Walter S. Davis papers, 1866-1891

Overview of the Collection

Author
Davis, Walter S.
Title
Walter S. Davis papers
Dates
1866-1891 (bulk)
1858-1957 (inclusive)
Quantity
1.5 cubic feet, (3 boxes; 2 bound volumes)
Collection Number
Mss.009
Summary
Walter S. Davis was a Washington State Senator (1912-1928) and a professor of history and political science at the College of Puget Sound (now University of Puget Sound), in Tacoma, Washington, from 1907-1943. The collection contains mainly CPS-related correspondence, papers, notebooks, lecture notes, and also genealogical information.
Repository
University of Puget Sound, Archives & Special Collections

Collins Memorial Library
1500 N. Warner St.
CMB1021
Tacoma, WA
98416-1021
Telephone: 2538792669
archives@pugetsound.edu
Access Restrictions

Collection is open to researchers by appointment.

Languages
English
Sponsor
Funding for preparing this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The collection holds Davis's College of Puget Sound (CPS) diploma and his 32d degree Masonic certificate, and notes on the UPS Trustees meetings (1916-?), a short paper (4-5 pages) on the history of CPS from 1898 to 1930 in several versions, and a number of notebooks devoted to notes on the history of CPS. In addition there is a copy of his Cornell University master's thesis and a number of his student lecture notebooks while there. Also contains a letter to him from Ezra Meeker (Jan. 12, 1923), and his retirement memory book holding many congratulatory letters from former students, friends and community people throughout the area. In addition there is a bound copy of a genealogy of the Davis family entitled "Our Pioneer Ancestors".

Historical NoteReturn to Top

Walter Scott Davis was born in Indiana on 29 December 1866. He graduated from DePauw University in 1889 and earned a master’s degree at Cornell University in 1892. Davis studied at the University of Leipzig in 1892, the University of Chicago 1893-1896, Harvard University summer 1903, and the University of Wisconsin summer 1905. Between 1897 and 1907 Scott taught high school in Richmond, Indiana, during which time he was secretary of the Wayne County Historical Society. In 1907 Davis joined the faculty of the University of Puget Sound and taught history and political science. He was head of the history department of the college from 1907 to 1943. He served as a senator in the Washington State legislature and was known thereafter as Senator Davis. Davis was considered to be the historian of the college and authored a history of the college that appeared in the 1921 Tamanawas. Professor Davis retired in 1943 and died at age 76 on 19 June 1943.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

Property rights reside with the University of Puget Sound. For information about permission to reproduce or publish, please contact Archives & Special Collections.

Collins Memorial Library provides access to its collections in order to support research and education. Some materials in these collections may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.). In addition, the use or reproduction of some items may be restricted by the terms of the gift or purchase agreements, donor restrictions, privacy and publicity rights, or university policy. It is the user's responsibility to determine and satisfy copyright or any other use restrictions when publishing or otherwise disseminating materials found in the collections.

Preferred Citation

[Name of document, date.] [Title of collection/record group/series.] University of Puget Sound Archives & Special Collections. Tacoma, Washington.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Arrangement

Collection is arranged by format.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

I:  Papers, 1858-1957Return to Top

The Papers series contains written materials, including class notes, certificates and awards, biographical information, and personal correspondence.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box Folder
1 1
General
1858-1945
1 2
Biographical Information
1957
1 3
Certifications and Awards
1912-1939
1 4
Class Notes
1891-1892
1 5
Class Notes
1891-1892
1 6
Correspondence
1923-1943
1 7
Guest book
1929-1947
1 8
Memorial Book of Letters
1943

II:  Publications, 1892-1957Return to Top

The Publications series contains works published by Davis as well as published material he collected.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box Folder
2 1
Thesis
1892
2 2
Ulster County Gazette facsimile
January 4, 1800
2 3
13th session of the Washington State Legislature
1913
2 4
14th session of the Washington State Legislature
1915
2 5
Our Pioneer Ancestors: The Davis Family by Walter S. Davis
1957

III:  Research Notes, 1937-1939Return to Top

The Research Notes series contains Davis' notes for the book, History of the College of Puget Sound.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box Folder
3 1-7
History of the College of Puget Sound
1937-1939

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • College teachers--Washington (State)--Tacoma
  • Legislators--Washington (State)
  • Methodist universities and colleges--Washington (State)--Tacoma
  • Private universities and colleges--Washington (State)--Tacoma

Corporate Names

  • University of Puget Sound.

Family Names

  • Davis family

Geographical Names

  • Tacoma
  • Washington (State)