25, 1963.

Sources Consulted

The faculty file and student file of John E. Wirkler; and, the student file of Virginia Norfleet Ballard (Mrs. John E. Wirkler), RG 28.

Extent

1.40 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Method of Acquisition

The papers of John E. Wirkler were received by the Oberlin College Archives from Marilyn Schwinn on July 28, 1978 (accession 1978/33).

Accruals and Additions

Accession No: 1978/33.

Related Materials

See also the faculty and student files of John E. Wirkler, and the student file of Virginia Norfleet Ballard (Mrs. John E. Wirkler), RG 28; the Museum Items Collection, Item #209 (RG 35); and, the records of the Oberlin College Glee Clubs, RG 19/3/3 (Musical and Dramatic Organizations).