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LeRoy Satrom papers

Special Collections and Archives

LeRoy Satrom papers

Special Collections and Archives

LeRoy Satrom papers

Finding Aid for the LeRoy Satrom papers

May 4 Collection -- Boxes 8, 9

Author: Amanda Remster, December 2007; Updated December 2011; Updated January 2017; Last Updated: August 2020


Descriptive Rules: DACS
Origination: Satrom, LeRoy M.
Inclusive Dates: 1955-1976
Bulk Dates: 1970-1972
Extent: 2.0 cubic feet (2 record storage boxes)
Physical Location: 12th floor; oversized materials are shelved in map case


Abstract: The bulk of the LeRoy Satrom papers relates to the Kent State shootings and their aftermath during Satrom's term as mayor of Kent, Ohio from 1970-1972.


Biography: Born in North Dakota, LeRoy Satrom graduated from Case Institute of Technology, afterwards beginning a lifelong career of public service in Portage County, Ohio. After serving as deputy county engineer, Ravenna and Kent city engineer, consulting engineer, and a member of Kent City Council throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Satrom was elected as mayor of Kent in 1969. Beginning his mayoral term in January 1970, Satrom was placed under national scrutiny five months later due to the Kent State shootings of May 4, 1970. As mayor, Satrom possessed the only authorization to request that Governor James A. Rhodes send the Ohio National Guard to Kent.

In 1972, Satrom won the position of Portage County Engineer, as which he served for four terms. After his retirement, he remained an active member of the Portage County Democratic Party, as well as the Kent community. Satrom died in 2004 at the age of 85.


Scope and Content: The LeRoy Satrom papers include correspondence, documents, speeches, notes, photographs, newspaper clippings, periodicals, and audio recordings. Although the collection highlights many aspects of Satrom's career as engineer, mayor, and Kent citizen, the bulk of these materials focus on the events of May 4, 1970, and their aftermath.

Statement of Arrangement:


Preferred Citation: LeRoy Satrom papers. Department of Special Collections and Archives. Kent State University Libraries and Media Services.


Acquisition Information: LeRoy Satrom donated this collection to the Kent State University Special Collections and Archives on June 8, 2004.

Restrictions on Access: Some information included in this collection is restricted due to the presence of information protected by privacy laws. This information has been redacted where present on documents in the collection. Un-redacted originals, in all cases, have been retained by Special Collections and Archives.

Technical Requirements: Audio materials recorded on cassette tape and eight-track tape formats. Eight track tapes are fragile and cannot be played until transfered to a digital format.

Separated Material: Newspaper clippings unrelated to LeRoy Satrom that were filed in this collection prior to re-processing in 2017, if retained, have been moved to the May 4 Newspaper Clippings, Magazines, and Journal Articles collection.

Sponsor: Digitization of this collection was funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission. Digitization of a portion of the audio materials in this collection was supported by a Recordings at Risk grant from the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR). The grant program is made possible by funding from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.


Box 8

Series 1: Correspondence, 1955-1972

Folder -- Contents

  1. General professional correspondence to LeRoy Satrom, 1955; 1968-1972
  2. Correspondence to LeRoy Satrom regarding Kent State shootings, May 1-5, 1970
  3. Correspondence to LeRoy Satrom regarding Kent State shootings, May 6-10, 1970
  4. Correspondence to LeRoy Satrom regarding Kent State shootings, May 11-15, 1970
  5. Correspondence to LeRoy Satrom regarding Kent State shootings, May 16-20, 1970
  6. Correspondence to LeRoy Satrom regarding Kent State shootings, May 21-25, 1970
  7. Correspondence to LeRoy Satrom regarding Kent State shootings, May 26-31, 1970
  8. Correspondence to LeRoy Satrom regarding Kent State shootings, June, 1970
  9. Correspondence to LeRoy Satrom regarding Kent State shootings, July-August, 1970
  10. Correspondence to LeRoy Satrom regarding Kent State shootings, September-December, 1970
  11. Correspondence to LeRoy Satrom regarding Kent State shootings, 1971
  12. Correspondence to LeRoy Satrom regarding Kent State shootings, 1972
  13. Postcards to LeRoy Satrom regarding Kent State shootings, 1970-1971
  14. General professional correspondence from LeRoy Satrom, 1969-1972

