Office of Communications Records, 1923-present
| Oberlin College Archives
Administrative/Biographical History
Efforts to secure publicity for Oberlin College occurred as early as 1835 when the corresponding secretary of the Board of Trustees published the announcement of two appointments and reported on the establishment of professorships in Pastoral Theology and Sacred Rhetoric (Trustees Minutes, May 29, 1835). In 1856, the first concerted effort to reach the general public was made when the Prudential Committee raised the subject of the Faculty writing articles about the College for newspapers in the East and West (Prudential Committee Minutes, March 27, 1856). These occasional forays into developing publicity for the College illustrate the sporadic and haphazard nature of the activity.
Throughout the late 19th century local newspapers (e.g., Oberlin News, The Owl, The Tribune, and Cleveland Plain Dealer) offered infrequent coverage of College events. In order to remedy the situation, a Faculty press committee (Committee on Outside Representation and Newspaper Correspondence) was established to explore possibilities for spreading the word about Oberlin. The student body chipped in as well, when it chartered the Oberlin College Press Club in 1892. The stated goals of the Press Club were to encourage the study of journalism and "secure and control representation for college events in outside journals" (Oberlin Review, December 7, 1892, p.205). The Press Club achieved a modicum of success the following year when the Cleveland Plain Dealer began regularly publishing College news in the Monday edition. That same year the Faculty voted to grant credit on required work in rhetoric "for correspondence concerning Oberlin sent to local papers" (Oberlin Review, May 17, 1893, p.558).
During the administration of President John Henry Barrows (1847-1902), the College employed James H. Ross to insert occasional Oberlin news items in eastern papers. Ross was perhaps the first paid publicist in Oberlin's history. The creation of the Office of the Secretary in 1900 shifted some of the publicity burden to this new Corporate Office. In 1908 President Henry Churchill King (1858-1934) and Secretary George M. Jones (1870-1948) reviewed the handling of publicity at Oberlin. They streamlined the Faculty Committee on Newspaper Correspondence and named newly appointed Professor of English Philip D. Sherman (1881-1957) as the Committee's chairman.
Sherman gave some ten hours per week to publicity activity. In recognition of the growing newspaper work, the Board of Trustees authorized a desk to be set aside for Sherman in the office of the Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds. He also was provided stenographic help. By 1912-13 the work of the Committee was expanded. Frederick Stiven (1887-1947), a member of the Conservatory of Music Faculty, joined the Committee. He acted as the publicist for the Conservatory. Stiven also began the practice of sending special items to home newspapers, "placing Oberlin before a new and important constituency, hitherto wholly neglected by the Committee" (Sherman Staff File). All athletic publicity, however, was left up to area newspapers to contract with Oberlin students to report on athletic contests.
In 1914-15 the Faculty Committee was renamed the News Bureau Committee. Sherman continued as chairman. In the annual report for that year, Sherman reported that 403 columns equivalent to 67,000 aggregate lines of Oberlin news were printed during 1913-14, in 51 newspapers and magazines. Sherman's document, which included the results of a survey sent to over 50 representative colleges and universities, reported that a majority of these institutions had well organized and fully staffed publicity bureaus. The press was increasingly being seen by these colleges, concluded Sherman, as a useful and legitimate aid in their development.
The paid position of College Photographer was created in 1917. The role of the photographer was to portray campus events, organizations and faculty and students. Pictures were used in the Alumni Magazine and in calendars produced by the College. The first photographer was Arthur Ludwig Princehorn (1870-1931). He was assisted by his son Arthur E. Princehorn (b.1904), who took over following his father's death and served until 1969. At the time many of the faculty and staff portraits were prepared in local studios (e.g., Andrew Stofan and T. J. Rice).
