Keyes DeWitt Metcalf Family Papers, 1872-1990, undated

Collection Overview

Title: Keyes DeWitt Metcalf Family Papers, 1872-1990, undated

ID: RG 30/212

Creator: Metcalf, Keyes DeWitt (1889-1983)

Extent: 7.51 Linear Feet

Arrangement:

SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

Series 1. Isaac S. Metcalf Family Financial Records, 1892-1897 (0.1 l.f.)

Two daily record books (1892-1893, 1896-1897) of Keyes Metcalf's father, Isaac Stevens Metcalf, document household and family expenses and indicate plans for garden plots.

Series 2. Courtship Correspondence of Keyes DeWitt Metcalf and Martha Amanda Gerrish, 1907-1914, undated (2.1 l.f.)

This series represents a fairly complete record of a courtship between two typically well-educated middle-class individuals. The letters document the growth of a relationship which evolved from friendship into affection during the years between their senior year in high school (1907) and their marriage in June, 1914. Keyes and Martha corresponded on a nearly daily basis, and much of the content contains routine correspondence but also includes topics such as current events, education and work after Oberlin, government and politics, their traditional ideas regarding marriage, and Martha’s poor health. The letters follow their work in different locations after graduating from Oberlin, mainly Martha in Cleveland, Ohio, and Keyes in New York City. They are arranged chronologically. Generally, each folder contains one month of letters written by one of the correspondents—Keyes to "Mart" comes first, followed by ''Mart'' to Keyes. Postcards are placed together in each folder, preceding the letters. Undated letters are placed at the beginning of the series.

Series 3. Miscellaneous Correspondence and Writings, 1904-1985, undated (0.2 l.f.)

This series contains letters written by Keyes Metcalf, letters to and from Keyes' brothers and sisters, correspondence of Keyes’ children, and other miscellaneous correspondence and writings. The miscellaneous correspondence series also includes an anonymous letter about Azariah Smith Root, Keyes’ graduation announcements, and wedding congratulations from former classmates. This series is arranged chronologically by the first date of materials in the folder.

Series 4. Historical and Genealogical File of the Keyes Metcalf Family, 1872-1998, undated (2.45 l.f.)

Series 4 mainly concerns the career and achievements of Keyes Metcalf, but also includes genealogical and family history materials.

Subseries 1. Metcalf Genealogy and Family Information, 1940-1998

Included in this subseries are three genealogy notebooks. Other materials in this subseries include clippings, obituaries, and writings about both Keyes Metcalf and the Metcalf family.

Subseries 2. News Clippings and Writings of Keyes D. Metcalf, 1907-1983, undated

Included in this subseries are clippings regarding Keyes’ athletic career at Oberlin College, clippings regarding Keyes’ library career and hobbies, Keyes' wife Martha, and clippings about Oberlin, 1911-ca. 1983.

Subseries 3. Degrees, Honorary Degrees, and Awards of the Metcalf Family, 1872-1974, undated

This subseries contains awards, certificates of appreciation, degrees, and diplomas of the Metcalf family, including the multiple honorary degrees awarded to Keyes Metcalf. The awards are listed in chronological order.

Subseries 4. Objects of Keyes Metcalf, ca. 1908-1981, undated

Subseries 4 contains objects from Keyes Metcalf including jewelry, pins, and professional medals of recognition, as well as an identification charm from Keyes’ mother Harriet Howes Metcalf.

Series 5. Metcalf Family Photographs, ca. 1884-1981 (1.0 l.f.)

The photographs in this series are arranged by name of the subject. Twelve Metcalf family members and their spouses, nearly all Oberlin College graduates, are represented. Most of these are formal portraits. The majority were taken of Keyes, his wife and descendants. An oversize photograph of a reunion of the class of 1893 at Oberlin is housed separately in the College Archives’ Oversize Photographs collection, RG 32/10, Oversize Box 11. Some tintypes and cyanotypes are located in the photograph files.

Series 6. Scrapbook, ca. 1907-1911 (1.66 l.f.)

Series 6 holds the college scrapbook of Martha Gerrish (Metcalf) from 1907-1911.

Date Acquired: 10/27/1989

Languages: English [eng]

Administrative Information

Accruals: Accession Nos: 1989/182, 1990/49, 2018/051.

Access Restrictions: Unrestricted.

Acquisition Method: The Keyes DeWitt Metcalf Family Papers were delivered in two lots to the Oberlin College Archives by Keyes' son William Gerrish Metcalf ("Gerry") in October 1989 (Accession 1989/182), and May 1990 (Accession 1990/049). Gerry Metcalf assisted in the identification of photos and rendered his personal recollections. An additional linear foot of photographs was received in 2018 from Peter Small, as well as a scrapbook and diploma (Accession 2018/051).

