Repository:

Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Title:

Gerald H. Chapman papers

Inclusive Date(s):

1912-1961

Author:

Finding aid prepared by Tess Hamilton

Creation:

Finding aid encoded by Tess Hamilton using the OhioLINK EAD Application in 2017

Description Rules:

Origination:

Chapman, Gerald H., 1902-1965

Extent:

.33 cubic feet (1 document case)

Physical Location:

11th floor

Finding Aid Identifier:

OhKeUSC0180

Abstract:

This collection, dating from 1912-1961, is comprised of correspondence to Gerald H. Chapman and photographs of buildings, staff and events from Kent State University. The collection also includes a small number of items that belonged to Gerald Chapman's brother Herman, who was a student at the Kent State Training School.

Language(s):

The records are in English.

Biography of Gerald H. Chapman

Gerald Howard Chapman was born on June 3, 1902 in Kent, Ohio. He was one of the first students enrolled in Kent's Teacher Training School in 1913 and graduated from Kent Normal High School in 1921. He then attended Kent State Normal College, graduating with a degree in education, and a specialization in math and science, in 1925. Chapman went on to earn a Master's degree in education from Ohio State University. He came back to Kent State as a faculty member in 1929 as a teacher at the Training School and became an associate professor of chemistry at the University in 1938. His wife, Vera Chapman, was a faculty member at the Teacher Training School and their daughter, Vera Melinda (Linda) Chapman was a student at the University. During his tenure, Chapman was actively involved on campus and served as senior class adviser, chairman of the commencement committee and a trustee of Delta Phi Sigma. The Atomic Energy Commission invited Chapman to observe testing of the atomic bomb at the Nevada Proving Grounds in 1953. He became one of the 16 radiological defense officers for the state of Ohio. Gerald H. Chapman died in 1965 at the age of 62.

Scope and Content

The Gerald H. Chapman papers primarily consist of his professional correspondence and photographs. Included are a small number of items that belonged to his younger brother Herman Chapman. Materials date from 1912-1961. In 1945, Gerald Chapman regularly presented a history of Kent State at University banquets, from which a number of photographs in this collection originated.

Statement of Arrangement

This collection is organized into three series: 1. The Gerald H. Chapman papers, 2. Herman Chapman papers, and 3. Photographs.

Preferred Citation

Gerald H. Chapman papers. Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Acquisition Information

Vivian (Favors) Garl, a former student of the Chapman’s, donated the Gerald H. Chapman papers in the 1970’s.

Controlled-access Headings

The following topics are found in this collection:

Subjects:

• Chapman, Gerald H., 1902-1965 -- Archives
• Kent State University -- History -- Photographs
• Kent State University -- History
• Laboratory schools -- Ohio -- Kent -- History
• Kent State Normal College -- Photographs
• Kent State University. Teacher Training School -- Photographs

Organizations/Corporations:

• Kent Normal High School
• Kent State Normal College
• Kent State University
• Kent State Normal School
• Kent State University. Teacher Training School

Functions:

• College teaching

Occupations:

• College teachers

Material Types:

• Photographs
• School yearbooks
• Correspondence
• Business correspondence

Detailed Description of the Collection