Archives West Finding Aid
Table of Contents
Alvin G. and Lena M. Pack papers, 1907-1988
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Pack, Alvin G.
- Title
- Alvin G. and Lena M. Pack papers
- Dates
- 1907-1988 (inclusive)19071988
- Quantity
- 13.25 linear feet
- Collection Number
- ACCN 1005
- Summary
- The Alvin G. and Lena M. Pack papers (1907-1988) contain materials relating to the life and career of Alvin G. Pack, a pioneer in the radio broadcasting industry who worked primarily with stations KALL and KSLO. Included are radio scripts, correspondence, news clippings, family materials, religions materials, personal narratives, lectures, time lines, awards, certificates, and a variety of other personal and professional materials.
- Repository
-
University of Utah Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections, J. Willard Marriott Library
University of Utah
295 South 1500 East
Salt Lake City, UT
84112-0860
Telephone: 8015818863
special@library.utah.edu - Access Restrictions
-
Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.
- Languages
- English
Biographical NoteReturn to Top
Alvin Grabau Pack (1907-1994), sone of the noted Utah geologist Frederick J. Pack, created the first dramatized radio commercial, authored the first radio organizational manual, and directed the first television program telecast in Utah. During World War II, Pack received one of five Iwo Jima medals for distinguished radio contribution to the war effort. Lena Marie Pack often assisted her husband with the generation of ideas for radio programs, as well as writing the programs. She also provided voice work for some of the early radio programs. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Alvin Pack served a mission to Great Britain, and later, he and Lean Marie served missions together to San Diego, California, and Nauvoo, Illinois. Pack served in many church positions, including bishop of the University Ward in Salt Lake City. A detailed document, entitled "Vital Statistics," is contained in box 17, folder 1, at the beginning of the first scrapbook. This document, drawn up in 1967, futher describes his education, service contributions, and religious and professional background.
Content DescriptionReturn to Top
The Alvin G. and Lena M. Pack papers (1907-1988) contain materials relating to the life and career of Alvin G. Pack, a pioneer in the radio broadcasting industry who worked primarily with stations KALL and KSLO. Included are radio scripts, correspondence, news clippings, family materials, religions materials, personal narratives, lectures, time lines, awards, certificates, and a variety of other personal and professional materials. Boxes 1-14 contain radio scripts for on-going feature programs, written mainly by Pack, as well as some audition scripts and campaign proposals. The radio scripts date from 1931 to 1945 and are a combination of originals and carbon copies; most indicate the program, radio station, talent, time and date of show, and sponsors. Box 15 contains two family histories written by Pack's wife, Lena Marie pack, in 1972 and 1980. Family and personal materials, dating from 1930-1988, are contained in box 16. Boxes 17-26 contain eighteen unbound scrapbooks that cover events from Pack's birth in 1907 through this retirement from the University of Utah in 1972 (at which time he began compiling the scrapbooks), and up until their donation in 1989. The scrapbooks are made up of a wide variety of documents indluding correspondence, time lines, programs, booklets, brochures, memos, notes, news clippings, and radio scripts, brought together by a continuous personal narrative composed by Pack. All scrapbooks are originals, unless otherwise noted. Box 27 contains primarily scripts and teaching materials, dating from 1933-1960, from Lena Marie Pack.
Use of the CollectionReturn to Top
Restrictions on Use
The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.
Preferred Citation
Collection Name, Collection Number, Box Number, Folder Number. Special Collections, J. Willard Marriott Library, The University of Utah.
Administrative InformationReturn to Top
Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top
Children Are People Return to Top
| Container(s) | Description | Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box | Folder | ||
| 1 | 1-39 | Scripts |
1945 |
| 1 | 40 | Miscellaneous
This folder includes handwritten scripts, notes, and correspondence.
|
1945 |
Famous Furniture Stories Return to Top
| Container(s) | Description | Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box | |||
| 2-4 | Scripts |
1931-1933 | |
| Folder | |||
| 5 | 1-25 | Typed Scripts |
1933-1934 |
| 5 | 26-29 | Titled Scripts
Included in folders 26-29 are scripts titled "Four Poster Bed," "Peg Leg Ghost," and "Who Stole the Dexter Washer."
|
|
| 5 | 30 | Miscellaneous
This folder includes notes and correspondence regarding the Famous Furniture Stories radio series.
|
|
Organ Stories Return to Top
| Container(s) | Description | Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box | Folder | ||
| 6 | 1 | General Information
This folder contains a pamphlet outlining the copyright and merchandizing plan of radio series, Organ Stories.
