Collections by Subject

This list is not a complete listing of collections held in Special Collections and Archives. For a complete list of processed collections, see our Guides to Collections. For information about unprocessed collections, contact Special Collections and Archives.

French Literature
Labor Unions
Military
Minorities
Missouri State University
Missouri State University -- Alumni
Missouri State University -- Staff and Faculty
Ozarks Life and Culture
Poetry
Printing and Publishing
Railroads
Theatre

French Literature

William J. Jones French Literature Collection
The collection contains primarily published material and focuses on the work of French poets Arthur Rimbaud and Michel Butor.

Labor Unions

Bakery, Confectionary and Tobacco Workers International Union (BC&T), Local 235 – Records (LA 1), 1921-1985, 24 l.f.:
Documents membership and details the local's interaction with various businesses.

Otto Bowles Collection (1904-1998) (LA 4), 1934-1983 (Bulk 1966-1981), 0.5 l.f.:
Western Missouri and Kansas District Laborers' Council minutes, as well as memorabilia related to Bowles, who served on the Council for many years.

Bricklayers and Masons Union (SC-LA-003), 1912-1921:
Three booklets related to the BMPIUA, including the 1921 Constitution and By-Laws of Local 10, Springfield.

Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (B.L.E.), Ozark Division No. 83 (LA 2), 1871-1954, 1.5 l.f.:
One of the earliest known unions in the Ozarks.

Copenhaver Collection (LA 22), 1924-1938, 1 c.f.:
Materials regarding the Missouri Farmers Association Milling Company in Springfield, Missouri.

Essie DeCamp Collection (LA 3), 1916-1970, 6.5 l.f.:
Provides a look at the role and function of women within the larger arena of male unionism in the region.

Gillioz Theatre – Records (LA 18), 1940-1980 (Bulk 1960s), 2.5 l.f.:
Correspondence, general office files, and financial records from one of the oldest movie houses in Springfield.

Greater Springfield [Missouri] Central Labor Council (Springfield Labor Council) – Records (LA 14), 1891-1979 (Bulk 1940s - 1979), 9 l.f.:
Depicts the interaction between diverse unions within the region and their relationship with the national and international organizations.

Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees and Bartenders International Union (HEREBIU), Local 336 – Records (LA 5), 1945-1964 (Bulk 1955-1962), 1 l.f.:
Records of Ralph Dillard, business agent of the Bartenders' Union, Local 472, and President of the Local Joint Executive Board.

International Alliance of Theatrical and Stagehand Employes and Moving Picture Machine Operators of the United States and Canada (I.A.T.S.E.), Local 447 – Records (LA 6), 1916-1989 (Bulk 1950-1989), 5 l.f.:
Also includes records of Local 465, Joplin, Missouri, which merged with 447 in 1978.

International Brotherhood of Blacksmiths and Helpers – Monthly Report (SC-LA-002), 1907:
One monthly financial report from the international office.

International Brotherhood of Boiler Makers, Iron Ship Builders and Helpers of America – Cypher Code (SC-LA-001), 1909:
One of the union’s "Cypher Code" books.

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (I.B.E.W.), Local 1453 – Records (LA 7), 1967-1995, 47 l.f.:
IBEW Local 1453 represented the workers of Zenith Electronics Corporation in Springfield until the plant closing in 1995.

International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 245 (In Process), 1941-1988, 40 l.f.:
Local 245 represents several local transport companies.

International Typographical Union (ITU), Local 158 – Records (LA 19), 1924-1987, 3.25 c.f.
Includes records of Local 158, plus a small amount of material from the Allied Printing Trades Council of Springfield.

International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (B.A.C.), Local 10 – Records (LA 10), 1909-1991 (Bulk 1947-1980s), 11.5 l.f.:
One of the largest unions in Springfield, representing craftsmen who work for a number of local contractors.

Labor Union Charters Collection (LA 29), 1899-1994, 43 items:
Includes charters and certificates of affiliation for a variety of unions.

Labor Union Photograph Collection (Unprocessed), 7 l.f.:
Photographs of labor union leaders and activists, union activities, strikes, Labor Day parades, work areas, union halls, and meetings. Some files contain documentation which accompanies photographs.

