Title: |
Robert C. Dix May 4 papers |
Repository: |
Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.
Phone: 330-672-2270 http://www.library.kent.edu/specialcollections |
Creator: |
Dix, Robert C., 1908-1996 |
Dates: |
1944-1996 |
Bulk dates: |
1969-1972 |
Quantity: |
.5 cubic feet (1 half size record storage box) |
Abstract: |
This collection contains the personal papers of Robert C. Dix, member of the Kent State University Board of Trustees from 1941-1973. The materials mostly center around the events of May 4, 1970 and provide an inside look at the events from an administrative perspective. |
Identification: |
OhKeUSC0121 |
Location: |
11th floor (May 4 Collection, Box 212) |
Language: |
The records are in English |
Born August 5, 1908 in Wooster, Ohio, Robert C. Dix received his undergraduate degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin and quickly joined the family business in publishing at the Evening Record in Ravenna. The paper soon merged with Kent Courier to become the Record-Courier and Dix took over as editor and publisher in 1939. Appointed to Kent State University's board of trustees in 1941, Dix served for 32 years before retiring in 1973. In 1961, he received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Kent State, and, on August 15, 1963, he was elected president of the board of trustees.
Gifted to the University's Archives in late 1987, the Robert C. Dix May 4 papers include the personal correspondence (much of it involving Robert White, president of the university from 1963-1971), university documents, and internal communications of the longest serving member of Kent State University's board of trustees. The collection spans the years 1944 to 1996 but deals mostly with the lead up and aftermath of the Kent State shootings and the student unrest surrounding much of the late 1960s and early 1970s. These papers offer a unique glimpse into the University's response to the events of May 4, 1970 from an administrative perspective.
The collection also contains documents pertaining to the many legal proceedings following the Kent State shootings including the special Grand Jury called in September of 1970, the presidential commission on campus unrest and the Ohio General Assembly's legislative response to the events. Additionally, there is a collection of news clippings - most of which come from the first 20 days following the events of May 4, 1970.
The following subjects are found in this collection:
Robert C. Dix May 4 papers. May 4 Collection. Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.
Robert C. Dix donated this collection of his papers on December 7, 1987 to the Department of Special Collections and Archives.