Related Materials:

Azariah Smith Root Papers (RG 30/57)

Alumni Association Records (RG 20) document Keyes Metcalf’s time as class agent.

For more information about related branches of the Metcalf Family, see the papers of Eliab Wight Metcalf (RG 30/28) and Irving W. Metcalf (RG 30/9).

The Gerrish Family Papers (RG 30/109) contains documents of Martha Gerrish Metcalf and her immediate family members, as well as some documents of Keyes who played a role in handling the estate of William B. Gerrish.

Isaac Stevens Metcalf Papers (Midwest-MS-Metcalf), Modern Manuscripts & Archives at the Newberry, https://archives.newberry.org/repositories/2/resources/1237.

Keyes DeWitt Metcalf Records (MssArc 5113), New York Public Library Archives & Manuscripts, https://archives.nypl.org/nypla/5113.

Library Architectural Records, School of Information, Florida State University, https://ischool.cci.fsu.edu/.

Photographs of Keyes DeWitt Metcalf and other members of the Metcalf family can be found in RG 32/3.

Related branches of the Metcalf Family can be found in the papers of Eliab Wight Metcalf (30/28) and Irving W. Metcalf (30/9).

Student files, Keyes DeWitt Metcalf, Martha Gerrish Metcalf, Azariah Smith Root, and other Metcalf Family members (RG 28).

Related Publications:

Metcalf, Keyes D. 1988. My Harvard Library Years, 1937-1955: A Sequel to Random Recollections of an Anachronism. Cambridge, MA: Harvard College Library.

Metcalf, Keyes D. 1980. Random Recollections of an Anachronism: Or, Seventy-five Years of Library Work. New York: Readex Books.

Preferred Citation: Keyes DeWitt Metcalf Family Papers, 1872-1990, undated, RG 30/212, Oberlin College Archives.

Processing Information: Carol Jacobs, 1990; Louisa C. Hoffman, 2024

Finding Aid Revision History: Tristan P. Gaiser, July 1998; October 2001; Archives Staff, 2022; Louisa C. Hoffman, March 2024

Box and Folder Listing

Series 1: Isaac S. Metcalf Family Financial Records, 1892-1897

Box 1

Folder 1: Day Book, 1892 March 25-1893 April 22
Folder 2: Day Book, 1896 September 01-1897 October 01

Series 2: Courtship Correspondence of Keyes DeWitt Metcalf and Martha Amanda Gerrish, 1907-1914, undated

Box 1

Folder 3: Drawings by Martha Gerrish sent during courtship, undated: Drawings include a small portrait of Keyes, and other drawings depicting Keyes as the devil with fallen angels.
Folder 4: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, undated
Folder 5: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, undated
Folder 6: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1907 June-September: Letters written from Quartz (now Mineral City), Montana.
Folder 7: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, ca. 1907 July: One postcard
Folder 8: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1908 July-September: Two items
Folder 9: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1908 January-March: Two items.
Folder 10: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1910
Folder 11: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1909-1910: Contains hand illustrated party invitation addressed to Donald Storrs King, Keyes DeWitt Metcalf, and Laurence MacDaniels.
Folder 12: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1911 January: 1911 January 28 from Youngstown, Ohio may be misdated and instead from 1912.
Folder 13: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1911 February-March
Folder 14: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1911 June
Folder 15: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1911 July
Folder 16: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1911 April-July: Two letters.
Folder 17: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1911 July-August: Written at Hiram House Camp, Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
Folder 18: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1911 August 1-16
Folder 19: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1911 August 17-31
Folder 20: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1911 September-October 16: Beginning of Keyes' residency and attendance at the New York Public Library School.
Folder 21: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1911 October 17-31
Folder 22: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1911 September-October: Only one letter from September 1911.

Box 2

Folder 1: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1911 November
Folder 2: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1911 November 2-19
Folder 3: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1911 November 20-30: Includes four postcards illustrated by Martha Gerrish that make up one illustration of the Keyes devil as seen in the undated drawings in Box 1. Also drawn is a cat dressed as an angel.
Folder 4: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1911 December
Folder 5: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1911 December
Folder 6: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1912 January: Some letters dated January 1912 may actually be from January 1913. Keyes heads the Oberlin College Library starting here while Azariah Smith Root was on sabbatical.
Folder 7: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1912 January
Folder 8: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1912 February: Contains handmade Valentine card by Keyes with a baby photo of Martha and an adult photo of Keyes.
Folder 9: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1912 February: Martha writes many letters regarding her poor health this month.
Folder 10: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1912 March
Folder 11: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1912 March: Two letters from March 1912.
Folder 12: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1912 April: Contains descriptions of Keyes working in the Carnegie Library.
Folder 13: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1912 May: 1912 May 2 postcard illustrated by Keyes as a depiction of a student a as stick figure running from Oberlin's campus from 4:00 PM-5:00 PM on a Friday afternoon
Folder 14: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1912 June: Describes events of the Oberlin Class Reunion activities in 1912.
Folder 15: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1912 June