Missouri State Labor Council AFL-CIO – Records (LA 11), 1942-1997 (Bulk: 1965-1985), 21 l.f.:
Chronicles, among other events, the successful effort of the State Labor Council to defeat a state-wide "Right-To-Work" ballot initiative during the 1970s.

Retail Clerks Union, Local 503 – Records (LA 20), 1954-1972, 2 c.f.:
Includes contracts, membership information, correspondence and other materials related to the operation of Local 503.

Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 50 – Records (LA 12), 1963-1984, 12 l.f.:
Springfield and Southwest Missouri area union that organized local and regional nursing home workers.

Records of the Sheet Metal Workers, Local 146 (LA 26), 1952-1986, 7 c.f.:
Documents include remittance reports from S.M.W.I.A., receipt books for member dues, records from the Paul Mueller Company and material related to running Local 146.

Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association (S.M.W.I.A.), Local 208 – Records (LA 13), 1974-1983, 6.5 l.f.:
Information about Local 208, as well as Local 146 files related to production workers.

Union Labor Record (LA 30), 1937-1985, 27 c.f.:
This newspaper was published in Springfield, Missouri.

United Association of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters (UA), Local 178 – Records (LA 15), 1948-1989, 26 l.f.:
Covers a variety of topics related to Local 178.

United Garment Workers of America (UGW), Local 216 – Records (LA 9), 1936-1982 (Bulk 1955-1978), 13.5 l.f.:
Chronicles the difficulties encountered within the garment industries.

United Rubber, Cork, Linoleum and Plastic Workers of America (URW), Local 662 – Records (LA 16), 1962-1992, 38 l.f.:
Local 662 represents the workers of Dayco of Springfield (formerly Springday Company).

United Transportation Union (UTU), General Committee of Adjustment GO-001 – Records (LA 17), 1921-1985, 13 l.f.:
Represented rail workers for a broad period of time.

Military

Harry E. Appleby Veterans Oral History Project (M 13), 2004-2006, 24 c.f.: Ongoing oral history project focusing on veterans in Southwest Missouri.

War Memorial Album Collection (M 10), 1942-1959, 1 c.f. and 1 oversized volume:
Photographs and biographies of students and alumni who lost their lives in World Wars I and II and the Korean Conflict, as well as Springfield Leader and Press articles about other soldiers from the Ozarks.

Minorities

Essie DeCamp Collection (LA 3), 1916-1970, 6.5 l.f.:
Provides a look at the role and function of women within the larger arena of male unionism in the region.

Katherine G. Lederer Ozarks African American History Collection (Unprocessed):
Materials collected by former Missouri State University professor, Katherine Lederer, including photographs, documents, books, and her research notes.

Ozarks Jewish Archives Collection (M 43), 1924-present, 2.5 c.f.:
Documents pertaining to Jewish people and Jewish organizations in the Ozarks.

Ozarks Lesbian and Gay Archives (OLGA) (M 18), 1980-Present, 15 c.f.:
Information about the lesbian and gay community in the Ozarks, including records from various LGBT organizations and materials on issues relevant to the community.

Ozarks Lesbian and Gay Archives (OLGA) Oral History Project (M 19), 2004-Present, 2.5 c.f.:
The Oral History Project includes over 45 interviews with members of the region’s GLBT community, as well as other advocates for gay rights.

Albert Verweire Memorial Concert Collection (M 42), 1971, 1975, .5 c.f.:
Taped concerts honoring former MSU music teacher . Includes performances by local musicians Dallas Bartley and BeBop Brown.

Missouri State University

Board of Governors (meeting agendas and minutes) (RG 2.0), 1989-Present, 11 c.f.:
A partial set of agendas and minutes for the Board of Governors.

Board of Governors Historical Materials (RG 2.2), 1905-1995, 49 c.f.:
A variety of university historical materials maintained by the office of the Board of Governors.