During Professor Sherman's absence on sabbatical in 1919-20, Presidential Assistant William F. Bohn (1878-1947) served as the chairman of the News Bureau Committee. Bohn's service was not a radical departure from his routine duties. In fact, when the position of presidential assistant was authorized in 1902, the by-laws stated the main duty as expanding the College's supporting constituencies and cultivating new sources of development. By 1920 it was estimated that the value of the News Bureau's work for one year was equivalent to $34,000 worth of paid publicity.
The financial and developmental campaign of 1923, Oberlin's first concerted effort at fund-raising, relegated the News Bureau to obscurity. The Cleveland firm of Tamblyn and Brown was contracted to handle the College's public relations services during the campaign. In his annual report for 1923-24, the College Secretary called attention to the omission of the valuable work done by the News Bureau and recommended that the College should consider restoration of the Bureau.
Beginning with the 1928-29 budget, costs for the News Bureau were transferred from the Office of the Secretary's budget to the Assistant to the President's budget. The Trustees made additional appropriations for the work of the Publicity Bureau, which made possible the appointment of the first full-time assistant. Dorothy Hall (b.1908, A.B. '27, AM '28) held the position for five years, from 1930-35, and reported to Bohn who was chairman of the Publicity Bureau. Between 1932 and 1935 her duties also included charge of the Alumni Office.
Allen Bailey ('36), named as the secretary of the Publicity Bureau in 1936, held the position until 1942. Using the assistance of WPA (Works Progress Administration) and FERA (Federal Emergency Recovery Administration) student assistants, Bailey set about organizing the Publicity Bureau. He developed a "morgue file" of photographs and clippings, sent out biographical forms for faculty and students to complete and updated the lecture bureau. He also managed radio programs for Oberlin College that appeared on Mutual Radio and NBC, began the chapel news service to mimeograph and distribute chapel speeches. Bailey's most significant accomplishment however, was his office's handling of the celebration for the Centennial of Coeducation in 1937. The Centennial's public relations effort called for sending out releases to hundreds of newspapers, agencies and individuals. The celebration was covered by radio stations and reporters from major newspapers.
In 1952, as a result of an administrative survey of Oberlin College made by the management engineering firm of Cresap, McCormick and Paget, President William E. Stevenson (1900-1985) authorized a restructuring of the Publicity Bureau. The Bureau was reconfigured as the Public Relations Office and made a separate administrative office. News releases were overseen by a director of the News Bureau, with the remaining publicity work dealt with by the Director of Public Relations. Ella Parmenter (1892-1991, '15), who had been the Secretary of the Publicity Bureau from 1943 to 1952, became the Director of the News Bureau, serving until her retirement in 1958. Paul M. Douglas (b.1918) was named as the new Director of Public Relations in 1953. Douglas came to the position after serving as Assistant to the President the previous year, primarily handling public relations.
Discontinuities within the directorship contributed to a succession of short-term directors of Public Relations between 1953 and 1971. In addition to Douglas, the Department was run by J. Robert Williams (1958-62), Walter E. Reeves (1963-69), and Phil Tear (1969-71). Along with the problems associated with changing directors, the functional duties and responsibilities of the Office were also frequently changed. The department assumed a larger role in preparing and producing College publications. Responsibility for many established handbooks, bulletins and catalogs were turned over to the Department from other administrative offices, such as the Office of the Secretary, while other new publications were started, including Oberlin Today, and The Oberlin Letter. In 1962, as a direct result of the administrative reorientation outlined by the Board of Trustees in the "Gladieux Report," of 1960, a new position, Director of Publications was added, increasing the full-time staff to four members.
In 1971, a measure of stability was provided through the appointment of James Lubetkin (b. 1942, '64) as Director of Publications. Lubetkin's return to campus occurred at a crucial time, in the midst of campus unrest, and at the beginning of the Robert W. Fuller (1971-74) administration. Lubetkin's tenure was characterized by the increasing need to make Oberlin attractive to the diminishing number of college-age students, bringing Oberlin into the national eye. Throughout Lubetkin's tenure the Public Relations office was plagued by the demands of a national institution with the constraints of a small college budget.
