A. Clair Siddall Papers, 1918-1988

This collection is arranged in four series: 1. Biographical File; 2. Writings; 3. Research Files; and 4. Photographs.

Consisting primarily of writings and research files, A. Claire Siddall’s papers document his scholarship and contributions to the field of medicine.  Of primary interest are his writings on the early history of medical practice in the city of Oberlin, Ohio.  Equally valuable are his many articles on women’s health issues.  The balance of this collection is made up of collected photographs of Oberlin physicians and hospitals, and biographical material on Siddall.  These records do not provide any insight into Siddall’s personal or academic life.  Very little documentation exists for his years as a missionary in China (1923-1932), and no documentation exists for his foundation of the Oberlin Clinic in 1962.

SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

Series 1. Biographical File, 1922-1988

Contained here are awards presented to A. Clair Siddall during his career.  Included is a Man of the Year Award from the City of Oberlin (1964), a Distinguished Community Service Award from Oberlin College (1972), and an Honorary D.Sci. Award from Otterbein College (1969).  This series also contains several Siddall family histories.  Series is arranged chronologically.  Plaques and certificates relating to Siddall's medical career were received in accession 2002/56 and are filed separately.

Series 2. Writings, 1928-1980

Consisting of Siddall’s published writings, several works are devoted to the history of medical practices in Oberlin.  Other papers address gynecological topics,  focusing on issues faced by pregnant women.  Specific titles include “A Suggested Test for Pregnancy” (1928), “Vitamin b Deficiency as an Etiologic Factor in Pregnancy Toxemias” (1940), and “History of Homeopathic Medicine at Oberlin, Ohio 1933-1933” (1978).  This series is arranged by topic; history of medicine at Oberlin, and general medicine, and chronologically thereunder.

Series 3. Research Files, 1975-1979, n.d.

Files include research notes regarding the early medical practices and physicians of Oberlin.   Materials kept in support for for such articles as “Birth Control at Oberlin--Sexual Mores in Oberlin 1833-1975”,  and “Isaac Jennings--Advocate of Medical Reform--1840” are found here.  Other topics covered in this series are Sarah Furnas Wells acupuncture and placebos.

Series 4. Photographs, n.d.

Series contains photographs of a variety of Oberlin health care providers.  Included are A. Claire Siddall, James Dascomb, Edna Schnick, and Linda Richards. Photographs of Oberlin’s first hospital (1907, 21. S. Cedar Street), and James Dascomb’s residence (227 S. Professor), are also found here.  Arrangement is first by individuals, and then by structure.  Filed separately are two group photographs, dating from Siddall's college days (c. 1918) and a photograph of Siddall with his brother-in-law Jack Warner (Oberlin College director of health services, c. 1960s); these photographs were received in accession 2002/56