Finding aid for the John Calhoun Baker personal papers


Title:
John Calhoun Baker personal papers
Repository:
Ohio University
Phone: 740-593-2710
http://www.ohio.edu/library/collections/archives-special-collections/
Creator:
Baker, John Calhoun, 1895-
Dates:
1924-1998
Quantity:
8.5 cubic feet
Abstract:
The John Calhoun Baker (JCB) personal papers span from 1924 to 1998 and contain records created and collected by JCB.
Identification:
UA00082
Language:
The records are in English

Biography of John Baker

Educated at Juniata College and Harvard University, John Baker came to the presidency at age 49 from an associate deanship of the Harvard Business School. An advocate of quality in all things human and physical, and with a commitment to public service, he placed emphasis on scholarship and on programs that would foster an international view of humankind and give the University international stature. Branches, created to accommodate the post-war enrollment surge, became permanent features of the University's regional outreach and the first woman, Evelyn Luchs, was appointed to the Board of Trustees. The extensive Nigerian educational program became a feature of the University's international effort. Dr. Baker's service with the United Nations during his presidency added to this effort. Faculty rights were strengthened and emphasis placed on research as a basis for effective teaching. Doctor of philosophy degree programs were instituted the first being chemistry in 1956. The Ohio University Fund (now Foundation) was established to foster private giving, and the John C. Baker Fund to support faculty improvement and research efforts. Distinguished Professor awards were initiated. Students were added to committees and a faculty representative sat on the administrative committee. College visiting committees were established. The Cutler Society, a society of intellectually superior students, was formed as one of the many steps in creating a stimulating intellectual climate at the University. Terminal two-year associate in arts degree programs and programs in elective studies were initiated. A successful major scholarship drive was a feature of the University's sesquicentennial celebration in 1954. Retiring under the provisions of a 65-year age rule he had initiated, Dr. Baker continued to pursue his diverse interests in educational, business, and international affairs until his death in 1999.

Scope and Content

The John Calhoun Baker (JCB) personal papers span from 1924 to 1998 and contain records created and collected by JCB. The collection is organized into two series: 1. General; and 2. Diaries.

Statement of Arrangement

Organized into two series: 1. General; and 2. Diaries.

Subject Terms

The following terms have been used to describe this collection.

Subjects:

College presidents.
Ohio University.

Persons:

Baker, Elizabeth.
Baker, John Calhoun, 1895-.

Preferred Citation

Researchers are requested to cite collection name, collection number, and Ohio University, Athens, Ohio in all footnotes and bibliographical references.

Detailed Description of the Collection



1. General, 1924-1998

Scope and Content
Series 1. General contains records created and collected by John Calhoun Baker (JCB). Though some of it involves his work at Ohio University, it is intermingled with personal records. The collection contains some records for his wife Elizabeth Baker. The collection includes awards, appointments, correspondence, newspaper clippings, invitations, photographs, speeches, documents related to the John and Elizabeth Baker Peace Fund, Baker Peace Studies meeting minutes, and employment and travel documents. Added to the collection are programs related to memorial services for JCB.


This series remains in its original arrangement.


2. Diaries, 1944-1962

Scope and Content
Series 2. Diaries are comprised of nineteen daily-entry journals written in by John Calhoun Baker (JCB) from 1944 to 1962. The collection is housed in 6 Hollinger boxes. The journals vary in size, thickness and design but all are red, cloth hardcover books manufactured by the National Blank Book Company of Holyoke, Massachusetts. The diaries are in relatively good condition; the pages are intact and firmly secured, however, the hardcover spines of a number of the diaries are loose and preservation in the form of new spines should be considered. JCB included many loose items in his diaries such as handwritten notes, programs from events, photographs and letters. These items have been removed from their original places in the diaries and are collected into folders labeled with the dates of the pages from between which they were removed. The diaries document the year JCB received the invitation to be President of Ohio University (OU), through his seventeen years in office and the year after he left the president position. The diaries feature dated, daily, lined one page entries written in JCB's cursive in blue or black ink. JCB used these diaries to record his daily business dealings; he notes which meetings he will be taking that day and how they went as well as any dictation, letter writing, or student advising that occurred. He writes about his relationship with the faculty and students, issues with the community, incidents on campus and anecdotal stories from friends. His diaries are also used to record his impressions of the Athens locals such as their local dialect. His concerns about his family and his resolutions on striving to be a better person are also recorded. The diaries are not particularly personal but JCB does voice concerns about his relationship with his wife and her happiness. JCB's term as OU President was an eventful one for the university filled with increased enrollment due to the end of World War Two and numerous expansion projects such as the dormitories on East Green, Voight Hall, the JCB Student Center, Galbreath Chapel and the Hudson Health Center. JCB presided over the University's Sesquicentennial and the restoration of the oldest building on the campus, Cutler Hall. He also was influential in the university's Nigerian program and oversaw the creation of OU branch campuses in other southern Ohio cities such as Chillicothe. JCB was also the first president to reside in the Biddle mansion on Park Place. JCB's diaries document one man's impressions of significant events in the nation's history. JCB recorded his reactions to such events as the end of World War Two, the dropping of the atomic bomb, the death of President Roosevelt, Cold War relations and several presidential elections. JCB also led an exciting personal life which is reflected in his diaries. He served as a United Nations ambassador to Geneva in 1955 and 1956. He also traveled to Cambodia and India in later years. He met many European ambassadors and became acquainted with President Nehru. He also had a full family life with his wife Elizabeth and his three daughters, Betsey, Elizabeth and Anne. Many travels are documented in JCB's diaries to cities all around Europe and Asia as well as frequent trips to Washington D.C., and New York City as well as summers on Cape Cod. These diaries give researchers the opportunity to see a more intimate side of President JCB and to take notice of changes in his attitude as he ages from 48 in 1944 to 66 in 1962.


Organized chronologically.