State College of Washington Office of the President: Wilson Compton Records

State College of Washington Office of the President: Wilson Compton Records, 1944-1952

Overview of the Collection

Creator: State College of Washington. Office of the President
Title: State College of Washington Office of the President: Wilson Compton Records
Dates: 1944-1952 (inclusive)
19441952
Quantity: 8 Linear feet of shelf space, (16 Boxes)
Collection Number: Archives 160 (collection)
Summary: Records of the Office of the President of the State College of Washington (later Washington State University), related to the presidency of Wilson M. Compton.
Repository: Washington State University Libraries' Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections (MASC)
Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections
Terrell Library Suite 12
Pullman, WA
99164-5610
Telephone: 509-335-6691
mascref@wsu.edu
Access Restrictions: This collection is open and available for research use.
Languages: English

Historical NoteReturn to Top

The functions and duties of the Washington State University President are defined in University Faculty Manual, edition of 1987, as: In addition to being designated as secretary ex officio of the Board of Regents, the President as general agent of the Board is the chief executive officer of Washington State University. The President administers the policies approved by the Board of Regents, serves as advisor to the Board on policies and operations and is the agent through whom representations to the Board are regularly made. Other functions of the chief executive officer include: Leadership in developing policies and organization for teaching, research, and extension programs. Public administration of the University, including representation before the Legislature and other state agencies. Responsibility for the general welfare of students; the development, operation and maintenance of buildings, lands and equipment; financial matters pertaining to development, operation and maintenance of University; and the administration of regulations adopted by the Board of Regents. Responsibility, delegated by the Board of Regents, for all appointments, promotion, salaries, leaves, resignations, and dismissals. Presiding at meetings of the general faculty.

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

Wilson Martindale Compton was born in Wooster, Ohio and attended the College of Wooster and earned a Ph.D. in economics from Princeton University as well as a law degree. In 1916, he married Helen Harrington, and later had four children together. Compton became President of the State College of Washington in 1945, and remained in that position until 1951. His presidency saw creation of the College Senate, a first Faculty Manual, and establishment by the faculty of general education requirements in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences for all students, as well as honors at graduation. In April of 1951, in the midst of difficult financial times due to state budget cuts, the Board of Regents ended the Compton presidency. After he left WSU, Compton was Director of the International Information Administration (IIA), the forerunner of the United States Information Agency (USIA), within the Department of State. He died in 1967.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The bulk of the records are contained in the first two series. Speeches and publicity materials, including scrapbooks, make up Series 1, while Series 2 consists of correspondence.

Series 3, E. O. Holland, 1944-1950, consists of files that were originally removed from the office files by President Compton when he left the State College of Washington. He kept the files in his personal possession until his death in 1967. President Compton apparently retained these papers because they were potentially embarrassing to his predecessor, President Ernest Otto Holland, documenting as they do Holland's political and personal efforts in opposition to decisions taken at Washington State College, and to his "butting-in" from his position in retirement.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

Preferred Citation

[Item description]

State College of Washington Office of the President: Wilson Compton Records, 1944-1952 (Archives 160)

Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections, Washington State University Libraries, Pullman, WA.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Arrangement

Organized in three series, arranged alphabetically and chronologically within each series.

Custodial History

When he left the University, Compton removed from the office files the documents found in the folder entitled "E.O. Holland, 1944-1950" (Folder 191). These he retained in his personal possession until his death. Later these were transferred to the College of Wooster Library with another sequence of his personal materials. In 1996, the Wooster Archivist transferred the documents to Washington State University Libraries.

Acquisition Information

The records were transferred to the University Libraries at some time before 1970. Certain of Compton's personal papers were added to the records at that time. In 1998, one folder of additional correspondence was transferred from the College of Wooster Library.

Processing Note

This collection was reprocessed by Colleen Cavanagh and Jose Vargas in 1988.