Among the first actions taken by Oberlin's twelfth President, S. Frederick Starr (b.1941), was in the area of elevating public relations. Starr's plan was to have college communications and public relations joined into the Office of Communications. The reorganization consolidated the independent offices of information into one building, a house at 153 West Lorain Street. Program units housed there included the college relations office, news services, college photographer, graphic design, the Observer, and the Alumni Magazine. The new Office was administered by a Director of Communications. The first director was Barbara Chalsma, who was appointed as the successor to Lubetkin in 1984. Chalsma left in 1990 and was replaced by Al Moran that same year.
During the 1980s staff functions were increasingly specialized within the Office of Communications. Additional writers were added to the staff to increase national awareness of Oberlin and attract new students in a time of renewal. Utilizing modern technologies production of College publications was centralized. The Office of Communications began working closely with other campus offices such as the Admissions Office to create a new series of viewbooks, and admissions videos.
In 1997 the unit was renamed the Office of College Relations, under which it operated until the end of the 2007-2008 academic year. At the beginning of the 2008-2009 academic year the name was changed back to the Office of Communications.
For a history of the Alumni Magazine, see “Oberlin Alumni Magazine- Celebrating 100 Years,” Oberlin Alumni Magazine (Fall 2004), pages 16-22.
DIRECTORS OF COLLEGE PUBLICITY
(1908-29 Publicity handled by Committee on Newspaper Correspondence)
Secretaries of the Publicity Bureau
1930-35 Dorothy Hall
1935 Gratia Sharp
1936-42 Allen C. Bailey
1943-52 Ella C. Parmenter
Directors of Public Relations
1953-57 Paul M. Douglas
1958-62 J. Robert Williams
1963-69 Walter E. Reeves
1969-71 Phil Tear
Director of College Information
1971-84 Jim Lubetkin
Director/Vice President of Communications
1984-90 Barbara Chalsma
1990-2008 Al Moran (College Relations, 1997-2008)
2008- Ben Jones
SOURCES CONSULTED
Board of Trustees Minutes (Record Group 1)
Prudential Committee Minutes (RG 1)
Oberlin Review
The Observer
Annual Reports (published and unpublished)
Faculty and Staff Files (RG 28)
William F. Bohn Papers (RG 3/1)
Oberlin College Directories
Forms of Material (links to similar genres)letters (correspondence)
logos
moving images - videotapes
official reports
paintings (visual works) - watercolors
photographs - negatives (photographic)
photographs - photographic prints
photographs - slides
prints (visual works)
publications
records (documents)
sound recordings - audiocassettes
sound recordings - audiotapes
sound recordings - CD-ROMs
Administrative InformationThe records of the Office of Communications (Public Relations Office) were received in nineteen separate accessions between 1967 and 1992. In December 1966, Archivist William E. Bigglestone conducted a records survey of the Public Relations Office in Peters Hall. At that time he identified four major records series and developed a retention schedule for transfer to the Archives. In 1967 the first lots of records were transferred to the Archives, consisting of paper files, photographs, and audiotapes. Photographs generated by Public Relations were interfiled with existing photographs in record group 32. The remaining records were classified as part of the newly created Public Relations record group (18). The largest accession was received in September 1988 when 52 linear feet of records were transferred to the Archives from storage in Peter's Hall. In 1991, Rick Sherlock, the College Photographer transferred eleven cartons of miscellaneous prints, negatives, and contact sheets which represented the work of his predecessors. These photographic files were added to the records of the Office of Communications. Processing of the collection began during January 1992. At that time the total volume of the collection stood at 110 linear feet. After considerable weeding, the collection stood at 79 linear feet. Not included in this volume are five linear feet of records separated from the collection: College Investment Advisory Committee (CIAC) files which were transferred to record group 33 (Committees), and the faculty and staff files which were interfiled into record group 28. Several files of photographs were added to those already identified in Record Group 32.
