Collection is open to the public. Collection must be used in Special Collections and University Archives Reading Room. Collection or parts of collection may be stored offsite. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives in advance of your visit to allow for transportation time.
Franklin M. Reck (November 29, 1896-October 15, 1965) was born in Chicago, Illinois and is known for authoring books for boys. His first book, Sergeant Pinky was published shortly after World War I and related his experiences of the war. He wrote widely on transportation, including a book, The Romance of American Transportation, originally published in 1939, and republished in a revised edition in 1963. Reck was also associated with magazine publishing. He was with American Boy from 1926-1941, Farm Journal, and was a consultant to the Publications Department of Ford Motor Company. In 1960, Reck received a Ford Foundation grant to study 4-H type clubs in Latin America. His final book, Stories Boys Like, was released the day he died.
The Franklin M. Reck Papers include correspondence (1909-1965) and manuscripts for books, articles, short stories, and presentations to the Ford Foundation. The strength of the collection is in breadth of years the collection covers. The collection includes early works from the author and writings from his college years. It also includes manuscripts for books, articles, short stories, and presentations to the Ford Foundation. A large part of the collection is devoted to his travels in Latin America for the Ford Grant he received to study 4-H type programs in Latin America.