Related Materials

State College of Washington Office of the President: Wilson Compton and Charles Clement French Records, 1948-1956 (Archives 12)

Wilson Compton Day Books and Papers, 1928-1997 (Cage 810)

Claude Simpson Manuscript, “The Compton Years, The State College Of Washington, November 1944-September 1951", 1986 (Cage 5058)

Compton Family Dramatization Cassette Recording, 1947 (CT 9)

Washington State University Office of the President Media, 1937-2006 (Archives 328)

State College of Washington Office of the President: Letters from Prominent Correspondents, 1897-1951 (Cage 1616)

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Series 1: Speeches and Publicity MaterialsReturn to Top

Container(s)		Description	Dates
Box	Folder
1	1	"United States Mission to the United Nations." Address before the American Standards Association	October 14, 1949
1	2	"An Adventure of the Mind." Address to Dr. Compton's first freshman class	September 17, 1945
1	3	"Strenghen Us for Noble Duty." Address to members of the freshman class	September 29, 1946
1	4	Speeches made by Dr. Compton to various clubs and organizations and organizations	1944-1947
1	5	Speeches made by Dr. Compton various clubs and organizations	1948-1949
1	6	Speeches made by Dr. Compton to various clubs and organizations	1950-1951
		Articles and speeches by Dr. Compton, 1944-1953
Box	Folder
1	7	"An Adventure and a Challenge"	Sept. 1950
1	7	"Looking Ahead from Behind"	Dec. 12, 1944
1	7	"Great Pilots Are Not Made in Smooth Waters"	Mar. 1948
1	7	"College Gives You a Chance to Win an Education"	Sept. 11, 1949
1	7	"Engineering in an Era of Big Science and Big Government"	Sept. 9, 1948
1	7	"Keep Washington Green and Build for a Future"	1945
1	7	"Our Feet on the Ground"	June, 1951
		Department of State Press Releases
Box	Folder
1	7	International Information Administration. #43	January 17, 1952
1	7	Address Before the Washington Area Clergymen. #379	May 12, 1952
1	7	"The Voice of America at the Water's Edge." #404	May 21, 1952
1	7	(Untitled) #730	Sept. 13, 1952
1	7	Address before the Congressional Club. #57	January 30, 1953
1	7	"Waging the Campaign of Truth,"	July-August, 1952
Box	Folder
2	8	Articles Concerning Dr. Wilson Compton. Includes a certificate from the Olympia Chamber of Commerce honoring Dr. Compton	April 18, 1945
2	9	Improvements and accomplishments attained at the State College of Washington	1945-1951
2	10	Scrapbooks of newspaper clippings	1944-1945
2	11	Scrapbook of newspaper clippings	1945
3	12	The Inauguration of President Wilson Martindale Compton. Includes order of events, Program outline and Inauguration booklet	1946
3	13	Newspaper clippings concerning the regime and resignation of President Wilson M. Compton at the State College of Washington. (Gift of C. M. Brewster, Oct., 1955.)	1944-1951
3	14	Material concerning the resignation of Wilson Compton as President of the State College of Washington. Statements by and about the Board of Regents and President Compton. News release items. 1951-52. Also contains program and speechess at inauguration of President Compton, 1945; Quarter Century Biography of Wilson Compton by Old Timer's Club. Newspaper clipping with pictures	1945-1952
3	15	Photographs (2 copies) of Wooster Clan taken at Princeton, May 9, 1964, with identification. Address of Dr. Howard Lowry at memorial service of Wilson Compton, Jr., at College of Wooster, July 16, 1964. Wooster Alumni Bulletin of October 1964, containing notice of death of Wilson M. Compton, Jr. Photographs of wedding of Compton's daughter at Pullman	circa 1951-1964
4	16	"The Inauguration of W. M. Compton as President of the College". Vols. I, II
5	17	"The Inauguration of W. M. Compton as President of the College". Vol. III
6	18	Scrapbook containing clippings re: resignation of Wilson Compton from the Presidency of Washington State College