Center for Ozarks Studies (RG 8.11), 1919-2001 (Bulk 1980s-1990s), 50 c.f.:
Established in 1979 by Missouri State University, the Center for Ozarks Studies was created to research and study the Ozarks region.

Dr. Virginia Judith Craig Collection (M 20), 1878-1976, 1.5 c.f.:
Photographs, memorabilia, and publications of one of the first faculty members of MSU (then State Normal School #4).

Department of Industrial Management (RG 5.6), 1947-2000, 1 c.f.:
The collection includes materials pertaining to the department and related club/ organizational activities.

Department of Nursing - Joanne Gordon Collection (RG 7.11.1), 1967-2006, 7 c.f.:
Materials in this collection document the formative years of the Nursing Department and include photo albums, clippings, minute books, program proposals, and newsletters.

Design and Construction Department (RG 13.13), 1944-2005, 6 c.f.: This collection helps trace the expansion of campus with photographs, property appraisals, correspondence, maps, project bid packets, and newsclippings.

Folk Card Collection (M 17), 2002-Present, 2 c.f.:
Information gathered by students in MSU folklore classes. Generally on index cards but some student research papers are included.

General Counsel’s Office (RG 1.5), 1938-1990 (Bulk: mid 1960s to mid 1980s), 5 c.f.:
Primarily records of the now defunct Business Operations Office, including files on the growth and development of the University.

Gillioz Theatre Collection (M 24), 1911-2006, 3 c.f.:
Contains information about the Gilloiz Theatre and its renovation. Includes research and drafts for “Theatre Beautiful” book compiled by MSU English students.

Roy Ellis Collection (M 3), 1839-1973, 8 c.f.:
Primarily information accumulated by former President Roy Ellis on the history of Missouri State University.

Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts (RG 16.15), 1961-2003 (Bulk: mid-1980s to early 1990s), 5 c.f.:
Records on the planning, construction and use of the University's performing arts center.

Jackson-Head Collection (SC-M-003), 1936-1940:
Missouri State University memorabilia.

Library Services Record Group (RG 3.6), 1919-2001 (Bulk 1980s-1990s), 5 c.f.:
Records of the University Libraries.

Leola (Danzero) Maschino Papers (M 44), 1924-1928, 1 c.f.:
Notes and materials belonging to a former Springfield area music teacher.

Missouri State Fruit Experiment Station Photograph Collection (digital collection), 1897-1957:
Digitized images from 873 glass plate negatives showing regional orchards, vineyards, orchard workers, and detailed photographs of varieties of fruit. NOTE: The original glass plate negatives are maintained by the Missouri State Fruit Experiment Station at Missouri State University's Mountain Grove campus.

Office of Institutional Research (RG 3.7), 1961- 2005, 28 c.f.:
Significant collection of material regarding MSU's institutional planning, policy decisions, institutional marketing, and student and program assessment.

Office of Publications (RG 16.13.0), 1980-2006, 13.5 c.f.:
Includes university publications arranged by requesting office.

Ozarko (student yearbook) Collection (RG 22.1), 1909-1992, 17 c.f.:
Copies of the student yearbook, plus the staff's photograph collection primarily from the 1970s and 80s.

President’s Files (RG 1), 1907-1993 (Bulk 1960s - 1970s), 13.5 c.f.:
Covers the administrations of Roy Ellis through Duane G. Meyer at Missouri State University.

Religious Lives of Ozarks Women Collection (M 40), 2008-present, .5 c.f.:
Interviews of influential religious women in the Ozarks recorded by MSU students.

Residence Life and Services (RG 15.22), 1956-2006, 5.5 c.f.:
Photographs and documents documenting residence halls and student life.

Scrapbook Collection (RG 29), 1905-1991, 24 c.f.:
University scrapbooks divided into two types: general campus information and athletics.

Senior Banquet Programs (RG 3.14), 1908-2006 (Bulk: 1940s-2006), 1 c.f.:
Includes many of the Senior Banquet programs, as well as Honors lists and programs.

Standard (RG 22.2), 1912- Present [formerly the Southwest Standard]:
Bound and unbound editions of the student newspaper of Missouri State University. Also available online in our Digital Collections.

