Finding Aid for the Frank G. Curtiss papers

Author: Joy M. Kiser, May 1991

Revisions: May 2008

Descriptive Rules: DACS

Origination: Curtiss, Frank G.

Inclusive Dates: 1925-1930

Extent: .33 cubic feet (1 document case)

Physical Location: 11th floor

Language of Materials: English

Abstract: Frank G. Curtiss was a Kent State Student from 1925-1929, active in the Kappa Mu Kappa fraternity and athletics. The collection contains general memorabilia as well as information on the fraternity and athletic teams in which Curtiss participated.

Biography or History: Frank Gardner Curtiss graduated from Kent State Normal College in 1929 with a BS in education. "Curtie," as he was known on campus, was a graduate of Ravenna High School who enjoyed a distinguished career at Kent State College as President of Kappa Mu Kappa, captain of the baseball team where he pitched for the reserve team and covered center field for the varsity team, forward for the Golden Flashes basketball team where he once scored 95 points in 13 games, and right end and receiver for the football team. Following graduation, he was a teacher of history and physical education at Brush High School in South Euclid, Ohio.

Scope and Content: The collection is comprised of programs, articles, and photographs of fraternity functions, athletic endeavors, and the letters and certificates earned by Curtiss during his college career.

Statement of Arrangement: This small collection has been organized into three series: Kent State general memorabilia; Kappa Mu Kappa fraternity; and Kent State athletics.

Preferred Citation: Frank G. Curtiss papers. Department of Special Collections and Archives. Kent State University Libraries and Media Services.

Acquisition Information: Curtiss donated his papers to the Kent State University Alumni Association. They were transferred to the University Archives on October 25, 1979 as accession U79/54.

Box 1

Folder -- Contents

Series 1: Kent State general memorabilia

1. Graduation announcement of Frank Curtiss (2 copies), 1929
2. "K" Book (student handbook) (2 copies), 1928
3. Kent State College and Popular Song Book, undated
4. Pennant (paper), Kent State College, undated
5. Program, Inauguration of James Ozro Engleman, 1929
6. Programs, miscellaneous (includes programs for gymnasium dedication dance and campus plays), 1925-1928
7. Red Flame (alternative student newspaper), "To Hell with Normal" issue, undated. Note: This issue is in extremely fragile physical condition.

Series 2: Kappa Mu Kappa Fraternity

8. Membership certificate of Frank Curtiss, 1926
9. Newspaper clippings about fraternity events, 1927 and undated
10. Photographs of fraternity members, 1926-1927 and undated

Series 3: Kent State athletics

11. Athletic certificates of Frank Curtiss, 1926-1929
12. Athletic letters ("K"), undated
13. Football memorabilia (miscellaneous), 1930 and undated
14. Homecoming program, "West Liberty, W. Va. vs. Kent Sate," November 14, 1925. Note: This was the first game ever won by a Kent State football team since the program's founding in 1920. Program includes handwritten annotation with the score by quarter and winning touchdown information in the centerfold.
15. Newspaper clippings about Kent State baseball team, 1926-1929
16. Newspaper clippings about Kent State basketball team, 1926-1929
17. Newspaper clippings about Kent State football team, 1926-1929
18. Photograph of basketball team (Curtiss is identified on photograph), undated
19. Photograph of Frank Curtiss in football pose (stand-up photograph mounted on wood), 1928
20. Photograph of Kent State Athletic Association, 1927
21. Photographs of football coach Merle Wagoner, 1927 and undated
22. Photographs of football team members and football summer camp, 1927 and undated
23. Photographs of football team members, bus en route to game in Pennsylvania, and Kent State cheerleaders, 1926, 1927, and undated