Series 2: CorrespondenceReturn to Top

Container(s)		Description	Dates
Box	Folder
7	19	Correspondence for 1945, A-B. Agricultural Economy. Mrs. Gordon Alcorn
7	20	Advisory Board of Agricultural Sciences. Advisory Board for Technology
7	21	Advisory Board on Technology	1945
7	22	Advisory Commission to the State of Washington Department of Conservation and Development	1945
7	23	Agricultural Chemistry, Division of	1945
7	24	Agricultural Engineering, Department of	1945
7	25	Agricultural Experiment Station	1945
7	26	Agricultural Experiment Station -- Tree Fruit	1945
7	27	Agricultural Experiment Station -- Western Washington	1945
7	28	Agricultural Extension Service	1945
7	29	Agricultural Sciences, Institute of	1945
7	30	Agriculture, College of	1945
7	31	Alumni Association, W. S. C	1945
7	32	Animal Husbandry, Department of	1945
7	33	vacant
7	34	Agricultural Engineering, Department of, and College of Architecture	1945
7	35	Associated Students	1945
7	36	B -- Miscellaneous Correspondence	1945
7	37	Buildings and Grounds	1945
7	38	Business Administration, School of	1945
8	39	C -- Miscellaneous Correspondence	1945
8	40	Certificates of Merit	1945
8	41	Commencement	1945
8	42	Compton, Wilson (Dr.) -- Speeches, Articles, etc	1945
8	43	Athletic Council -- Earl Foster, Secretary	1945
8	44	Campus Beautification Committee	1945
8	45	Committee on Committees	1945
8	46	Committee on Courses for Veterans	1945
8	47	Committee on Curriculum (Special)	1945
8	48	Committee on Curriculum and Catalogue -- Paul Landis, Chairman	1945
8	49	Committee, Faculty Executive	1945
8	50	Committees, Faculty	1945
8	51	Committee on Foreign Scholarships	1945
8	52	Committee, Housing -- Stanley A. Smith, Chairman	1945
8	53	Committee, Inaugural	1945
8	54	Inauguration	1945
8	55	Committee on Insurance and Annuities	1945
8	56	Committee, Appraisal, No. 1, 2, 3	1945
8	57	Committee, Scholarship Standards	1945
8	58	Committee, Student Activities	1945
8	59	Committee for Review of College Program, President's	1945
8	60	Committee, Veterinary Medicine	1945
8	61	Conditions of Employment	1945
8	62	D -- Miscellaneous Correspondence	1945
8	63	Deans and Heads of Departments	1945
8	64	E --	1945
8	65	Education, School of	1945
9	66	F -- Forest Products, Forest and Range Management
9	67	Faculty	1945
9	68	Farm Management and Agricultural Economy, Department of	1945
9	69	Fine Arts, Department of	1945
9	70	Foreign Student Scholarships	1945
9	71	G -- Miscellaneous Correspondence	1945
9	72	General College Extension	1945
9	73	Graduate School	1945
9	74	H -- Miscellaneous Correspondence	1945
9	75	History and Political Science, Department of	1945
9	76	Home Economics, College of	1945
9	77	Horticulture, Department of	1945
9	78	Hospital Advisory Board	1945
9	79	I -- Miscellaneous Correspondence	1945
9	80	Industrial Research	1945
9	81	Institute of International Education	1945
9	82	J -- Miscellaneous Correspondence	1945
9	83	Labor	1945
9	84	Land Purchases	1945
9	85	Library	1945
9	86	Mechanic Arts and Engineering, College of	1945
9	87	Military Science and Tactics	1945
9	88	Mines and Geology, School of	1945
9	89	M -- Miscellaneous Correspondence	1945
9	90	N -- Miscellaneous Correspondence	1945
9	91	P -- Miscellaneous Correspondence	1945
9	92	Placement Bureau	1945
9	93	Police Science and Administration	1945
9	94	President's Office	1945
9	95	W. S. C. -- Organization Notes	1945
9	96	Publications, Director of	1945