Since 1992 an additional 32 accessions have been added to the collection. These accretions include CD-ROM copies of the reel-to-reel audio recordings filed in Series 1, Subseries 3.
PROCESSED BY: Accessions 28 through 1986/13 arranged by Archivist William E. Bigglestone; Accessions 1988/21 through 1992/11 arranged by Brian A. Williams. Entire collection reorganized January-February, 1992 by Brian A. Williams, assisted by Yvonne Cramer and Richard Baxstrom. Additions made May 1995 by Eric D. Miller.
REVISED: 7 May 1997 by Tara Ikenouye, February 2000 by Joshua Adler, April 2001 by James Merchant, February 2002 by Jonathan M. Thurn, April 2005, May & June 2008 by Archives Staff. March 2009, July 2009, September 2011 and December 2013, August 2018 by Anne Cuyler Salsich. Archives staff, October 2014; June 2018.
The records of the Office of Communications and its predecessor bodies serve as a significant vertical file covering a wide range of events and topics of interest to the College. The records, existing in both textual and non-textual formats, thus provide an historical overview of these events and topics, dating from 1923 through the present. Comprised of news clips, subject files, news releases, photographs and reel to reel tape recording, the collection documents Oberlin history, Oberlin traditions, present and past aims, and other matters presenting to the public Oberlin's unique role in higher education.
Records pertain to the methods by which the Office of Communications serves as the administrative unit through which news about Oberlin College is gathered and distributed through the media. Although early efforts at public relations are not well documented, records from the 1920s indicate the gradual organization and growth of this news bureau function. The modern day equivalent of the Office of Communications developed over five decades.
Administrative efforts to shape the public image of Oberlin College are chronicled in these records. Dissemination of news and publicity through a variety of formats is also evident. Changing technologies for presenting news are documented here as well. The advent of wire services, radio, and television all impacted on the manner in which public relations information was conveyed and distributed. For example, files dealing with radio indicate a major emphasis on broadcasting Oberlin musical programs and symposiums lasting from 1930 through the mid 1950s. The production of a videotape in 1992, which details Oberlin's commitment to minority education, represents the use of a more recent technology and format.
The records of the Office of Communications are divided into two major subgroups. In segregating the files along the lines of format (textual records and non-textual records), one further understands the technologies employed by the Office as well as the methods used to represent Oberlin graphically and in print.
The textual records include administrative files, correspondence, news releases, newspaper clippings, publications files and subject files. Administrative files primarily reflect the modern administration of the Office during the tenure of James Lubetkin (O.C. 1963) from 1971-84, but do contain scattered annual reports from 1934 to 1971. A few items in the subject files contain information on the budget and College policy in general. The Lubetkin files document an increased awareness of minorities, and a strong commitment to recast Oberlin's image.
The correspondence series is very modest. That which was not separately maintained is dispersed throughout the subject files which contain both incoming and outgoing correspondence. The correspondence series contains the representative work of four different directors, Paul Douglas, Walter Reeves, Phil Tear, and Don Molloy. The chronological file, for 1969-70, is useful in gaining a feel of what transpired in the Office during a particular year. The General file likewise contains scattered correspondence which attests to the wide constituency served by the Office of Communications.
Subject files represent the largest records series and also the most significant series. The subject files serve as a time capsule chronicling stories about campus events and occurrences, faculty and student activities, appointments, promotions, and developmental gifts. The subject files show the way the office filed and retrieved information. Arranged alphabetically, these files primarily contain the raw material used to compile press releases. Dating from 1930 to 1989, these files contain much usable general information providing an orientation which serves as a springboard for further research. The alphabetical arrangement also acts as a balance for the chronological run of news releases spanning from 1958 to 1991. These two series largely complement one another.
The large volume of newspaper clippings serves as a means to measure the relative success of the Office of Communications in disseminating information and presenting a sympathetic picture of Oberlin to the public at large. The clippings are arranged into three subseries with the most basic arrangement scheme being along the lines of subjects designed to provide rapid access. While the clippings file should not serve as the final source of information, these records offer a convenient way to provide the context for more thorough study.
