Repository:

Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Title:

Jim Scott papers

Inclusive Date(s):

1938-1985

Bulk Date(s):

1940-1947

Author:

Finding aid prepared by Stephen Krason, October 2012

Creation:

Finding aid encoded by Stephen Krason using the OhioLINK EAD Application in 2012

Description Rules:

Finding aid prepared using DACS

Origination:

Scott, Jim, 1887-1950

Extent:

.66 cubic feet (2 document cases)

Physical Location:

11th floor

Finding Aid Identifier:

OhKeUSC0143

Abstract:

This collection contains the personal papers of Jim Scott, Akron bookseller and later librarian for the Akron Beacon Journal. Most of the material is correspondence dealing with the bookselling business during the 1940s, but personal letters and other items relating to Scott and his life are also included.

Language(s):

The records are in English.

Biography of Jim Scott

Jim Scott was born February 6, 1887 in Australia. His family soon moved to Scotland, and Scott came to the United States in 1907. He began working in the newspaper industry, in cities such as Pittsburgh and Akron. Scott's struggles with alcoholism caused significant problems in both his professional and personal life, causing him to journey across the country from one job to another throughout much of the 1920s and 1930s. Upon returning to Akron (where he had previously been a reporter and editor for Goodyear Tire's Wingfoot Clan), Scott became involved with Alcoholics Anonymous, an organization that had a profound impact on the rest of his life. In the early 1940s he operated the Middlebury Book Shop in Akron, and during World War II served on the Summit County War Finance Committee. Scott became the chief librarian for the Akron Beacon Journal in 1947, a position he held until his death on May 24, 1950.

Scope and Content

The Jim Scott papers include items ranging from 1938 to 1985. Most of the collection consists of correspondence written in the 1940s between Scott and various individuals. The bulk of this involves the bookselling business, in which Scott participated through both his bookstore in Akron and a private cache kept in his apartment. Notable items include correspondence with Ernest J. Wessen of the Midland Rare Books Company and several other prominent individuals of the period, such as columnist Westbrook Pegler.

The collection also contains items relating to Scott's life, such as his work with Alcoholics Anonymous. This includes not only his own correspondence, but letters between family and friends. Additionally, there are biographical materials that provide further information on Scott and his times.

Statement of Arrangement

The Jim Scott papers have been organized in the following series:

• Series 1: Correspondence and Materials Related to Bookselling
• Series 2: Jim Scott and Ernest J. Wessen Correspondence
• Series 3: Personal Materials
• Subseries 1: Personal Correspondence
• Subseries 2: Biographical Materials

Preferred Citation

Jim Scott papers. Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Acquisition Information

Frank Klein, whose family is mentioned in several pieces of Jim Scott's correspondence, donated this collection to Special Collections and Archives.

Subject Headings

The following subjects are found in this collection:

Subjects:

• Scott, Jim, 1887-1950 -- Archives.
• Booksellers and bookselling -- Ohio -- Akron.
• Booksellers and bookselling -- United States.
• Antiquarian booksellers -- United States.
• Rare books -- Collectors and collecting -- United States.

Persons:

• Wessen, Ernest James, 1887-1974.
• Pegler, J. Westbrook (James Westbrook), 1894-1969.

Organizations/Corporations:

• Middlebury Book Shop (Akron, Ohio)

Functions:

• Booksellers and bookselling.

Places:

• Akron (Ohio)

Occupations:

• Booksellers and bookselling.
• Antiquarian booksellers.

Material Types:

• Correspondence.

Detailed Description of the Collection