uri_text.gif (1873 bytes)

Return to Special Collections

 

libtitle.gif (1086 bytes)
Special Collections

MISCELLANEOUS ARCHIVES COLLECTION

RG #137

HISTORICAL AND SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE

The University of Rhode Island was chartered as the state's agricultural school in 1888. It became the Rhode Island College of Agricultural and Mechanic Arts in 1892 and the first class was graduated two years later. The name was changed in 1909 to Rhode Island State College and in 1951 the College became the University of Rhode Island.  The material in the collection traces the development of the University of Rhode Island from its inception as the state's agricultural school to its attainment of university status.

Material includes: records relating to the Morrill Land Grant Act; other federal and state laws relating to the University; financial records, including reports to the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and the Interior and the R.I. Commissioner of Finance, an invoice ledger book, student fee receipts and payroll lists; service contracts; blueprints and specifications for campus buildings; a journal thought to be the official office diary of the University's first president, John H. Washburn; registers of alumni, honor students, scholarship recipients, and students involved with World War I; a scrapbook of school history; correspondence; news clippings; plaques; printing plates; seals; pennants. Of particular interest are materials relating to the acquisition of the Oliver Watson Farm, site of the school, a Pathe news film on the school's varsity basketball team coached by Frank Keaney, and material detailing the controversial dismissal of Dr. Burt L. Hartwell, head of the R.I. Agricultural Experiment Station. The collection is arranged in accession order.

BOX

FOLDER

FOLDER TITLE

DATES

1

1

Adams, George Edward-State Statistical Agent of the U.S. D. A. Letters

1902-1907

2

Administration Building Specifications

1958

3

Aggie Bawl/Ball Programs (Removed from Collection) see LD4706 A44 A4

1921,1922, 1931, 1942

4

Agricultural Extension Service. Annual Report

1923

5

Agronomy, American Society of

May, 1928

6

American Association of Teachers of French & German Program

Dec 6, 1952

7

Visit to the Birthplace of Grim Alfalfa by Theodore Odland

undated

8

Army Bond (Chief of Ordinance)

1896-1897

9

Arts, Bachelor of Research, Petitions, Committee Publicity

1945-1948

10

Athletic Field Contract & Specifications

1910

11

Battery, Contract

Aug 23, 1907

12

Bell, Contract

Jun 16, 1905

13

Bigelow, Carle M. Correspondence

1923-1928

14

Board of Trustees of State Colleges: Seal

undated

2

15

Boilers

1889, 1907, 1913

16

Bonds of Rhode Island State College

1919

17

Bonds

1898, 1902, 1910

18

Book Donations by Student Body (See Oversize)

Nov 23, 1969

19

Bringham, A.A.- Correspondence regarding Arbor Day

undated

20

Bucklin, William J.

Sept 1943

21

Buildings-Improvement

1904

22

Campus Club

Apr 9, 1920

23

Campus Plan Proposal (Blue Print)

1944

24

Chart of Administrative Org. - Printing Plate

undated

25

Chemistry Contest Scrapbook

undated

26

Clarke, Helen Letter

May 1892

27

Class Constitution

1947

28

Compressor, Contract

Apr 18, 1922

29

Constitution Veterans Association

undated

30

Contract for Water Line Extension

Jul, 1931

3

31

Curricula for W.W.II, Accelerated Programs

1942-1946

32

Dairy Addition Specifications

1889, 1898

33

Damon Office Contract

Oct 14, 1914

34

Davis Hall Plans, News

1941-42, Mar 1945

35

Davis, John W. Correspondence

1889, 1892

36

Deeds to Land acquisitions of Rhode Island State College

1923, 1943

37

Drill Hall (blueprint)

undated

38

Eastern States Exposition

1933-1940

39

East Hall Contract

1909

40

East Hall Plans

1930

41

Plan Drawn of Cottage at Camp Hoffman, Eldred, John

undated

42

Engineering Instrument Workshop, Shop drawings Index

undated

43

English Dept. Graded Paper

1892

44

Egg Laying Houses For Contest, Contract

Jun 13, 1930

45

Expansion Program

1946

46

Experimental Union, Charter For

Jan 6, 1911

47

Faculty Alumni Lounge Contributor List

1940

4

48

Faculty Follies

1949

49

Faculty, Petition to the Fed. Gov't

1917

50

Faculty Registration for Education Courses

1935-1936

51

Federal & State Laws relating to Rhode Island State College

1863-1943

52

Fight for a bachelor of Arts Degree, Rhode Island State College

1934-1947

53

Fire Drill

1955-56, 1965

54

Gasoline Contract

1928, 1934-1935

55

Green Hall Printing Plate

undated

5

56

Green Hall Specs.

