Finding aid for the William D. Herron collection on Ohio University alumni and staff

Biography of William D. Herron

William D. Herron was a native of Athens, Ohio and a graduate of Ohio University. Herron also received a M.Ed. from Rutgers University in 1948. He taught high school English for 47 years, two years in Ohio and 45 in New Jersey (Newark). At the end of his teaching career he taught for eight years at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Herron also served in a teacher-training capacity for Montclair State College, Jersey City State College, Rutgers University and Seton Hall University.

Among his many social contacts, Herron maintained close personal relationships and followed the careers of three prominent Ohio University alumni: Ruby Mercer (opera/play star and broadcaster), John Rood (sculptor), and David Smith (sculptor). His collection contains extensive personal and public information on these three people. In 1979 William Herron received the Medal of Merit from Ohio University for "devotion and service to alma mater as an active researcher and contributor uncovering significant findings about Ohio University, its heritage, and its people.

Scope and Content

The William D. Herron collection on Ohio University (OU) alumni and staff papers contain copies of the publication "Manuscript" and collection by Herron on prominent OU alumni and staff. The former students and/or teachers include: John Rood (sculptor), Ruby Mercer (opera star), David Smith (sculptor), Louise Stahl (artist and former OU art instructor) and Bernarda Shahn (wife of artist Ben Shahn).

Herron collected large numbers of newspaper articles and public advertisements (i.e., playbills, exhibitions catalogs) concerning John Rood, Ruby Mercer and David Smith. Materials concerning Louise Stahl and Bernarda Bryson Shahn are mostly correspondence and several newspaper articles about Ben Shahn. There is extensive correspondence with Ruby Mercer and John Rood, with whom Herron maintained close personal relationships.

The collection contains several photographs of John Rood sculptures and other photos of John Rood with friends and/or relatives. The collection holds approximately 75 exhibition catalogs of joint exhibitions by John Rood and David Smith.

With regard to Ruby Mercer, the collection contains playbills and/or programs for performances in which she appeared and newspaper articles concerning her performances. Correspondence relevant to Ruby Mercer's honorary doctorate which she received from Ohio University in 1978 is also contained in the collection. Herron was instrumental in having this degree awarded to her.

There is also a supplement to this collection which is composed primarily of photographs and negatives of Herron and allied family and their friends. The supplement also contains photos of various Southeastern Ohio locations and historical commemorations.

Statement of Arrangement

Subject Terms

The following terms have been used to describe this collection.

Subjects:

Persons:

Preferred Citation

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

Other Finding Aid

A paper copy of the folder list is available.