Beginning publication in 1979, the Observer is the official newspaper for the Oberlin College faculty and staff. The paper is produced under the auspices of the Office of Communications, and is filed here in accordance with administrative control of the paper. Unlike the Alumni Magazine which shares space in the Office of Communications house on Lorain, the Observer has been constantly affiliated with the Office of Communications. The Alumni Magazine has reported to several different administrative bodies, therefore it is filed with the Alumni Association records as that entity has had historical control over the publication. The records of the Observer consist of bound volumes, an index, and notes taken by Editor Carol Ganzel at General Faculty meetings which became the basis for articles on these meetings.
Production of various campus publications has been handled by the Office of Communications and its predecessors since the 1930s. The publications series contains files relating to the production of these publications, many of which are one-time-only publications while others are produced in an ongoing basis. These files relate to the cost and production of brochures commencement programs, Office of Development campaign literature, and serial publications such as The Oberlin College Bulletin. The records contain examples of the finished product in addition to layouts and specifications. These functions are presently handled by Graphic Design, an affiliated unit.
Another supplement to the subject files and clippings series is the special events file. Primarily comprised of records relating to the celebration of the Centennial of Coeducation in 1937, these records provide insight into the process of organizing large scale celebrations and events. Noticeably lacking here are records of the Sesquicentennial celebration in 1983.
The second major subgroup, non-textual records, consists exclusively of non-paper media. Divided into two series, the records are comprised of audiotapes (reel-to-reel), and photographic media. The 700 audiotapes offer a wealth of recorded speakers and events to the researcher, providing the opportunity to hear the actual speakers or symposiums as they occurred. Dating from 1952 through 1987, these recordings are a rich source of distinguished visitors and faculty members speaking on relevant topics of the day. Key symposiums include debates on student demonstrations and reaction to American involvement in Vietnam. Recorded coverage of memorial services for slain leaders John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. assess the campus mood at the time of these events. Addresses given by Presidents William E. Stevenson and Robert K. Carr shed light on understanding their respective presidencies. Significant speakers recorded here include Abe Burrows, Clyde Holbrook, Martin Luther King, Jr., Senator Henry M. Jackson, Gloria Steinem and Robert E. Neil.
The role of the College Photographer is documented in the photographic media series. The latter contains contact sheets, negatives, slides, and the 1992 video on minorities. Photographs are described here, but are physically housed elsewhere in record group 32. Record group 32 was created by Archivist William E. Bigglestone as the central location for photographic material, combining photographic items from a variety of sources. Likewise the negatives of Arthur "Pinky" Princehorn (b.1904), College Photographer from 1931 to 1969, are separately identified and housed in record group 32/6. Photographic subject files in record group 32 are essentially the old working files of the Office of Communications. The photographic media provides a graphic portrayal of life at Oberlin College and in the Oberlin Community.
The records of the Office of Communications are organized in the following subgroups and series:
Subgroup I. Textual Records
Series 1. Administrative Files
Subseries 1. Annual Reports
Subseries 2. Administrative Files (Jim Lubetkin)
Subseries 3. Office of the Ombudsperson [2001/100]
Series 2. Correspondence
Series 3. General File
Series 4. Name Files
Series 5. Subject Files
Series 6. News Releases
Series 7. Newspaper Clippings
Subseries 1. Alphabetical Subjects
Subseries 2. Chronological Clippings
Subseries 3. Topical Clippings
Series 8. The Observer
Series 9. Publications Files
Series 10. Special Events Files
Subgroup II. Non-Textual Records
Series 1. Audio Recordings
Subseries 1. Reel-to-Reel Tapes
Subseries 2. Cassette Tapes
Subseries 3. CD-Roms
Series 2. Photographic Media
Subseries 1. Contact Sheets
Subseries 2. Negatives
Subseries 3. Photographs (Prints)
Subseries 4. Slides
Series 3. Moving Images
Series 4. Oversize Flat Art
Subseries 1. Typography and Design
Subseries 2. Watercolors
SUBGROUP AND SERIES DESCRIPTIONS
Subgroup I. Textual Records, 1923-2000 (52.7 linear feet)
This subgroup designation, which is designed to distinguish the format of the records, separates the photographs and sound recordings from the paper files. Records are comprised of the paper records created or received by the Office of Communications. The subgroup is subdivided into ten records: Series 1. Administrative Files; 2. Correspondence; 3. General File;4. Name Files; 5. Subject Files; 6. News Releases; 7. Newspaper Clippings; 8. The Observer; 9. Publications Files; 10. Special Events Files.