Jul 15, 1935

57

Greenhouse Quotes

1930

58

Greenhouse Specs. with blueprint

1902, 1904

59

Guest Register, Open House

Jun 1899-1904

60

Gymnasium & Auditorium

Jul 9, 1928

61

Harrington, Ida S. Correspondence. State Home Demonstration Leader

1922

62

Hartwell, Burt Laws, Agricultural Chemistry

undated

63

Heating Apparatus Specifications

1889-1890

64

Helme, Bernon E.

undated

6

65

Honors List

1930-1951

66

Horticultural Laboratory

1906

67

Howard, Frank Plant Pathology Course

1926

68

Interior, Dept of Statistical Reports

1894-1906

69

Interior, Dept of Statistical Reports

1907-1921

70

Journal: President Washburn's Office with historical commentary by George E. Adams (includes narrative of College Hall fire)

1895, undated

71

Keaney, Frank-Basket-Wizards New Film

1944

7

72

Knowles, Harry; newspaper clipping

1955

73

Ladd, Herbert-Governor Correspondence., related to Rhode Island State Agricultural School

1892

74

Laws relating Rhode Island State College, submitted to Board of Regents

Jul 17, 1935

75

Leases for real estate, building

1896-1932

76

May, Lewis N. & Mary B. option to purchase Real Property

1943

77

Library-Bookplate

undated

78

Liberty Bonds

1917-1925

79

List of Rhode Island State College students, Plattsburg training camp W.W.I

1917

80

Map of URI Campus-Printing Plate

undated

81

May Festival Correspondence. Attendance Report

1926, 1927

8

82

McGrath, Lelia E. Tuition Bill

1924

83

Memorandum of Understanding related to Rhode Island State College Extension Work

Jun 22, 1914

84

Memorial Service W.W.I Veterans

1919

85

"Methods students may assist in organization of the building fund campaign"

undated

86

Military, ROTC Correspondence. With R. G. Bressler

1934-1942

87

Mokray, William Correspondence

1935-1938

88

Morrill Act Funds

1884-1894

89

New England Conference on Education for Aging (Removed from Collection)

Aug 29-30, 1961

90

Newspaper Feature Stories on Rhode Island State College

1908, 1910, 1921, 1945, 1957

91

Patron's Association

Oct 20, 1942

92

Pennants

undated

93

Photograph-Class of 1925 (In Oversize)

1925

94

"Plain Barn" Contract

1902

95

Plaque for Gift of the Class of 1941

1941

96

Plaque-Edwards Auditorium. Pipe Organ (In Oversize)

1969

97

Potter, Job-Farm Report, Map

Apr 4, 1916

98

Poultry Hospital Building

Apr, 1910

99

Power Plant-Electric Hoist Vulcan Soot Cleaner

1928

100

President's House, Architect's Agreement Form

1931

101

Quinn Hall: Specifications for Renovation

1960

9

102

"Story of the Red Hen", -original film (Rhode Island Red) 

1954

103

Rickey, H. M. Correspondence to Prof. G. E. Adams

May 21, 27 1915

104

Rodman Hall

1917, 1926-1930

105

Rodman Hall Spec. and Contract

1928, undated

106

Sachems Constitution

Apr 25, 1932

107

Scholarships, Descriptions of

1938-1942

108

Scholarship Recipients

1931-1943

109

Science & Business, School of Meetings

1938-1939

110

Senior Class Vote

1935

111

Sewage Disposal Plant

Sept. 16, 1916

112

Speaker Unidentified-printing plate

undated

10

113

St. Nicholas Russian Aero Club Church Choir

1941

114

Steam Power Plant

Jun 1928-April 1929

115

Still-Registry Form

Feb 11, 1938

116

Stuart, H. O. Agricultural Extension Division

1914, 1935-36

117

Student Aid-Procedures & Policies

1962-1964

118

Student Army Training Corps, Certification

Nov 22, 1921

119

Student Athletic Activities, Bank Balances, Tax

1941-1945

120

Student Fees, Receipts for

1929-1930

121

Student Labor List & Annual Payroll

1910-1933

122

Student Loans-Auditors Fraternity Notes

1944

123

Student Statistical Material

1940, 1943, 1950

124

Summer School, Report to Administration

Aug 1954

125

Survey comparing Rhode Island College Agriculture + Mechanics to other N.E. colleges

1906

126

Switchboard, contract

Jul 5, 1907

127

Taft Laboratory Contract & Specifications

1898

128

Tea Room Controversy

1924

129

Telephone Service Contracts

1903, 1909, 1916

130

Telephone Service-Contracts & Butterfield Correspondence.