Box 3

Folder 1: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1912 July
Folder 2: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1912 July: Martha describes in great detail her summer experience in Cleveland, Ohio.
Folder 3: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1912 August
Folder 4: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1912 August
Folder 5: Keyes Metcalf to Marth Gerrish, 1912 September
Folder 6: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1912 September
Folder 7: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1912 October
Folder 8: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1912 October
Folder 9: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1912 November
Folder 10: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1912 November
Folder 11: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1912 December
Folder 12: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1912 December
Folder 13: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1913 January 1-11: Some letters in the January 1912 file may actually be misdated and belong in this January 1913 file. This month begins Keyes' move back to New York City and his education at the New York Public Library School.
Folder 14: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1913 January 12-29
Folder 15: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1913 January 2-19
Folder 16: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1913 January 20-30

Box 4

Folder 1: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1913 February 1-11: Contains handmade Valentine's Day cards made by Keyes.
Folder 2: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1913 February 19-28
Folder 3: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1913 February 1-13
Folder 4: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1913 February 15-24
Folder 5: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1913 March 1-17: Keyes mentions his job offer at the New York Public Library School to be filled when he graduated.
Folder 6: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1913 March 18-30
Folder 7: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1913 March: Knowing Keyes' dissatisfaction with the Woman Suffrage movement, Martha writes a letter on March 24, 1913 with the Ohio Woman Suffrage Association letterhead because she "couldn't resist the temptation."
Folder 8: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1913 April: Keyes mentions Martha becoming Mrs. K.D. Metcalf, ca. April 14, 1913 letter.
Folder 9: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1913 April: Martha expresses many health problems during this month.
Folder 10: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1913 May 1-7
Folder 11: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1913 May 8-31
Folder 12: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1913 May: Some letters contain arguments about when and how long Keyes' and Martha's summer vacations will be.
Folder 13: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1913 June-July: There is a large gap in the letters from the middle of June to the end of July due to Keyes and Martha being together on summer holiday.
Folder 14: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1913 June-July: Some letters mention a cat that Martha helped rescue.

Box 5

Folder 1: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1913 August 1-23
Folder 2: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1913 August 24-31
Folder 3: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1913 August 1-17
Folder 4: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1913 August 18-30
Folder 5: Keyes Metcalf to Marth Gerrish, 1913 September 1-5: Keyes gets visited in New York City by former classmate Paul Hilborn (OC 1910) throughout September 1913.
Folder 6: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1913 September 15-29
Folder 7: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1913 September 1-7
Folder 8: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1913 September 10-30
Folder 9: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1913 October: October 1 letter includes program and publicity from the Track & Field Games of the New York Public Library Athletic Association.
Folder 10: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1913 October: October 21-30 are dated 1911 but might be misdated
Folder 11: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1913 November
Folder 12: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1913 November: In the letter dated November 27, 1913, Martha mentions that this will be the last Thanksgiving they spend apart.
Folder 13: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1913 December: Keyes' letters mention planning their future together more and more throughout the December letters.
Folder 14: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1913 December

Box 6

Folder 1: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1914 January: The first letter begins the New Year with Keyes suggesting that he and Martha get married in June.
Folder 2: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1914 January
Folder 3: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1914 February
Folder 4: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1914 February: Martha describes Oberlin College and Oberlin High School basketball games in the letter written February 7, 1914.
Folder 5: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1914 March 1-19: Keyes is involved in conversations with Martha throughout March about wedding planning.
Folder 6: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1914 March 20-31
Folder 7: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1914 March
Folder 8: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1914 April 1-13
Folder 9: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1914 April 14-30
Folder 10: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1914 April 1-15: The April 15, 1914 letter includes fabric samples of Martha's clothing, including fabric from her wedding dress.
Folder 11: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1914 April 16-30
Folder 12: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1914 May 1-17
Folder 13: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1914 May 18-31: May 26, 1914 letter contains a pamphlet which Keyes published about book and periodical locations in the New York Public Library.
Folder 14: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1914 May
Folder 15: Keyes Metcalf to Martha Gerrish, 1914 June
Folder 16: Martha Gerrish to Keyes Metcalf, 1914 June: Contains wedding announcement of Martha to Keyes, June 16, 1914.