|
1934 |
| 6 | 2-62 | Typed Scripts |
1934-1947 |
General ScriptsReturn to Top
| Container(s) | Description | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Box | ||
| 7 |
Pioneer Stories, Scripts |
1934 |
| 8-9 |
Scrapbook, Scripts |
1938 |
| 10-11 |
Spelling Bee
|
1946 |
These Crazy Human Return to Top
| Container(s) | Description | Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box | Folder | ||
| 12 | 1 | General Information
This folder includes a pamphlet describing the program, as well as handwritten notes and news clippings used to generate ideas for the series.
|
|
| 12 | 2-33 | Typed Scripts |
1934-1937 |
| 13 | News Clippings
This box contains news clippings used to generate story ideas for radio series These Crazy Humans.
|
General RadioReturn to Top
| Container(s) | Description | Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box | Folder | ||
| 14 | 1 | KALL Inaugural Sign-On |
1945 |
| 14 | 2 | News Clippings |
|
| 14 | 3 | KALL Inter-Office Procedures |
|
| 14 | 4 |
Here Comes that Sperry Man Again! Campaign Proposal |
|
| 14 | 5 |
The Hi-Land Dairyman, Audition Script |
|
| 14 | 6-10 | KLO and KSL Travelogue Hour, Scripts |
1931 |
| 14 | 11 |
Let's Go Calling, Script |
1940 |
| 14 | 12-13 |
Lucky Star, Audition Script |
|
| 14 | 14 |
The World of Tomorrow
This folder contains a transcript of an ad-libbed speech given by Pack. The speech is based on a radio program of Pack's by the same name.
|
1944 |
| 14 | 15 |
A Salute to the Civilian Soldier, Scripts |
1943 |
| 14 | 16 | Miscellaneous Scripts |
1930 |
| item | |||
| 14 | 1 | Plaque, Union Pacific Streamliner |
Family HistoriesReturn to Top
| Container(s) | Description | Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box | Volume | ||
| 15 | 1 |
Kirsten's Courage and Tears: The Story of Kirsten and Anders Christensen Jensen and Nicolena Christensen and Carles F. Nellson
|
1980 |
| 15 | 2 |
The Twelve Tribes of Joseph
|
1972 |
| Folder | |||
| 15 | 1 |
The Twelve Tribes of Joseph, Photocopy |
1972 |
Personal MaterialsReturn to Top
| Container(s) | Description | Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box | Folder | ||
| 16 | 1 | Correspondence |
1946-1988 |
| 16 | 2 | Family Materials
This folder includes a pamphlet published in 1907 by Frederick J. Pack, concerning science, religion, and fossils showing the existence of horses in prehistoric America. Also included here is a section of a family history written by Lena Marie Pack and a news clipping.
|
1907-1980 |
| 16 | 3 | Personal Notes, Handwritten |
|
| 16 | 4 | Pony Express Mid-Century Memorial Association |
1952 |
| 16 | 5 | Religion, LDS
This folder includes a booklet of lessons for the Relief Society, a Christmas pamphlet issued by Heber J. Grant, and a ward bulletin.
|
1930-1937 |
| 16 | 6 | ZCMI
Included here are a ZCMI 100th Year Memorial Booklet and a news clipping picturing the home of John Pack. Pack's home was the site of the first University of Utah classes, held in 1850.
|
1968-1972 |
| 16 | 7 | Miscellaneous
This folder includes a booklet entitled Hunting Hints and a Newsweek "Map of the Month" depicting the city of Berlin.
|
1938-1961 |
ScrapbooksReturn to Top
| Container(s) | Description | Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box | Folder | ||
| 17 | 1-3 | Scrapbook No. 1
Materials contained in this scrapbook include Pack's birth certificate, two booklets published by his father in 1907 and 1919, and materials relating to Pack's mission in Great Britain, including his passports and some anti-Mormon literature.
|
1907-1929 |
| 17 | 4-6 | Scrapbook No. 2
This scrapbook contains materials relating to Pack's early radio career, including original scripts of some of Pack's early radio programs and his 1932 Bachelor of Science degree.
|
1929-1932 |
| 18 | 1-3 | Scrapbook No. 3
Materials in this scrapbook concern Pack's early radio career, his broadcasts from the Salt Flats covering the world speed trials, and materials from a radio production class Pack taught at the LDS Business College.
|
1932-1936 |
| 18 | 4-6 | Scrapbook No. 4
This scrapbook contains material regarding the Salt Flat speed trials, as well as materials relating to radio and religion.