1905-1906

11

131

Tennis, Rhode Island State College Association

1900

132

Testimonials & Resolutions, Faculty

1940s-1950s

133

Track-Score Cards/Interscholastic Report

May 9, 1925,  May, 1927

134

Treasurer Report to USDA

1894-1904

135

Treasurer Report to USDA

1905-1912

136

Treasurer Report to USDA

1912-1915

137

Treasury, U.S. Dept. of Correspondence

Feb 13, 1918, Jul 6, 1912

138

Vouchers

1912

139

War Productions Board Inventory & Requisitions

1943

140

Washburn Hall (Blue Print)

1920

141

Water Tower: Builder's Plague

1929

142

Watson, Elisha F. & Mary D., Memo of agreement

Feb 25, 1897

143

Watson Farm-List of Subscribers

Sept 17, 1888

144

Watson House; nails removed during restoration

1963

145

Robinson-receipt for Watson Farm Funds

Jul 10, 1888

146

Watson, Phoebe - Warranty Deed

Oct 24, 1883

147

Wells, requisition for

1890, Apr 1929

12

148

Alumni Register: includes Class of 1894-1902

1899-1904

149

Botsford, Jay Barett Diploma

1931

150

Commissioner of Finance, Correspondence

1926-1930

151

Dairy Barn Plan

May 1898

152

Educational Conference Notes

Mar 11, 1903

153

Entrance Examinations, Flyer

undated

154

Hartwell, Burt L., Dismissal See also Records of the President, Howard Edwards

Apr, 1928

155

Inventory of Equipment

1919

156

Invoice Ledger book

1889-1894

157

McGrath Election Broadside

1940

13

158

Road Construction Contract

1889

159

Land Grant Colleges as Educational Institutions

Jun 14, 1890

160

Scrapbook, History of the University

1896-1921

161 Fraternity Paddles, East Hall 1943
162 Diplomas 1937, 1940, undated
163 Housing Complex, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Plans and Specifications 1965
164 Housing Complex, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Photographs ca. 1965
14 165 Report of the Ad Hoc Committee to Study Desirability of Collective Bargaining Feb 11, 1971
166 Rhode Island Press Assn., commemorative plaque presented for 75 yrs of service (In Oversize) May 16, 1967
167 "Flourishes For This Festive Day" by Cichy in commemoration of the 100th commencement exercise of the University of Rhode Island (In Oversize) May 26, 1986
168 American Revolution Bicentennial Administration Certificate of Recognition (In Oversize) 1976
169 Model:   Proposed Biological Science Center and Main Campus Building for the Coastal Institute on Narragansett Bay, University of Rhode Island- Keys Associates Architects/Engineers Lincoln RI (In Oversize) undated
170 ASTM, commemorative plaque presented for 50 years of support May 14, 1987
171 U.S. Flag and Mission Patch flown aboard space shuttle "Columbia" April 12-14, 1981
172 Resolution assigning to Brown University the land scrip granted by the U.S. to State of Rhode Island for the establishment of an agricultural school. along with: An act "for the establishment of a college or university within this colony"; true copies May 20, 1882
173 Watrous, Richard B.: "Commerce" speech delivered on "Day of Thanksgiving at State College, Kingston, RI 1928[?]
174 Benson, Ezra Taft: speech delivered at dedication of Agricultural Science Laboratory May 14, 1960
175 Aldrich Jr., Daniel G.:  "The Role of the Land Grant Colleges in Strengthening the Agriculture of the Industrial Areas" address presented at Second Agricultural Alumni College Nov. 19, 1960
176 Sinclair, Thomas J.:  "Railroads and the American Economy" speech delivered before combined classes in American Economic Development Apr 27, 1966
177 Whipple, Lucius A.: "The Future- Our Responsibility" address at Rhode Island State College commencement Sept 24, 1944
178 Hoffman, Paul G.: "Americanism and Freedom"  address at the University of Rhode Island Mar 18, 1954
179 Fogarty, John E.: address at convocation, University of Rhode Island Jan 12, 1961
180 Dattore, Eugene Francis class oration June 8, 1963
181 Rosenberg, Stephen B. June 8, 1963
182 Gladding, Alice (class of 1929) class schedule dorm room card, program, honors day [1927]
183 University of Rhode Island Centennial Day Proclamation  Jan 17, 1992
184 Roch, Edwin (class of 1951):  7 pen and ink cartoons attributed to  ca 1948-1951
173 Aruri, Naseer H.:  "The Middle East Crisis:  Retrospect and Prospect" speech delivered at the campus for the All Nations Club Nov 16, 1968
174 President's Advisory Council (Dean Youngkin's copy) 1967-1969
15 175 President's Advisory Council (Dr. Earnest W. Hartung's copy) 1962-1967
176 Kenyon, Grafton: letters to George Adams, R. G. Bressler; et.al. re. South Kingston Chamber of Commerce Sep - Nov 1933
177 World War I: News Clippings: "RI Men In The War" 1914-1918
178 World War I: A-L 1919
179 World War I: M-Z 1919
180 James Leslie Speeches for: Baum, Werner A. 1969-1973
181 James Leslie Speeches for: Baum, Werner A. 1969-1973
182 James Leslie Speeches for: Carlotti, Albert E. 1973-1985
16 183 James Leslie Speeches for: Ferrante, William R. 1973-1974