Series 3: Miscellaneous Correspondence and Writings, 1904-1985, undated

Box 6

Folder 17: Charles Metcalf correspondence, 1904, undated

Item 1: Postcard to Charles from Annie, 1904
Item 2: Christmas letter to Uncle Charlie from Polly, undated
Item 3: Clipping picturing "A&A's" house, 150 North Professor St, Oberlin, undated

Folder 18: Donald Storrs King to Keyes Metcalf, 1907-ca.1914

Donald Storrs King (OC 1912) was a longtime friend of Keyes Metcalf and son of Oberlin College President Henry Churchill King.

Item 1: Don King to Keyes Metcalf, July 21, 1907: Summer update from Don
Item 2: Don King to Keyes Metcalf, ca. March 1913: Don writing Keyes demanding he write him soon
Item 3: Don King to Keyes Metcalf, ca. 1914: Don congratulating Keyes on his wedding to Martha Gerrish.

Folder 19: English composition essay by Keyes Metcalf, 1908 March 25

A criticism of "A Night Among the Pines."

Folder 20: Correspondence to and from Keyes Metcalf, 1910-1914, undated

Item 1: Harvey R. Snyder to Keyes Metcalf, January 30, 1910: Harvey Snyder visited Oberlin but was not able to visit with Keyes and sends his apologies.
Item 2: "Laurie" to Keyes Metcalf, March 1, 1911: "Laurie" (no last name listed) writes regarding Don S. King (OC 1912).
Item 3: Kate I. Fowler to Keyes Metcalf, June 20, 1911: Kate Fowler (OC x1884) sends congratulations on Keyes' engagement to Martha Gerrish.
Item 4: "Mack" to Keyes Metcalf, ca. July 2, 1911: "Mack" (no last name listed) sends congratulations to Keyes for his engagement to Martha Gerrish.
Item 5: C.R. Atkinson to Keyes Metcalf, ca. July 2, 1911: Postcard depicting Niagara Falls.
Item 6: Hope E. Vincent to Keyes Metcalf, July 10, 1911: Hope Vincent (OC 1911) congratulates Keyes on his engagement to Martha Gerrish.
Item 7: F. Koos to Keyes Metcalf, ca. September 18, 1911: F. Koos is likely Frank Koos (OC 1911). Postcard depicting the South Bridge, Potomac, Illinois.
Item 8: "Mack" to Keyes Metcalf, ca. December 8, 1912: "Mack" describes their lack of correspondence and Don S. King's current activities.
Item 9: C.W. Savage to Keyes Metcalf, January 14, 1913: Charles W. Savage was director of athetics at Oberlin College.
Item 10: Mary W. Plummer to Keyes Metcalf, May 21, 1913: Mary W. Plummer, principal of the New York Public Library School writes affirming that Keyes will receive his certificate at the end of the academic year.
Item 11: Luther E. Bedortha to Keyes Metcalf, ca. December 1913: Luther E. Bedortha (OC 1912) was a classmate of Keyes.
Item 12: "Eli" to Keyes Metcalf, March 15, 1914: "Eli" (no last name listed) thanks Keyes for letting him visit and gives a life update about Washington state.
Item 13: "Harl" to Keyes Metcalf, May 18, 1914: "Harl" (no last name listed) writes to say he will try to make it to Keyes' and Martha's wedding.
Item 14: L.H. MacDaniels to Keyes Metcalf, ca. May 21, 1914: L.H. (Laurence H.) MacDaniels sending Keyes a message hoping he will be at his wedding in June.
Item 15: "Laurie" to Keyes Metcalf, ca. May 21, 1914: "Laurie" (no last name listed) writes regarding their friendship and regret that they haven't written enough lately.
Item 16: "Ote" to Kyes Metcalf, May 31, 1914: "Ote" (no last name listed) sends regrets that he cannot attend Keyes' wedding.
Item 17: Keyes Metcalf to Mary & Willard, ca. 1912-1914: Mary and Willard have no last name listed.
Item 18: May E. Wenk & Edith S. Gray to Keyes Metcalf, undated: Note from May (Mamie) E. Wenk (OC 1911) and Edith S. Gray (OC 1911) apologizing for not getting Mr. Sherman "the baby carriage."
Item 19: Mamie Wenk to Keyes Metcalf, undated

Folder 21: Isaac Stevens Metcalf to Keyes Metcalf, 1911-1913

Isaac Stevens Metcalf (OC 1905) was Keyes' older brother.

Item 1: Isaac Stevens Metcalf to Keyes Metcalf, February 11, 1911: Isaac writes that Keyes should not pursue history and agrees with Azariah Root to pursue library school instead.
Item 2: Isaac Stevens Metcalf to Keyes Metcalf, ca. Spring 1913: Isaac writes about Martha Gerrish's poor health.
Item 3: Isaac Stevens Metcalf to Keyes Metcalf, April 25, 1913: Isaac urges Keyes to tell Martha to not work due to her poor health.