Series 1. Administrative Files, 1934-83 (1.70 linear feet)
Consists of an incomplete file of annual reports of the Office, 1934-71, and the administrative records of Jim Lubetkin, Director of College Relations, from 1971 to 1984. Included Lubetkin's records are his committee files, personnel files on his staff, and various subjects relating to College activities and media relations. His records from the College Investment Advisory Committee (CIAC), which he chaired, were transferred to the Record Group 33 (Committees). Arranged into two subseries: 1. Annual Reports, and 2. Administrative Files (Jim Lubetkin).
Series 2. Correspondence, 1952-57, 1964, 1968-70, 1984-88 (0.4 lin. ft.)
The correspondence contained within this records series represents a small portion of the correspondence carried out by the Public Relations Office. The series contains the outgoing correspondence of Don Molloy and Phil Tear for 1969-70, arranged chronologically by month. The correspondence mainly deals with advertising and College publications. Also found here is a file of Walter Reeve's personal correspondence for 1964 and 1968-69. Letters of reference, written by Paul Douglas between 1952-57 and Walter Reeves from 1968-69, attest to their efforts to place students in post-graduate programs. Additional correspondence is to be found throughout the subject files.
Series 3. General File, 1952-70 (0.4 linear feet)
Consisting primarily of correspondence, the general file contains a partial alphabet from A to W. The bulk of the files are from the early 1960s, but dates range from 1952 to 1970. Both incoming and outgoing correspondence with individuals, faculty members and other colleges are found in this series.
Series 4. Name Files, 1936-87 (0.4 linear feet)
Name files contain correspondence, clippings, and supporting documentation relating to campus visitors, faculty members, and graduates. Many of the files contain background information on individuals used to compile news releases. Notable names include Charles Martin Hall, Martin Luther King, Jr., Paul Robeson, Eldridge Snyder, Adlai Stevenson, and Bishop Desmond Tutu. The series is alphabetically arranged.
Series 5. Subject Files, 1930-89 (19.0 linear feet)
Containing the bulk of the textual records, this series is an alphabetical record of College and Conservatory events, activities, and organizations. The record series also serves as a historical file chronicling campus unrest in the 1960s and changing social rules and regulations. These files were largely created for the purpose of gathering information to prepare news releases. Typical files contain news releases in draft and final form, correspondence (incoming and outgoing), clippings, and printed material. Topics range from issues such as academic freedom and loyalty oaths to student organizations and campus and community events. The Conservatory of Music subject files contain documentation on advertising, choir tours, the Salzburg program as well as Willard Warch's 1967 manuscript on the centennial history of the Conservatory. The College's efforts to utilize radio broadcasts to promote the College is well documented here. These files serve to support the news releases in series 6.
Series 6. News Releases, 1955- (8.2 linear feet)
This chronological sequence of news releases represents the main product of this administrative office, copies of news releases sent to newspapers and organization throughout the country. The only significant gap is for the year 1959. No releases exist for that year. Although releases were prepared prior to 1958, they were not maintained chronologically until 1958. Earlier releases may be found in the subject files. News releases contain stories on appointments and resignations, campus events and subjects, frequently in a suggested format. A news release log beginning in 1955, reports the date, subject, release number, total copies sent, and running totals. The log is complete from 1955 to 1988, with the exception of 1973-76, which is unaccounted for. The log for 1980-88 is a photocopy of the record still held by the Office of Communications.