184 James Leslie Speeches for: Miscellaneous 1973-1989
185 James Leslie Speeches for: Newman, Frank 1977
186 Eldred, Mabel:  Pen and Ink Sketch of Wild Chicory (?) see also: Records of Mabel DeWitt Eldred, RG#133 1895
187 Bigelow, Kent, Willard & Co.: Electrical Work. Specifications for Library and Auditorium Gymnasium and Armory Buildings for the Rhode Island State College, Kingston Rhode Island  Sep 15 1927
188 Faculty Senate. Committee on Curricular Affairs. 1963-1966
189 Faculty Senate. Committee on Curricular Affairs. 1967-1970
17 190 Faculty Senate. Committee on Education Procedures and Facilities. 1964-1969
191 Faculty Senate. Committee on General Education. 1964-1969
192 Faculty Senate. Committee on Sabbatical Leave. 1962
193 Faculty Senate. Committee on Student Evaluation of Teacher Effectiveness. 1966
194 Faculty Senate. Committee on the University Calendar. 1963-1970
195 Faculty Senate. Constitution and By-laws Committee.  1960-1962
196 Faculty Senate. Executive Committee.  1963-1967
197 Faculty Senate. Faculty Manual Committee.  1967-1970
198 Faculty Senate. Honors Program Committee. 1940-1969
199 Faculty Senate. Nominating Committee. 1965-1967
200 Faculty Senate. ROTC Liaison Committee.  1961-1967
201 Faculty Senate. Salary Committee. 1961-1970
202 Faculty Senate. Social and Recognition Committee. 1959-1970
203 Faculty Senate. Special Committee Reports.  1958-1970
204 Faculty Senate. Student-Faculty Committee on Examinations. 1966
205 Committee on Undergraduate Awards. 1943-1949
18 206 Executive Council. 1930-1960
207 Faculty. Subcommittee on Faculty Committees. 1946
208 Faculty (General) - Committee Reports. 1960
209 Faculty Senate. Special Committees.  1964-1969
210 Corrections to Committees. 1954-1955
211 Committee on Control of Extra-Curricular Activities. 1938
212 Committee on Sorority Recognition. 1945
213 Committee on Veterans Education. 1945-1946
214 Committee on Teaching Loads. 1945
215 Committee on Physical Fitness. 1943-1945
216 Committee on Graduate Study and Fellowships. 1946
217 Committee on Conventions and Conferences. 1946
218 Committee on Committees. 1947
219 Committee on College Regulations. 1946
220 Committee on College Policy. 1945-1948
221 Committee on Bachelor of Arts Degree. 1949
222 Armed Forces Institute and Accrediting Committee. 1943
223 Faculty Housing Committee. 1949
224 Faculty senate. Committee on Admissions Policy. 1963-1968
225 Faculty Senate. Committee on Academic Standards. 1956-1968
226 Faculty Meetings. 1904-1905
227 Executive Council Minutes. 1942-1947
19 228 Executive Council Minutes. 1948-1951
229 Executive Council Minutes. 1952-1955
230 Executive Council Minutes. 1956-1959
20 231 General Faculty Meetings. 1973
232 Faculty Meetings. 1945-1960
233 Faculty Meetings. 1938-1946
234 Faculty Meetings. 1947-1959
21 235 Faculty Secretary - Roberta Hard Tutt. 1976-1977
236 Faculty Secretary - C. Richard Skogley. 1971-1973
237 Faculty Secretary - Perry Jeffries. 1962-1971
238 Faculty Secretary - Perry Jeffries. 1970-1971
22 239 Doll, Walter. Thesis. The engineering of rock crushing for roofing purposes.  1925 
240 Doyle, M. Ellin:  Zoology Honors Thesis. Hormone effects on an Acanthocephalan parasite, Moniformis Dubius. 1965
241 Gillis, William E.:  Standardization in mathematics.  1918 
242 Holley,  L. S.: The dairy situation in Rhode Island with suggestions for improvement. 1915
243 Horn, Francis H. - Speeches. 1955-1960
244 Jones, Robert L.  - Master of Science Thesis. The fertilizer nutrients required by barley, wheat and oats, as shown by both soil and water cultures. 1924
245 Kinney, L. F.  - Rhode Island State College Publicity Releases. 1933-1934
246 Mather, William - Master of Science Thesis. The effect of amendments containing magnesium and calcium upon the chemical composition of the soil and plant behavior.  1921
247 Miller, Wesley C.:  The Ionization Manometer 1921
248 Palmer, Theodore Andrew:  The Jersey Cattle 1915
249 Smith, John B. Thesis. Desirable soil-nitrate levels and the relative rates of nitrate disappearance under certain crops.  1925 
250 Tibbetts, Helena A.M.  Master of Science Thesis. Eight atypical organisms recovered from diseased birds.  1921
251 White, Nelson Church: The development of an electrolytic chorine-caustic soda cell to fit particular conditions 1931 
23 252 Preston, Howard W., Botanical Notebook v. 1.  1877-1909
253 Preston, Howard W., Botanical Notebook v. 2.  1909-1912
254 Preston, Howard W., Botanical Notebook v. 3.  1912-1919
255-257 Original Student Music Manuscripts - These manuscripts are class assignments by students taking music courses as free electives.  Examples of titles from this collection include, Hurricane, Sept.21, 1938 by Lambert L. Lind whose major was in Engineering; and March of the Engineers by Walter C. Kenyon who majored in Aeronautical Engineering.   Also in Oversized box 1 1939-1949
  257 Great Swamp Excavation --Johnson, Erwin H. 1959-1960
24