Folder 22: Joseph Mayo Metcalf to Keyes Metcalf, 1911 May 30

Joseph Mayo Metcalf (OC 1901) was Keyes' older brother and writes one letter asking what Keyes will be doing after graduating from Oberlin College.

Folder 23: Keyes Metcalf's Oberlin College Commencement announcement, 1911 June 21

Folder 24: Correspondence to and from Margaret ("Moo") Metcalf Small, 1938-1971

Item 1: W.B. Gerrish to Moo Metcalf, ca. December 22, 1938: Envelope with no letter
Item 2: Margaret M. Small to J. Crawford Hartman, August 19, 1946: Letter refers to a copy of a genealogy letter sent from Margaret's grandfather.
Item 3: Ann Bennington to Margaret Small, August 20, 1967: Letter concerning "Gage" genealogy.
Item 4: To Moo Small, August 23, 1971: Unsigned letter about Gerrish genealogy

Folder 25: Correspondence and writings, William ("Gerry") Gerrish Metcalf, 1958-1984

Item 1: Bernard Wray to Willam Metcalf, October 30, 1958: Bernard Wray writes about William's visit to Tasmania.
Item 2: Pamphlets and articles about the Research Vessel Atlantis of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and William Gerrish's Work as an oceanographer, 1958
Item 3: Ger Metcalf to Family, July 21, 1984: An update from Gerry Metcalf to his family about a trip to New Hampshire and Mount Washington, including details about the AMC (Appalachian Mountain Club) huts and camping with multiple people.

Folder 26: Beatrice to Keyes and Elinor Metcalf, 1959 December

Letter from Beatrice (no last name signed) with photographs from Keyes' and Elinor's trip to Canberra, Australia.

Folder 27: Elinor Metcalf to Moo and Max (Small), 1985 January 18

Greeting card thanking Moo and Max for Christmas poinsettias.

Folder 28: Antoinette P. Metcalf to Keyes Metcalf, undated

Antoinette Metcalf (OC 1893) was Keyes' older sister.

Item 1: Antoinette P. Metcalf to Keyes Metcalf, undated: Note to Keyes on his birthday.
Item 2: Sonnet for a Birthday, undated: Antoinette P. Metcalf copied a sonnet by S.C. Woolsey for Keyes' birthday.

Folder 29: Keyes Metcalf to Mrs. (Julia) Gerrish, undated

Keyes writes to Martha Gerrish's mother about his concern that she needs more rest.

Folder 30: Ralph to Keyes Metcalf, undated

Note from Ralph (no last name signed) to Keyes. This note was written by a child.

Folder 31: Wilder Metcalf to Marion Metcalf, undated

Wilder Metcalf (OC 1898), brother of Keyes Metcalf, writes a poem with edits to Marion Metcalf (enr. 1906-1907), sister of Keyes.

Folder 32: Description of Azariah Smith Root, undated

Handwritten description of Azariah Smith Root, likely written by Keyes Metcalf in the early 1900s.

Folder 33: Oberlin High School Class of 1907 History by Lucy Weeks, undated

Lucy Weeks and Keyes Metcalf were members of the Oberlin High School Class of 1907.

Series 4: Historical and Genealogical File of the Keyes Metcalf Family, 1872-1998, undated

Subseries 1: Metcalf Genealogy and Family Information, 1940-1998

Box 7

Folder 1: Metcalf Genealogy, 1940-1998

Item 1: Clipping, 85th member of Metcalf family enrolls at Oberlin College, ca. 1940: No title of publication given.
Item 2: Genealogy of the Descendants of Isaac Stevens Metcalf: 1822-1898, June 1959: Photocopy, compiled by "T.N.M," likely Thomas Nelson Metcalf.
Item 3: Descendents of Isaac Stevens Metcalf: July 1982, October 1982: Compiled by "K.D.M," likely Keyes DeWitt Metcalf.
Item 4: Obituary, Edith Metcalf, November 15, 1983: Published in the Elyria-Chronicle Telegram.
Item 5: Descendents of Isaac Stevens Metcalf: Revision 1, December 1998: Compiled by "V.M.R.," likely Vernon Metcalf Root.