9	97	vacant
9	98	Q --	1945
9	99	R --	1945
9	100	Radio -- KWSC	1945
9	101	Registrar	1945
9	102	Board of Regents	1945
10	103	S --	1945
10	104	Scholarships	1945
10	105	Sciences and Arts, College of	1945
10	106	State Department, (Washington State)	1945
10	107	State (Washington State) -- Legislative Material	1945
10	108	Student Book Store	1945
10	109	Technology, Institute of	1945
10	110	U -- V	1945
10	111	U. S. Department of the Interior, Bonneville Power Administration	1945
10	112	U. S. Veterans Administration	1945
10	113	U. S. War Department	1945
10	114	University of Washington -- Dr. Lee Paul Sieg, President	1945
10	115	Veterinary Medicine, College of	1945
10	116	W --	1945
10	117	Washington State Horticultural Association	1945
11	118	Correspondence	1946
11	119	Accreditation Study	1946
11	120	Associated Students	1946
11	121	Buildings and Grounds, Department of	1946
11	122	Budget -- Business Administration	1946
11	123	C --	1946
11	124	Committees	1946
11	125	Faculty Executive Committee	1946
11	126	Committee on Space Priorities	1946
11	127	Compton, Helen and Wilson	1946
12	128	D --	1946
12	129	E --	1946
12	130	F --	1946
12	131	Financial Information	1946
12	132	Fort George Wright	1946
12	133	Fraternities and Sororities	1946
12	134	G --	1946
12	135	General College Extension	1946
12	136	H --	1946
12	137	Housing	1946
12	138	Intercollegiate Athletics	1946
12	139	KWSC radio	1946
12	140	L --	1946
12	141	M --	1946
13	142	N --	1946
13	143	Orton Art Collection	1946
13	144	P --	1946
13	145	President's Office Reorganization	1946
13	146	Q --	1946
13	147	R --	1946
13	148	Regents	1946
13	149	S --	1946
13	150	Social Work, School of	1946
13	151	State of Washington	1946
13	152	T --	1946
13	153	U -- V	1946
13	154	United States Senators and Representatuves	1946
13	155	W --	1946
13	156	X -- Y -- Z	1946
14	157	A --	1947
14	158	B --	1947
14	159	C --	1947
14	160	Committee on Educational Policies	1947
14	161	Committee on Commencement	1947
14	162	Committees -- Miscellaneous	1947
14	163	Committee on Ten-year Plan for W. S. C	1947
14	164	Deans, Directors and Department Heads	1947
14	165	E --	1947
14	166	F --	1947
14	167	Financial Expenditures, Budgets and Legislative Requests	1947
14	168	G --	1947
15	169	H --	1947
15	170	Hospital	1947
15	171	I --	1947
15	172	J --	1947
15	173	KWSC radio	1947
15	174	L --	1947
15	175	Land Purchases	1947
15	176	M --	1947
15	177	News Bureau	1947
15	178	Orton, Virginia and Charles	1947
15	179	P --	1947
15	180a	P -- (continued)	1947
15	180b	Publications	1947
16	181	Questionnaries	1947
16	182	Registrar, Research, Retirement	1947
16	183	Regents, Board of	1947
16	184	S --	1947
16	185	S -- (continued)	1947
16	186	State, Washington -- Legislative Material	1947
16	187	T --	1947
16	188	U --	1947
16	189	V --	1947
16	190	X - Y - Z	1947
16	190a	The Drucker Collection of Oriental Art.

Series 3: E. O. Holland, 1944-1950Return to Top

Container(s)		Description	Dates
Box	Folder
16	191	E. O. Holland	1944-1950

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

College presidents -- Washington (State) -- Pullman

Personal Names

Compton, Wilson Martindale, 1890-1967 -- Records and correspondence

Corporate Names

State College of Washington -- Presidents -- Records and correspondence
State College of Washington. Office of the President -- Records and correspondence

Archives West Finding Aid

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