Finding Aid for the Marion Stroud papers

Repository: Kent State University. Special Collections and Archives.
Title: Marion Stroud papers
Inclusive Dates: 1970-1976
Author: Finding aid prepared by Liz Campion, October 2025
Origination: Stroud, Marion 1922-2001
Extent: 0.16 cubic feet (1 box = 1 slim document case)
Physical Location: 12th floor (May 4 Collection, Box 43)
Abstract: The collection contains newspaper clippings and correspondence responding to letters to the editor.
Language: English
Descriptive Rules: DACS 2nd Edition

Biography of Marion Stroud: In response to the Kent State Shootings on May 4, 1970, Marion Stroud, a Kent State graduate student at the time, wrote a letter to the editor of the Akron Beacon Journal, describing her memories from that day, including her attempts to help Allison Krause, who was shot and killed by the Ohio National Guardsmen. As a result of her letter to the editor, Marion received several letters of correspondence ranging from support to disappointment. 

After receiving her PhD from Kent State University in 1976, Marion Stroud worked as a professor of developmental disabilities at the University of Akron for forty years. She was the Director of Programs at Apple-Creek Ohio Developmental Center and Sunny Haven Children's Home in Plain City, and served on numerous boards including the Developmental Disabilities Council of Mennonite Mental Health Services. She was a founding member of the Victim Support program for Medina County and a court advocate for the Women's Shelter. She was a devout member of First Mennonite Church of Wadsworth. 

Marion Stroud passed away in 2001.

Scope and Content: The Marion Stroud papers contain newspaper clippings featuring "Letters to the Editors" in response to the Kent State Shootings on May 4, 1970, as well as correspondence Marion Stroud received as a result of her letter to the editor, published in the Akron Beacon Journal on May 6, 1970.

Statement of Arrangement: This collection has been arranged by subject and date.

Preferred Citation: Marion Stroud papers. May 4 Collection. Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Acquisition Information: The materials in this collection were donated to Kent State University Special Collections and Archives by Sara Grimm in 2014.

Box 43
Folder -- Contents

1. Clippings: Akron Beacon Journal, May 6-9, 1970; undated
   Scope and Content: Includes Marion Stroud's letter to the editor published in the Akron Beacon Journal on May 6, 1970.
2. Clippings: The Wadsworth News-Banner, May 14, 1970; undated
3. Letter to the Editor Response: Ackmann, Larry and Eileen, May 24, 1970
4. Letter to the Editor Response: Anonymous, May 8, 1970
5. Letter to the Editor Response: Anonymous, May 15, 1970
6. Letter to the Editor Response: Anonymous, undated
7. Letter to the Editor Response: Kreider, Rachel and Leonard, undated
8. Letter to the Editor Response: Sigafoos, Jean C., May 7, 1970
9. Letter to the Editor Response: "A young mother of 3 children-from Wadsworth," undated
10. Photographs: Stroud, Marion, July 1976
    Scope and Content: Two color print-outs of Marion Stroud after receiving her PhD at Kent State University.