Folder 2: Keyes DeWitt Metcalf Memorials, 1983-1990

Item 1: Keyes DeWitt Metcalf, 1889-1983, The Harvard Librarian, December 1983
Item 2: Miller, Alicia Metcalf. "Library Genes and Other Considerations: A Rememberance of Keyes DeWitt Metcalf," Kent State University Libraries, 1989: Alicia Metcalf Miller is the great niece of Keyes DeWitt Metcalf.
Item 3: Miller, Alicia. "Libraries Benefit from Keyes Metcalf's Legacy," Currents, April 19, 1990

Subseries 2: News Clippings and Writings of Keyes D. Metcalf, 1907-1983, undated

Box 7

Folder 3: Clippings regarding Keyes' Athletic Career at Oberlin College, 1907-1911, undated
Folder 4: Clippings regarding Keyes and Martha Metcalf, 1937-1983, undated
Folder 5: Metcalf, Keyes D. "Personal Reimiscences on the History of the Oberlin College Library System", 1974 May 25: Article was prepared for the dedication of the Seeley G. Mudd Learning Center at Oberlin College.

Subseries 3: Degrees, Honorary Degrees, and Awards of the Metcalf Family, 1872-1974, undated

Box 7

Folder 6: Announcements and Publicity for Awards Given to Keyes Metcalf, 1959-1961, undated

Item 1: Dedication Program of the Burling Library, Grinnell College, October 18, 1959
Item 2: Academic Convocation Program, Grinnell College, October 18, 1959: Program includes listing of Keyes Metcalf receiving Doctor of Letters.
Item 3: Announcement (typescript) of the Doctor of Letters to Keyes Metcalf by Henry Alden and Howard R. Bowen, Grinnell College, October 18, 1959
Item 4: "Dr. Metcalf Awarded Litt. D. by Brandeis," Belmont Citizen, November 13, 1959
Item 5: New York Public Library Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street 50th Anniversary Convocation, Bryant Park, May 23, 1961: Keyes Metcalf was awarded a medal for his "creatie contributions to research librarianship" at this event.
Item 6: New York Public Library 50th Anniversary Trustees' Luncheon Program (2 copies), May 23, 1961
Item 7: Announcement (typescript) of the New York Public Library Anniversary Medal Award to Keyes DeWitt Metcalf given by G.W. Chapman and Bethuel M. Nebster, May 23, 1961
Item 8: "5th Ave. Library Marks 50th Year," New York Times, ca. May 24, 1961: Covers Keyes Metcalf's New York Public Library Anniversary Medal Award. Two articles photocopied on the same page mention honorary degree award patterns, but Keyes is not mentioned in these articles.
Item 9: Congratulatory letter from John Edward Metcalf on Keyes Metcalf's award from the New York Public Library, June 2, 1961
Item 10: Clipping picturing Keyes Metcalf after receiving his honorary degree at Brandeis' Goldfarb Library Dedication (laminated), undated

Folder 7: Citation for Honorary Membership in the American Library Association, Keyes Metcalf, 1964 January 30

Box 8 oversize

Item 1: Elyria Union School Examination Certificate, Wilder Metcalf, 1872 June 28
Item 2: Elyria Public Schools High School Department Diploma, John Milton Putnam Metcalf, 1881 June 22
Item 3: Oberlin College Bachelor of Arts, Antoinette Putnam Metcalf, 1893
Item 4: Pratt Institute Library Science Completion Certificate, Antoinette Putnam Metcalf, 1902 June 19
Item 5: Oberlin High School Diploma, Keyes DeWitt Metcalf, 1907 June 14
Item 6: Oberlin College Master of Arts, Antoinette Putnam Metcalf, 1909
Item 7: Oberlin College Bachelor of Arts, Martha Amanda Gerrish, 1911
Item 8: Library School of the New York Public Library Senior Course Diploma, Keyes DeWitt Metcalf, 1914 June 12
Item 9: United States Department of State Certificate of Delegation, Fourteenth International Conference on Documentation, Keyes DeWitt Metcalf, 1938 September 8
Item 10: Oberlin College Honorary Doctor of Letters, Keyes DeWitt Metcalf, 1939 June 13
Item 11: The Office of the Surgeon General Army Medical Library, Certificate of Accomplishments, Keyes DeWitt Metcalf, 1944 January 1
Item 12: The War Department Certificate of Appreciation, Survey of the U.S. Army Medical Library, Keyes DeWitt Metcalf, 1945 December 20
Item 13: American Society for Information Science (ASIS), Certificte of Appreciation for Service as President, 1944, Keyes DeWitt Metcalf, 1954
Item 14: Brandeis University Honorary Doctor of Letters, Keyes DeWitt Metcalf, 1959
Item 15: Grinnell College Honorary Doctor of Letters, Keyes DeWitt Metcalf, 1959
Item 16: St. Louis University Honorary Doctor of Letters, Keyes DeWitt Metcalf, 1959
Item 17: University of Notre Dame Honorary Doctor of Letters, Keyes DeWitt Metcalf, 1964
Item 18: Bowdoin College Honorary Doctor of Letters, Keyes DeWitt Metcalf, 1965
Item 19: Indiana State University Honorary Doctor of Letters, Keyes DeWitt Metcalf, 1974
Item 20: American College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Academic/Research Librarian of the Year Award, Keyes DeWitt Metcalf, undated
Item 21: Belmont Public Library, Recognition of Gratitude, Keyes DeWitt Metcalf, undated
Item 22: Eliab W. Metcalf Family photograph, 1887: From Series 5. Metcalf Family Photographs