Series 2: Kent City Elections, 1959-1976

  1. Kent City Elections, campaign printed matter, 1959-1961
    Physical Location: One item from this file is located in the map case.
  2. Kent City Elections, campaign printed matter and certificates of nomination and election, 1963
  3. Kent City Elections, certificate of election, 1964
  4. Kent City Elections, campaign printed matter and certificate of election, 1965
    Physical Location: One item from this file is located in the map case.
  5. Kent City Elections, ballot tally sheet, campaign printed matter, and certificate of election, 1968
  6. Kent City Elections, ballot tally sheet, campaign printed matter, and certificates of nomination and election, 1969
  7. Kent City Elections, certificate of election, 1970
  8. Kent City Elections, campaign printed matter, 1976

Series 3: Proclamations, Speeches, Drafts, Notes, 1969-1972

  1. Proclamation of Heart Month by LeRoy Satrom, February 5, 1970
  2. Proclamation of Civil Emergency by LeRoy Satrom, May 2, 1970
  3. Official statement to the citizens of Kent by LeRoy Satrom, May 8, 1970
  4. Statement on Kent State University dormitory search by LeRoy Satrom, May 13, 1970
  5. Unsigned statement regarding University and City relations, July 27, 1970
  6. Proclamation of resignation of Robert I. White, February 19, 1971
  7. Draft of speech regarding reopening of Kent State University, 1970
  8. Draft of speech regarding food stamps, undated
  9. Draft of speech regarding University and City security, undated
  10. Welcome letter by LeRoy Satrom, undated
  11. Notes made by LeRoy Satrom, 1969
  12. Notes made by LeRoy Satrom, 1970
  13. Notes made by LeRoy Satrom, 1971
  14. Notes made by LeRoy Satrom, 1972
  15. Notes made by LeRoy Satrom, undated
  16. Office messages and memos to LeRoy Satrom, 1970-1972
  17. Kent City Council agendas, Memorial Day plans, and assorted mayoral documents, 1969-1972
  18. LeRoy Satrom's certificate of church membership and church programs, 1957; 1970

Series 4: Documents Regarding Kent State Shootings and Emergency Response, 1969-1972

Subseries 1: Demands, Petitions, Recommendations to LeRoy Satrom, 1970-1971

  1. Statement by the Executive Committee of the Kent Area Chamber of Congress, May 7, 1970
  2. Resolution by Hiram College Faculty, May 6, 1970
  3. Resolution by the City of Kent, May 13, 1970
  4. Letter from the Committee of Kent State Massacre Witnesses to Kent State students, May 13, 1970
  5. Telegram from the Student Senate of the State Community College of East St. Louis, Illinois to LeRoy Satrom, May 22, 1970
  6. Leaflets from the Navigators, Campus Crusade for Christ, and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship to citizens of Portage County, 1970
  7. Counter-demands to faculty and student demands, by "Citizens of Kent," May 26, 1970
  8. Correspondence and petitions from residents of Ohio, May 5-24, 1970
  9. Petition from "Group of Undergraduate Students," June 15, 1970
  10. Petition from "Group of Undergraduate Students" forwarded by the City-University Liaison Committee, June 18, 1970
  11. Statement from the Group at Twin Lakes Country Club, July 25, 1970
  12. Minutes and supporting documents from the University Commission to Implement a Commitment to Non-Violence, May-September, 1970
  13. Minutes and supporting documents from the Kent State University Community Relations Committee, 1970-1971

Series 4: Documents Regarding Kent State Shootings and Emergency Response, 1969-1972

Subseries 2: Documents Regarding City and University Emergency Response, 1969-1972

  1. Document regarding guidance for civil authorities by the Adjutant General of Ohio, August 15, 1969
  2. Kent State University personnel cleared for access during curfew, May 2, 1970
  3. Kent State University interdepartmental correspondence regarding open telephone line, May 2, 1970
  4. Ohio National Guard visitation authorization forms, May 4, 1970
  5. Kent State University personnel on duty in Academic Division, May 5, 1970
  6. Guideline for Disorders and Disruptions, for law enforcement agencies, May 25, 1970
  7. Kent State University Department of Safety and Public Services emergency procedures, August 1, 1970
  8. Document regarding obtaining aerial type trucks in case of emergency, September 25, 1970
  9. List of area fire departments, September 25, 1970
  10. Guideline for Disorders and Disruptions, amended, October 9, 1970
  11. Campus Bus Service, procedures for an emergency and evacuation, October 15, 1970
  12. Kent State University procedures for disorders and disruptions, October 22, 1970
  13. Ohio House Bill 1219, Last Enacted Section Concerning Campus Riots, November 4, 1970
  14. Kent State University procedures for emergency and evacuation, revised, March 26, 1971
  15. Provisions for a state of emergency, emergency passes, and regulations, April 29, 1971
  16. Correspondence from Kent Public Schools regarding use of Roosevelt Stadium, April 30, 1971
  17. Guidelines for civil disturbance control, February 16, 1972
  18. Amended House Bill and correspondence from Governor John J. Gilligan, February 23, 1972
  19. Documents regarding University governance, 1972
  20. Contact information of Kent employees, police, and University administration, 1970-1971
  21. Kent State University Emergency Handbook, "White Book," circa 1970-1972
  22. Emergency identification cards, undated
  23. Personnel assignments in civil emergency, undated
  24. Crimes and Criminal Procedure: Riots, undated
  25. Statutes and Jurisdiction: Civil Service and Riots, undated