|
1936-1939 |
| 19 | 1-3 | Scrapbook No. 5
Contained in this scrapbook are primarily religious materials, particularly scripts for LDS youth firesides and programs, and materials relating to a major production written and directed by Pack entitled "New Pioneers on the March."
|
1939-1943 |
| 19 | 4-5 | Scrapbook No. 5a, Photocopy
This is a photocopy of the original scrapbook, which is not in the library's possession. The scrapbook contains primarily scripts for the radio program Salute to the Civilian Soldier.
|
1943-1944 |
| 20 | 1-2 | Scrapbook No. 5, Photocopy
This is a photocopy of the original scrapbook contained in box 19, folders 1-3.
|
1939-1943 |
| 20 | 3-5 | Scrapbook No. 6
This scrapbook contains primarily materials relating to Pack's radio career.
|
1943-1949 |
| 21 | 1-2 | Scrapbook No. 7
Included in this scrapbook are materials relating to Pack's radio career; the creation of his business, Pack Advising; and religious materials.
|
1949-1952 |
| 21 | 3-5 | Scrapbook No. 8
This scrapbook includes materials relating to the Pony Express Commission and Pack's work at the sound shop at the University of Utah. Also included are materials from classes Pack took while working towards his Masters degree in Public Speech from the University of Utah.
|
1952-1959 |
| 22 | 1-2 | Scrapbook No. 8a, Pony Express Presentation |
1952-1959 |
| 23 | 1-3 | Scrapbook No. 9
Included in this scrapbook are materials relating to the Pony Express Commission and a production entitled Promised Valley.
|
1960-1967 |
| 23 | 4-5 | Scrapbook No. 9
This is a photocopy of the scrapbook contained in folder 1-3.
|
1960-1967 |
| 24 | 1-3 | Scrapbook No. 10
This scrapbook includes materials relating to Pack's University of Utah career, his designing of the sound system for the Special Events Center (now the Huntsman Center), and religious materials.
|
1968-1972 |
| 24 | 4 | Scrapbook No. 10a, Let's Face It Presentation
This folder contains a presentation concerning University of Utah budget and operation costs.
|
1968-1972 |
| 24 | 5 | Scrapbook No. 10b, "Proposed Apprentice Training Program" |
1968-1972 |
| 25 | 1-2 | Scrapbook No. 11
Contained in this scrapbook are materials covering Pack's mission with his wife to San Diego, and then to Nauvoo, as well as a collection of Pack's postage stamps.
|
1972-1975 |
| 25 | 3-5 | Scrapbook No. 12
Included in this scrapbook are materials covering Pack's service as a member of the International Visitors, Utah Council; his calling as bishop to the University Ward; and other religious and personal materials.
|
1975-1979 |
| 26 | 1-3 | Scrapbook No. 13
This scrapbook contains personal and religious materials, as well as a series of scripts for tours of the Salt Lake area, written by Pack, for the visiting members of the World Conference on Records and their spouses.
|
1980-1981 |
| 26 | 4-6 | Scrapbook No. 14
Contained in this scrapbook are further personal and religious materials, including materials regarding various tours around the world made by Pack and his wife.
|
1981-1983 |
DocumentsReturn to Top
| Container(s) | Description | Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box | Folder | ||
| 27 | 1-2 |
What's Your Name?
This folder contains booklets regarding the complete twenty week series of television programs entitled What's Your Name?, a program concerning genealogical research producted by the Extension Division of Brigham Young University.
|
1954 |
| 27 | 3-4 |
A Salute to the Civiliam Soldier
This folder includes scripts, lists of future broadcasts, correspondence, and news clippings regarding this radio program.
|
1943-1944 |
| 27 | 5 |
Scrapbook, Scripts |
1938 |
| 27 | 6 |
Famous Furniture Stories, Miscellaneous
This folder contains a souvenir program and news clippings.
|
1933 |
| 27 | 7 | Salt Flat Speed Races, Poster |
1936 |
| 27 | 8 | KALL Radio, Inter-Office Procedure |
1950 |
| 27 | 9-10 | Lean Pack Teaching Materials, "The Living Monument" |
1958-1960 |
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Radio broadcasting--Utah--History--Sources
Personal Names
- Pack, Alvin G.--Archives
- Pack, Lena M.
Family Names
- Hansen family
- Pack family
Geographical Names
- Utah--Genealogy
Form or Genre Terms
- Clippings
- Genealogies
- Histories
- Memorabilia
- Radio scripts
- Scrapbooks
Finding aid created by Rebecca Airmet
1998 (last modified: 2020)