Subseries 4: Artifacts of Keyes Metcalf, ca. 1908-1981, undated

Box 9 oversize

Folder 1: Oberlin College memorabilia of Keyes Metcalf and Martha Gerrish, ca. 1908-1911, undated

Item 1: Freshman Leap Year Party program, ca. February 10, 1908
Item 2: U.L.A Lecture Course Season Ticket (2 tickets), 1910-1911
Item 3: Class ribbon, 1911
Item 4: Oberlin College Glee Club Reunion Concert tickets (2 tickets), June 21, 1911
Item 5: Address card, Royal D. Hughes, undated
Item 6: Leather tag, stamped "Ken and Crow", undated: Tag has floral decorations stamped
Item 7: Name tag, Mr. Metcalf, undated: Contains embossed Oberlin College seal and "Prof. Wager" in pencil on front. Penciled math equations on back.
Item 8: Note card, Many Happy Returns from Martha Gerrish, undated
Item 9: Note card, Holiday Greetings from Martha Gerrish, undated

Item 10: Ohio Intercollegiate Athletic Association (OIAA) Track Medal, Second Prize 220 Yard Hurdle, Keyes DeWitt Metcalf, 1909 May 28

Item 11: OIAA Track Medal, First Prize Running High Jump, Keyes DeWitt Metcalf, 1910 May 27

Item 12: OIAA Track Medal, Second Prize 120 Yard Hurdle, Keyes DeWitt Metcalf, 1910 May 27

Item 13: OIAA Track Medal, Second Prize 220 Yard Hurdle, Keyes DeWitt Metcalf, 1910 May 27

Item 14: OIAA Track Medal, High Jump, Keyes DeWitt Metcalf, 1911

Item 15: OIAA Track Medal, Second Prize 880 Yard Run, Keyes DeWitt Metcalf, 1911

Item 16: New York Public Library Opening of New Building commemorative pin, 1911 May 20

Item 17: Wedding Band, Keyes DeWitt Metcalf, 1914 June 16

14 karat gold, engraved M.A.G (Martha Amanda Gerrish)-K.D.M. June 16, 1914. Band has been resized larger.

Item 18: Philippine Library Association Silver Jubilee Anniversary medal presented to Keyes DeWitt Metcalf, 1949

Includes card signed by the PLA president Gabriel A. Bernardo

Item 19: New York Public Library Anniversary Medal presented to Keyes DeWitt Metcalf, 1961 May 23

Likely bronze. Engraved with Keyes' name on back of medal.

Item 20: New York Public Library Anniversary Medal award to Keyes DeWitt Metcalf announcement by NYPL President G.W. Chapman, 1961 May 23

Item 21: New York Public Library Fiftieth Anniversary Medal (3 medals), 1961

Likely bronze. The front contains two faces looking upward and downward with "Ex Scientia Spes" ("from knowledge, hope") in Latin. The back contains two columns with a sun and "The New York Public Library 1961" are engraved on the back.

Item 22: American Library Association J.W. Lippincott Award for Notable Achievement in Librarianship medal awarded to Keyes DeWitt Metcalf, 1966

Keyes D. Metcalf 1966 engraved on back of medal.

Item 23: American Library Association One-Hundredth Anniversary commemorative coin, 1976

Produced by The Franklin Mint. Front is engraved with "ALA 100" "100th Anniversary American Library Association." Back depicts a silhouette of Benjamin Franklin engraved with "Ben Franklin Founder of the Lending Library."

Item 24: Phi Beta Kappa key, presented to Keyes DeWitt Metcalf, 1981

Back of key is corroded. For more information and the story about Keyes receiving the PBK key, see articles in Series 4, Subseries 2. News Clippings, Folder 4.

Item 25: Brigham Young University paperweight, undated

Item 26: Identification charm of Hattie E. Howes, Elyria, Ohio, undated

Back is engraved with an eagle. Hattie E. Howes was Keyes' mother.

