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J. B. Speer Papers, 1891-1957

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Speer, J. B. (James Beryl), 1883-1957
Title
J. B. Speer Papers
Dates
1891-1957 (inclusive)
Quantity
15.5 linear feet
Collection Number
Mss 625
Summary
This collection contains personal and business papers from J. B. Speer’s time as a student as well as his time as Registrar, Business Manager and Controller at The University of Montana.
Repository
University of Montana, Mansfield Library, Archives and Special Collections
Archives and Special Collections
Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library
University of Montana
32 Campus Dr. #9936
59812-9936
Missoula, MT
Telephone: 406-243-2053
library.archives@umontana.edu
Access Restrictions

Researchers must use collection in accordance with the policies of Archives and Special Collections, the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, and The University of Montana--Missoula.

Languages
English
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Historical Note

James Beryl Speer was born in Branch County Michigan, in 1883. After finishing high school, he attended a private business college until 1905. That year he moved to Montana to attend Montana State University now known as The University of Montana-Missoula and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in 1908. While Speer was a student he worked as an assistant to multiple university presidents. University President Oscar J. Craig’s last official act as president was to write a recommendation for Speer. In 1909, he was appointed Acting Registrar and then served as Registrar from 1910-1912. He then left Montana to continue his education.

Speer attended Stanford University Law School from 1912-1913. He transferred to University of Michigan Law School in 1914 and received his LL.B. in 1916. Speer returned to The University of Montana-Missoula in 1918 to again serve as Registrar. In 1920, he was named Business Manager and in 1945, he was named Controller. Speer was also a professor in the School of Business Administration between 1927 and 1940. He served as controller until his retirement in 1953. Speer died in 1957.

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Content Description

This collection contains personal and business papers from J. B. Speer’s time as a student and employee at The University of Montana. This collection is divided into four series. Series I, General Records contains general records from his extended service at The University of Montana. This series is organized alphabetically.

Series II, Correspondence, contains business and personal correspondence and is organized alphabetically by correspondent.

Series III, Writings and Speeches, contains writings and speeches by Speer on various university-related topics. This series is organized alphabetically.

Series IV, Scrapbooks and Photographs, contains two scrapbooks, one postcard book and twelve photographs. The first scrapbook contains memorabilia such as programs, letters, invitations, dance cards and photos, from 1891-1912. The second scrapbook contains newspaper clippings from 1938-1953. The postcard book contains used and unused postcards. The twelve photographs dated between circa 1898-1945.

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Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Use

Researchers are responsible for using in accordance with 17 U.S.C. and any other applicable statutes. Copyright status is unknown.

Preferred Citation

[Name of document or photograph number], J. B. Speer Papers, Archives and Special Collections, Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, The University of Montana--Missoula.

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Administrative Information

Arrangement

The collection is divided into four series:

Series I: General Records, 10.0 linear feet, 1908-1956

Series II: Correspondence, 1.25 linear feet, 1903-1957

Series III: Writings and Speeches, 1.75 linear feet, 1919-1956

Series IV: Scrapbooks and Photographs, 2.5 linear feet, 1891-1953

Custodial History

The collection was held by Lucille Speer until she donated it to the Archives in 1978.

Acquisition Information

This collection was a gift of Lucille Speer in 1978.

Processing Note

The processor left correspondence with materials in Series I and III in its original order.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Corporate Names

  • Montana State University (Missoula)--Finance
  • State University of Montana (Missoula)--Faculty
  • University of Montana (Missoula, Mont.)--Students

Occupations

  • College registrars--Montana--Missoula
  • College students--Montana--Missoula

Finding aid prepared by Ann Sullivan
2006

CC Attribution
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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