Series 4: Documents Regarding Kent State Shootings and Emergency Response, 1969-1972

Subseries 3: Documents Regarding Law Enforcement Reports and Procedures, 1970-1972

  1. Information Digest regarding Seattle Liberation Front, May 2, 1970
  2. Special Police Officers sworn in by LeRoy Satrom, May 4, 1970
  3. Kent Police Department memos, 1970
    Scope and Content: Includes photocopy of a statement by a confidential informant.
  4. Parole Officer's Field Report, May 13, 1970
  5. Intelligence statement, July 24, 1970
    Scope and Content: Describes individuals who may be involved in SDS activity.
  6. Court Orders and instructions regarding special grand jury, September 5, 1970
  7. Kent Arms and Ammunitions Reports, September 29, 1970
  8. Report of Jenkins vs. Averett, September 29, 1970
  9. Procedures for Bomb Threat, Kent City Fire Department, October 1, 1970
  10. Intelligence Unit Report per State Arson Bureau, October 2, 1970
  11. Cincinnati Postal Department Notice, October 24, 1970
  12. Consumer Frauds and Crimes Bulletin, November 1970
  13. Report of 1971 Spring Action Calendar, 1971
  14. Letter sent to LeRoy Satrom from the Portage County Sheriff, February 18, 1971
  15. Ohio State Highway Patrol, Summit, Portage Police Departments meeting agenda, April 8, 1971
  16. Reports by James Bruss on student activities and rallies, April-May 1971
  17. Subject File: Kent Ministerial Association regarding Kent Police brutality statements, 1971-1972
  18. Memos and correspondence, Kent City Police Chief and Department, March 25-June 4, 1971
  19. Kent area police departments intelligence meeting notes, September-November 1971
  20. Bowling Green Police Report, May 10, 1972
  21. Kent Police Department daily patrol, phone, and radio log, June 2-4, 1972
  22. Auxiliary Kent Police sworn in by LeRoy Satrom, June 26, 1972

Series 4: Documents Regarding Kent State Shootings and Emergency Response, 1969-1972

Subseries 4: Documents Regarding Kent State University, 1970-1972

  1. Kent State University campus map with notations, February 18, 1970
  2. Grade option form for Kent State University graduate candidates, May 15, 1970
  3. Kent State University community relations survey, June 5, 1970
  4. Kent State University Spring Commencement program, June 13, 1970
  5. Kent State University enrollment statistics, September 1970
  6. Subject File: Think Week 1970, September 28-October 3, 1970
  7. Report: Extraordinary Expenses Incurred Relative to the May Disturbance, October 15, 1970
  8. Special Report by The President's Commission on Campus Unrest: The Kent State Tragedy, October 1970
  9. Program and agendas: Memorial to the Slain Students of Kent State University, May 1-4, 1971
  10. Kent State University Federation of Teachers, Statement of Concerns, November 1, 1971
  11. Kent State University Annual Report: 1971-1972, December 22, 1972
  12. Correspondence and memos from Kent State University, 1970-1972
  13. Questionnaire concerning events of May 1-4, 1970, undated
  14. Kent State University information regarding student funds, 1970