Series 7. Newspaper Clippings, 1923-2000 (16.2 linear feet)
This large file of newspaper clippings documents the efforts of the Office of Communications and its predecessor bodies to promote Oberlin College in the press. Primarily comprised of news clips compiled by external clipping services, the series offers a rich source of information on subjects and events which were significant in the life of the College. Particularly rich are the clippings reporting on student demonstrations and protests in the 1960s. Both original clippings and photocopied clippings are housed within this series. The series is organized into five subseries: 1. Alphabetical Clippings (Original), 1934-39; 2. Chronological Clippings (Photocopied); 3. Topical Clippings (Original and Photocopied); 4. Scrapbooks; 5. Clipbooks.
Series 8. The Observer, 1979-91 (1.6 linear feet)
Consists of printed editions of the Oberlin College faculty and staff newspaper the Observer, 1979-1992, and General Faculty meeting files maintained by Carol Ganzel, including copies of minutes, supporting documents, and notes (prepared from meetings in her hand), covering the period 1987-1990.
Series 9. Publications Files, 1939, 1952-81, 1984, 1992, 1994 (2.5 linear feet)
Documentation consists of records relating to the creation of College publications. Files contain the final printed copy, drafts and blue lines, as well as correspondence and fiscal records relating to cost and distribution of publications produced by Oberlin College. Publications range from brochures and fliers to commencement programs and course catalogs. The majority of the records date from the appointment of Walter Reeves as the first Director of Publications in 1963.
Series 10. Special Events Files, 1937, 1947, 1957-61 (2.5 lin. ft.)
This records series documents the public relations efforts in support of special events from 1937 to 1961. The majority of the records pertain to the massive public relations push to commemorate the Centennial of Coeducation in 1937. Included in these files is the correspondence written by William F. Bohn (1878-1947) and Ernest Hatch Wilkins (1880-1966) mainly covering invitations to the event. Other special events include the inaugurations of Presidents William E. Stevenson (1900-1985) and Robert Kenneth Carr (1908-1979), and the 75th anniversary of Charles Martin Hall's (1863-1914) discoveries in the aluminum field held in 1961. Records of building dedications are located in the subject file. Newspaper clippings contain additional coverage of many of these events.
Subgroup II. Non-Textual Records, 1950-2007 (34.31 linear feet)
Arranged and described under subgroup II, are all non-paper records or media. Consisting of tape recordings, photographs, contact sheets, negatives, slides, and video, this subgroup mainly documents the work of the College Photographer. The tape recordings and photographs provide a graphic portrayal of campus life and events. Organized into two series: 1. Audio Recordings, and 2. Photographic Media.
Series 1. Audio Recordings, 1952-87 (27.61 linear feet)
Subseries 1. Reel-to-Reel Tapes
Divided into two subseries: 1. Reel-to-Reel Tapes, 2. Cassette Tapes. Over 700 reel-to-reel audiotapes located here broadly documents College life. Tapes record visiting speakers, commencement ceremonies, presentations given by faculty members and presidents, and debates and forums at Oberlin College between 1952 and 1987. The bulk of the recordings are from assemblies, and include addresses by Minoru Yamasaki, Ralphe Bunche, William Sloane Coffin, Jr., Henry Kissinger, Martin Luther King, Jr., Roy Wilkins, S.L.A. Marshall, Edwin O. Reischauer, Ralph Nader, Jesse Jackson, Shirley Chisholm, Gloria Steinem, Alex Haley, Gwendolyn Brooks, Ralph Abernathy, Julian Bond, and Cesar Chavez. Tapes are arranged chronologically. An index on 3x5 cards lists speakers and symposiums alphabetically (although the index also contains recordings not housed in this record group). The majority of the tapes are wound tails out. Subseries 2., Cassette Tapes, contains cassette tape copies of reel-to-reel tapes found in subseries I. See also 37/4 for other cassette tapes.