258 Tully, William: Rhode Island State College Athletic Assn Life Pass, no. 1 signed by Frank Keaney undated.
  259 Commuter's Hall (Old Infirmary) fire May 12, 1962
  260 North Hall fire: inventory of contents of building 1961
  261 North Hall fire: reports Dec 26, 1961
262 Contracts re. production of insecticide 1944
  263 Lease Agreements 1942-1974, scattered dates
  264 Agreements with Agricultural Experiment Station 1932, undated.
265 Memorandum of agreement: Avila Blanchard Collection of Insects Sept. 9, 1953
  266 Agreement United Wire and Supply 1951
  267 Class gifts 1922, 1923
  268 Society for the Advancement of Management Charter signed by Mabel E. Dickson (In Oversize box 1 at end of collection) Oct 28, 1948
  269 Egg carton with URI logo 1962
  270 Davis Gray watercolor prints transferred from Lippitt Hall Oct. 10, 2007 kept together with prints donated by E. P. Christopher in 1981.  Includes Watson House, Davis Hall, Green Hall, View of Quad from East and Washburn Halls. In Oversized box 1 circa 1980s
  271 Davis, John W. letter with cover letter from Homer J. Wheeler June 23, 1900 and August 7, 1944
25 272 Administrative Staff Appeals Board, No. 1972-1 (James Eastwood, Chair's  Files) Re. Thurlo A. Russell dismissal Apr -May 1972
  273 Administrative Staff Appeals Board, recordings (8 audio cassette tapes) Apr 10-24, 1972
  274 Administrative Staff Appeals Board, recordings (10 audio cassette tapes) May 1- 19, 1972
  275 Administrative Staff Appeals Board, recordings (10 audio cassette tapes) May 19-27, 1972
26 279 Narragansett Marine Laboratory Reports of Charles Fish 1955-1960
  280 Narragansett Marine Laboratory Reports and Instructions of Charles Fish 1947-1950, 1952-1954, 1956-1966, 1970
  281 Marine Resources Reports and Data of Charles Fish 1954-1956, 1959-1961
  282 Narragansett Marine Laboratory Historical Records: papers regarding graduate training and the Narragansett Marine Laboratory, original proposal for a graduate program of Charles Fish 1947-1960, 1992
27 276 Dedication Certificate for Thomas Carroll Rodman Oct. 1, 1938
  277 School of Pharmacy Class of 1925 (picture in oversize) Spring 1925

Return to Special Collections