Ruth Stanley Collection (SC-M-001), 1929:
1929 yearbook and other mementoes from Stanley’s first year of college.

Student Government Association (RG 20), 1919-2005, 6 c.f.:
Materials of the Student Government Association of Missouri State University.

Theatre and Dance Department (RG 4.9), 1910 to Present, 29 c.f.:
Primarily programs and photographs documenting the university’s theatre productions

University Catalogs (RG 15.6.1), [also known as the Bulletin], 1906-Present

University Relations (RG 16.11), 1986-2002, 10 c.f.:
University Relations is the public relations unit of the university and is also responsible for governmental relations.

H.A. Wise Collection (M 34), 1906-1939, 1 c.f.:
Materials belonging to the former MSU education department head.

Missouri State University - Alumni

Jackson-Head Collection (SC-M-003), 1936-1940:
Missouri State University memorabilia.

Missouri Governors Photographs (SC-M-006), 1820-1984:
46 black-and-white photographs and three pages of reference material of Missouri governors.

William J. Jones French Literature Collection
The collection contains primarily published material and focuses on the work of French poets Arthur Rimbaud and Michel Butor.

Birdle Mannon Collection (M 8), 1890s-2002, 3.5 l.f.:
Collection of personal papers and artwork from an Ozarks family.

Leola (Danzero) Maschino Papers (M 44), 1924-1928, 1 c.f.:
Notes and materials belonging to former Springfield area music teacher.

Ruth Stanley Collection (SC-M-001), 1929:
1929 yearbook and other mementoes from Stanley’s first year of college.

Missouri State University - Staff and Faculty

Dr. Virginia Judith Craig Collection (M 20), 1878-1976, 1.5 c.f.:
Photographs, memorabilia, and publications of one of the first faculty members of MSU (then State Normal School #4).

Roy Ellis Collection (M 3), 1839-1973, 8 c.f.:
Primarily information accumulated by former President Roy Ellis on the history of Missouri State University.

Robert Gilmore Collection (M 6), 1910-1996, 7 c.f.:
Materials from Gilmore’s time as a professor at Missouri State, his interest in the theatre, and his research of the Ozarks.

Howard Orms Collection (M 12), 1920s-2001, 5.5 c.f.:
Materials from Orms’ life, including his time as a Theatre professor at Missouri State.

Grace Palmer Collection (M 5), 1931-1976, 2 l.f.:
Postcards collected by Palmer, a former University Librarian.

Ozark Mountain Ridge Runners Collection (M 16), 1978-2006, 2 c.f.:
Newsletters from the OMRR, a not-for-profit group of runners from the Springfield area.

Ozarks Water Mills Collection (M 15), 1972-1996, 2 c.f.:
Photos and information primarily on local mills, compiled by Dr. Richard Bartley (MSU faculty emeritus).

President’s Files (RG 1), 1907-1993 (Bulk 1960s - 1970s), 13.5 c.f.:
Covers the administrations of Roy Ellis through Duane G. Meyer at Missouri State University.

Milton Rafferty Slides Collection (M 9), 3 c.f.:
Collection of photographs taken all over the world by Rafferty, a former professor of Geology at Missouri State.

Robert Wallace Collection (M 1),1936-1994, 17 l.f.:
Manuscripts of poems and books written by Wallace, as well as information dealing with his publishing business, Bits Press.

H.A. Wise Collection (M 34), 1906-1939, 1 c.f.:
Materials belonging to the former MSU education department head.

Ozarks Life and Culture

American Civil Liberties Union-Ozarks Chapter (M 28), 1994-2000, 1 c.f.:
Materials from the local ACLU chapter, notably the lawsuit against the city of Republic for the icthus symbol inclusion on the town sign logo.

Barrows Family Collection (M 31), 1804-2002 (Bulk 1840-1889), 2.5 c.f.:
Focuses on the family of Freeman Barrows, who settled in Bates County in 1838. Correspondence includes information on the growth of the area in the 1840s and 1850s. There is also research material compiled by a descendant of Barrows.