Series 5: Metcalf Family Photographs, ca. 1884-1981, undated

Box 10

Folder 1: Metcalf family group photographs, 1884-1979, undated: All photographs except the family reunion photo are identified. The group photograph is a color photo of the Metcalf family reunion held in July 1979, likely at Clifton Beach, Lakewood, Ohio. This reunion was the first one held since 1947.
Folder 2: Anna Mayo Metcalf Root portraits, 1879-1911, undated: Anna Mayo Metcalf (OC 1884) married Azariah Smith Root (OC 1884) in 1887.
Folder 3: Azariah Smith Root portraits, undated
Folder 4: Anna Metcalf Root and Azariah Smith Root's children portraits, 1901-1907, undated
Folder 5: Anna Metcalf Root and Azariah Smith Root family photographs, 1919-1958, undated
Folder 6: Anna and Azariah Root extended family photographs, 1898-1923, undated
Folder 7: Anna and Azariah Root extended family portraits, 1892-1897, undated
Folder 8: Antoinette Brigham Putnam Metcalf photographs, 1875-1929, undated: Antoinette Metcalf graduated from Oberlin College in 1893.
Folder 9: Eliab Metcalf family photographs, 1903-1919, undated: Eliab Metcalf graduated from Oberlin College in 1903.
Folder 10: Eliab Metcalf family photographs, ca. 1900-1929
Folder 11: Eliab Metcalf family (oversize), 1887: See Oversize Box 8 in the Keyes DeWitt Metcalf Family Papers, Item #22. Identification sheet accompanies the photograph.
Folder 12: Grace Ethel Metcalf Hall and Howard Hall family photographs, ca. 1877-1895, undated: Grace Ethel Metcalf graduated from Oberlin College in 1889.
Folder 13: Henry Martyn Metcalf and Mary Lovinia Timbs Metcalf portraits (photocopies), undated: Henry Martyn Metcalf graduated from Oberlin College in 1891
Folder 14: Isaac Stevens Metcalf and Jessie Halstead Metcalf family photographs, 1896-1910, undated: Both Isaac and Jessie Metcalf graduated from Oberlin in 1905.

Box 11

Folder 1: John Milton Putnam Metcalf and Caroline Post Metcalf family photographs, 1881-1900, undated: Both John and Caroline Metcalf were Oberlin class of 1885 graduates.
Folder 2: Joseph Mayo Metcalf and Mary Florence Jones Metcalf family photographs, 1898-1914, undated: Joseph and Mary Metcalf were both Oberlin College 1901 graduates.
Folder 3: Keyes DeWitt Metcalf early life photographs, 1890-ca. 1912
Folder 4: Keyes DeWitt Metcalf later career photographs, 1958-1981, undated
Folder 5: Martha Gerrish Metcalf photographs, 1904, undated: Martha Gerrish Metcalf married Keyes DeWitt Metcalf in 1914.
Folder 6: Keyes DeWitt Metcalf and Martha Gerrish Metcalf family photographs, ca. 1916-1958, undated
Folder 7: Paul Harlan Metcalf and Czarina Hamilton Goldsbury Metcalf family photographs, 1909-1928, undated: Paul Harlan Metcalf (OC Hon. 1889) and Czarina Metcalf (Academy 1890-1894).
Folder 8: Paul Harlan Metcalf and Czarina Hamilton Goldsbury Metcalf family photographs, ca. 1897-1941, undated
Folder 9: Thomas Nelson Metcalf and Helen Margaret Walker Metcalf family photographs, ca. 1911-1931, undated: Thomas and Helen Metcalf were both graduates of the Oberlin College class of 1912.
Folder 10: Thomas Nelson Metcalf and Helen Margaret Walker Metcalf family photographs, 1895-1955, undated

Box 12

Folder 1: Wilder Stevens Metcalf and Mary Crozier Metcalf family photographs, 1878-ca. 1960, undated: Wilder and Mary Metcalf were both graduates of Oberlin College Class of 1878. This folder contains undated military photographs of Wilder Metcalf.
Folder 2: Wilder Stevens Metcalf and Mary Crozier Metcalf family photographs, 1910, undated: Photographs and a color drawing of Wilder Metcalf in formal military uniform.
Folder 3: Wilder Stevens Metcalf and Mary Crozier Metcalf family photographs, undated: Contains tintypes
Folder 4: Wilder Stevens Metcalf and Mary Crozier Metcalf family photographs, ca. 1928, undated

Series 6: Scrapbook, ca. 1907-1911

Box 13

Item 1: College scrapbook of Martha Gerrish (Metcalf) (OC 1911), ca. 1907-1911: Scrapbook contains recital programs, event ephemera, photographs, Valentines drawn by Keyes Metcalf, and other Oberlin College pamphlets and ephemera.

Keyes DeWitt Metcalf Family Papers, 1872-1990, undated

Collection Overview

Scope and Contents of the Materials

Administrative Information

Box and Folder Listing