Finding Aid for the Ralph Solonitz papers and artifacts

Repository: Kent State University. Special Collections and Archives.
Title: Ralph Solonitz papers and artifacts
Inclusive Dates: 1970-2025
Author: Finding aid prepared by Kate Amer, 1991; Updated by Liz Campion, September 2025
Origination: Solonitz, Ralph 1947-
Extent: 0.16 cubic feet (1 slim document box)
Physical Location: 12th floor (May 4 Collection, Box 73)
Abstract:  This collection consists of photographs taken by Ralph Solonitz surrounding the events on May 4, 1970.
Language: English
Descriptive Rules: DACS 2nd Edition

Biography of Ralph Solonitz: Ralph Solonitz was born in Munich, Germany, in 1947 to Lithuanian parents, Julian and Bertha, and immigrated to Cleveland, Ohio at the age of two. He graduated from Cleveland Heights High School in 1965, studied engineering and art at Cuyahoga Community College, and went on to earn a degree in graphic design from Kent State University in 1970. Ralph was an eyewitness to the Kent State Shootings and took several photographs capturing the aftermath of May 4, 1970. After graduating from Kent State University, Solonitz opened an advertising agency in 1975 in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and continues to create art.

Scope and Content: The collection consists of color photographs taken by Ralph Solonitz in May 1970, of the events surrounding the Kent State Shootings and its aftermath. Materials also include a personal account from 1990, a commissioned portrait of wounded student, Alan Canfora, and buttons. Solonitz designed the class of 1970 reunion button that was distribution to alumni and was displayed at the memorial dedication service in May 1990.

Statement of Arrangement: This collection is divided into folders by subject and date.  

Preferred Citation: Ralph Solonitz papers and artifacts. 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 Ralph Solonitz on May 4, 1990 and Joseph Lewis in 2025.

Restrictions on Use: Ralph Solonitz has kindly donated to the Kent State University Special Collections and Archives whatever property and literary rights he possesses in this collection.

Processing Information: The photograph captions below in quotations were provided by Solonitz. Parenthetical descriptions were provided by Special Collections and Archives staff.

Controlled Access Headings
The following are found in this collection:

Subjects:
Kent State Shootings, Kent, Ohio, 1970
Kent State Shootings, Kent, Ohio, 1970--Photographs
Kent State University--Alumni and alumnae--Attitudes
Kent State University--History--20th century
Kent (Ohio)--History--20th century

Material types:
Photographs
Political buttons

Occupations:
College students
Eyewitnesses

May 4 Collection -- Box 73
Folder -- Contents

1. Personal Account: "I WAS THERE! MAY 4, 1970-MAY 4, 1990," May 4, 1990
2. Artifacts: Two buttons, 1990; undated
   Scope and Content: "Kent Class of 70" button was designed by Ralph Solonitz for the 20th commemoration of May 4, 1970. "Till they all come home!" was a button created for the American Red Cross, Operation TLC, circa 1990s. 
3. Photograph: "May 4th - After the shootings, students in a state of shock, sitting, standing, surrounded by the National Guard.
   I hear students say 'Go home, get back to your dorms, they're going to charge again!'" May 4, 1970
4. Photograph: "Photo just below Blanket Hill - Taylor Hall is on left out of view." [crowd of people standing in the foreground] May 4, 1970
5. Photograph: "Near the Victory Bell. View of VanDeusen Bldg. Wooden bldgs -- in foreground." [a large number of National Guard personnel can be seen from a distance] May 4, 1970
6. Photograph: "Don't know who this girl was, she stared at the pool of splattered blood for a long, long time." [young woman looking down at blood stain and spatters in Prentice parking lot] May 4, 1970
7. Photograph: "More of same location." [blood stain and spatters in Prentice parking lot] May 4, 1970
8. Photograph: "More of same." [young woman looking down at blood stain and spatters in Prentice parking lot] May 4, 1970
9. Photograph: "May 4th" [a closer view of blood stain and spatters, and some litter, in Prentice parking lot] May 4, 1970
10. Photograph: "Bullet that entered tree killed a student." [view of a bullet hole in a tree, background view includes young woman looking down at blood stain in Prentice parking lot as well as vehicles parked there] May 4, 1970
11. Photograph: "Entered and exited tree." [man stands pointing to location on tree where bullet entered and exited] May 4, 1970
12. Photograph: "Photo taken from College Towers. Possibly Sunday May 3rd, evening. Helicopter light trails." May 3, 1970
13. Photograph: "Photo taken from College Towers. Possibly Sunday May 3rd, evening. Helicopter light trails." May 3, 1970
14. Photograph: "Photo taken from College Towers. Possibly Sunday May 3rd, evening. Helicopter light trails." May 3, 1970
15. Photograph: "View from 825 1/2 S. Water Street, May 1st 1970. Test shot on this roll, upstairs of home." May 1, 1970
16. Photograph: "My buddy Lewis Lapine came to visit campus Sunday May 3rd. He was a student at O.S.U. 60's influenced wagon." May 3, 1970
17. Photograph: "Nat'l Guard on Sunday. (neg has damage) Students and guard exchange greeting and curious looks." [corner of Lincoln and Main in front of Prentice Gate, includes National Guard personnel and tank] May 3, 1970
18. Photograph: "May 3rd. This captures the situation... The entrance to campus -- an occupied University." [lone National Guard personnel member standing beside the Prentice Gate] May 3, 1970
19. Photograph: "Examining the Don Drumm sculpture" [military and lay personnel examine the bullet hole in the Solar Totem #1 sculpture] undated, but likely May 5, 1970
20. Photograph: "Nat'l Guard examining the Don Drumm sculpture." [military personnel examine the bullet hole in the Solar Totem #1 sculpture] undated, but likely May 5, 1970
21. Photograph: "Bullet went into one side and out the other. Same '59 VW" as in next photograph. [vehicle damaged by bullets] undated, but likely May 5, 1970
22. Photograph: "Bullet riddled 59 VW. Bumper sticker says 'Vietnam Love it, or Leave it' 1/4 to 1/2 mile from Taylor Hall" [vehicle damaged by bullets] undated, but likely May 5, 1970
23. Photograph: "Student killed here?" [view of parking lot, possible blood stains, near a green convertible car] undated, but likely May 5, 1970
24. Illustration: "Alan Canfora," 2025
    Scope and Content: Wounded student, Joseph Lewis, commissioned artist and eyewitness to May 4, 1970, Ralph Solonitz, to create this color portrait of Alan Canfora.
    Acquisition Note: Donated by Joseph Lewis in 2025.