Subseries 2. Cassette Tapes
Contains cassette tape copies of reel-to-reel tapes found in Subseries I.
Subseries 3. CD-Roms
Contains CD-Rom copies of reel-to-reel tapes found in Subseries I.
Series 2. Photographic Media, c.1950-88 (5.0 linear feet) *
Records primarily document the efforts of the college photographer to capture a sense of College life and to provide illustrations for publications and news releases. A large portion of the photographic work was handled by Arthur Princehorn (b.1904), College Photographer from 1931 until his retirement in 1969. Princehorn's work is intensely connected with the Public Relations Office, although his photographs and negatives are separately maintained. Princehorn's negatives (1917-1966) are filed in record group 32/6. Prints attributable to Princehorn appear throughout the photographic subject files in record group 32. This series is comprised of five subseries, generally designated by format: 1. Contact Sheets; 2. Negatives; 3. Photographs; 4. Slides; and 5. Video.
* The volume figure given here only represents materials physically housed within this record group. Additional photographic records are described here, but housed elsewhere.
Subseries 1. Contact Sheets, 1959-73 (1.25 linear feet)
The contact sheets retained here represent a sampling of the work of various college photographers between 1959 and 1973. Photographers include Robert Williams (b.1916), Arthur Princehorn (b.1904), and Robert Stillwell (b.1945). The contact sheets provide evidential value of the photographic process in place at the time, as well as the photographer's perspective. The contact sheets, largely unidentified, are chronologically arranged.
Subseries 2. Negatives, c.1950-85 (1.25 linear feet)
Represented here are miscellaneous negatives in a variety of formats, including 35mm strip negatives, 2x2, 4x5, and 8x10. The negatives encompass a variety of people, events and subjects. A portion of the negatives from the 1970s and 1980s are entered in the Archives numbered negative file. The Princehorn negatives (32/6) should also be consulted.
Subseries 3. Photographs (Prints), [c.1910-1988]
Although the photographs are described here, they are physically filed in Record Group 32. Photographs organized in record group 32 include buildings, subjects and miscellany. Photographs in these files have come from a number of sources, the primary source being the college photographer and Office of Communications. In a real sense these images represent the working files of the Office of Communications. Many of the photographs bear a stamp which notes either "News Bureau" or "Public Relations". Further information and more complete inventories appear in the Archives "Guide to Photographs."
Subseries 4. Slides, 1961-84 (2.0 linear feet)
These slides of campus and community scenes, and assorted faculty and staff members provides further evidence of the work of the college photographer and Office of Communications. The slides represent the efforts of Robert Stillwell (b.1945) and John Corveau. Of interest are the slides relating to the 1980 Winter Term project, "Rediscovery of the Underground Railroad."
Series 3. Moving Images, 1992, 2007 (0.2 linear feet)
Found here is a videotape produced by the Office of Communications. Titled, "Follow the Morning Star," the video documents Oberlin's commitment to African-American and minority students. The video, released in 1992, is narrated by Bill Cosby and includes several images from the Oberlin College Archives.
Additionally, one DVD contains compiled news clips, October 2007. This is a sample of many such compilations made during the 2000s and 2010s.
See also Shurtleff house tour, 2001/013, RNG 42. Also includes the transcript (27 p.), written and produced by Betty Gabrielli.
Series 4. Oversize Flat Art, ca. 1984, 1988-91, ca. 1999, ca. 2004 (1.66 l.f.)
Arranged in two subseries: 1. Typography and Design, and 2. Watercolors. Subseries 1 holds Oberlin logos and headings hand-drawn by designer Joan Anderson in ca. 1984, and prints of college buildings by Cheri Haskell, 1988-91. The watercolors in subseries 2 comprise viewbook cover art by Jerry Kalback and campus map art by Lorenz Studio.