Series 5: Photographs, 1955-1972

  1. Thomas Satrom and Unidentified Boy, November 7, 1950
  2. LeRoy Satrom and W. L. Havens, December 1954
  3. Kent Rotary Club, 1959
  4. LeRoy Satrom and Unidentified Group, April 26, 1969
  5. Photographs of LeRoy Satrom for Campaign Advertisements, 1969
  6. Albert Caris and LeRoy Satrom, January 1970
  7. LeRoy Satrom, Bob Defluiter, and Tony Filomena, February 6, 1970
  8. Robert White and LeRoy Satrom, March 1970
  9. Robert White and LeRoy and Grace Satrom, March 1970
  10. John Davis, Grace Satrom, Fanyerose Cullinan, and Marcus Roberto, March 1970
  11. LeRoy Satrom, Armondo Giovangnoli, Fred Miller, and Paul Hershey, March 1970
  12. Ed Ross and LeRoy Satrom, April 3, 1970
  13. Headshot of LeRoy Satrom, April 2, 1971
  14. LeRoy and Grace Satrom with Mr. and Mrs. Bill Nash, December 14, 1972
  15. LeRoy Satrom and John Thomas, December 16, 1972
  16. Glen White, LeRoy Satrom, and Unidentified Man, December 1972
  17. Grace Satrom, undated
  18. Wedding Photographs of LeRoy and Grace Satrom, undated
  19. LeRoy Satrom and Unidentified Man in Kent Street Department Truck, undated
  20. Headshots of LeRoy Satrom, undated
  21. Family Portrait: James, Robert, Thomas, Grace, and LeRoy Satrom, undated
  22. LeRoy and Grace Satrom Boarding a Bus, undated
  23. Grace and LeRoy Satrom, undated
  24. LeRoy Satrom and Unidentified Men with "Case Alumni" Buttons, undated
  25. Grace Satrom and Unidentified Women, undated
  26. Unidentified Man with Political Signs, undated
  27. Portrait of Senator John Glenn in front of U.S. Capitol, 1964
  28. Portrait of Senator John Glenn, undated

May 4 Collection -- Box 9

Series 6: Newspaper Clippings, 1969-1973

Folder -- Contents

  1. Newspaper clippings, January to June, 1969
  2. Newspaper clippings, July to December, 1969
  3. Newspaper clippings, January, 1970
  4. Newspaper clippings, February, 1970
  5. Newspaper clippings, March, 1970
  6. Newspaper clippings, April, 1970
  7. Newspaper clippings, May 9, 1970
  8. Newspaper clippings, May 11-20, 1970
  9. Newspaper clippings, May 21-30, 1970
  10. Newspaper clippings, June, 1970
  11. Newspaper clippings, July, 1970
  12. Newspaper clippings, August, 1970
  13. Newspaper clippings, September, 1970
  14. Newspaper clippings, October, 1970
  15. Newspaper clippings, November, 1970
  16. Newspaper clippings, December, 1970
  17. Newspaper clippings, January, 1971
  18. Newspaper clippings, February, 1971
  19. Newspaper clippings, March, 1971
  20. Newspaper clippings, April, 1971
  21. Newspaper clippings, May, 1971
  22. Newspaper clippings, June, 1971
  23. Newspaper clippings, July, 1971
  24. Newspaper clippings, August, 1971
  25. Newspaper clippings, September, 1971
  26. Newspaper clippings, October, 1971
  27. Newspaper clippings, November, 1971
  28. Newspaper clippings, December, 1971
  29. Newspaper clippings, January, 1972
  30. Newspaper clippings, February, 1972
  31. Newspaper clippings, March, 1972
  32. Newspaper clippings, April, 1972
  33. Newspaper clippings, May, 1972
  34. Newspaper clippings, June, 1972
  35. Newspaper clippings, July, 1972
  36. Newspaper clippings, August, 1972
  37. Newspaper clippings, September, 1972
  38. Newspaper clippings, October, 1972
  39. Newspaper clippings, November, 1972
  40. Newspaper clippings, December, 1972
  41. Newspaper clippings, 1973
  42. Newspaper clippings, undated

Series 7: Flyers, Newsletters, Pamphlets, Periodicals, 1957-1974

  1. Flyers, leaflets, and pamphlets, 1970-1972
  2. Newsletters, 1969-1972
  3. Kent Strike Paper, 1970
  4. SDS: New Left Notes, 1972
    Physical Location: Shelved in map case.
  5. Strike Paper, 1970

Series 8: Audio Materials, 1970-1972
Alternate Form Available: These recordings have been digitally captured and are available online by clicking the title links below. Box 9 also includes CD copies of the recordings for reference use.
Restrictions on Access: Researchers should be directed to use the digital copies of these recordings as originals are not playable due to format and preservation concerns

  1. Cassette Tape: Meeting of the Civil Service Commission, circa 1970s
  2. Eight-Track Tape: State of the City, December 29, 1970
  3. Eight-Track Tape: Press Conference, June, 1971
  4. Eight-Track Tape: Press Conference: State of the City, December 29, 1971
  5. Eight-Track Tape: Press Conference, December, 1972