Central Electric Company Collection (M 29), 1938-1954, 1 c.f.:
Includes documents and correspondence from the Central Electric Company and its owner Leonard C. Reynolds.

David A. Clouser Diaries (M 11), 1894-1945, 1.5 c.f.:
A collection of diaries that tell the day-to-day story of Clouser and his wife, May, mainly in Lamar, Missouri.

Community Free Press Collection (M 21), 2003-present, 2 c.f.:
Local newspaper focused on Springfield. Collection consists of a full run of the publication.

Copenhaver Collection (LA 22), 1924-1938, 1 c.f.:
Materials regarding the Missouri Farmers Association Milling Company in Springfield, Missouri.

Domino Danzero Collection (M 71), 11 c.f.:
Approximately 2,000 photographs taken by Domino Danzero, 1871-1952, Springfield businessman and noted photographer.

Fred DeArmond Collection (M 30), 1891-2004, 10 c.f.:
Materials collected and written by freelance writer, Fred DeArmond. Subjects include the Civil War, literature, personal correspondence and scrapbooks of his experiences.

Discovery Center of Springfield Collection (M 39), 1989-1993, 1 c.f.:
Materials documenting the planning and founding of the Discovery Center

Folk Card Collection (M 17), 2002-Present, 2 c.f.:
Information gathered by students in MSU folklore classes. Generally on index cards but some student research papers are included.

Gillioz Family Collection (M 23), 1881-2004, 3 c.f.:
Focuses on M.E. Gillioz, noted local road and bridge contractor and founder of the Gillioz Theatre.

Gillioz Theatre Collection (M 24), 1911-2006, 3 c.f.:
Contains information about the Gillioz Theatre and its renovation. Includes research and drafts for “Theatre Beautiful” book compiled by MSU English students.

Greene County Historical Society Records (M 38), 1954-2010, 6 c.f.:
Materials related to the creation and workings of the Greene County Historical Society. Collection includes publications, financial records, meeting minutes, and research files.

John Haskell and Telescope (SC-M-005), pre-1938:
Photograph and handwritten description of Haskell, a Frisco mechanic, and his telescope.

Historic Springfield Collection (M 26), 1837-2005, 12.5 c.f.:
The Historic Springfield organization focused on the preservation of Springfield’s cultural resources . The bulk of materials are photographs and date from 1999 to 2005.

Sherry Kramer Collection (M 33), 1977-2005, 4 c.f.:
Playwright Sherry Kramer is from Springfield. The collection includes copies and drafts of several of her plays.

Birdle Mannon Collection (M 8), 1890s -2002, 3.5 l.f.:
Collection of personal papers and artwork from an Ozarks family.

Leola (Danzero) Maschino Papers (M 44), 1924-1928, 1 c.f.:
Notes and materials belonging to former Springfield area music teacher.

Ozark Mountain Ridge Runners Collection (M 16), 1978-2010, 2 c.f.:
Newsletters from the OMRR, a not-for-profit group of runners from the Springfield area.

The Ozarks: A Living Legacy Oral History Interviews (SC-M-004), (c.1999):
Transcribed oral history interviews conducted by Dr. Mark Biggs for his documentary, “The Ozarks: A Living Legacy.”

Ozarks Jewish Archives Collection (M 43), 1924-present, 2.5 c.f.:
Documents pertaining to Jewish people and Jewish organizations in the Ozarks.

Ozarks Land and Lumber Company (M 4), 1840s-1962, 17.5 c.f.:
Information about the Missouri timber industry based on the records of John H. Hahn.

Ozarks Lesbian and Gay Archives (OLGA) Oral History Project (M 19), 2004-Present, 2.5 c.f.:
The Oral History Project includes over 150 interviews with members of the region’s GLBT community, as well as other advocates for gay rights.

Ozarks Oral History Project of Missouri State University - West Plains Garnett Library, 1970s-1990s:
Oral history project conducted by MSU students on the West Plains campus, with students' relatives and elderly persons in the community. NOTE: The original collection and digitized files are maintained by Garnett Library at Missouri State University's West Plains campus.

Ozarks Water Mills Collection (M 15), 1972-1996, 2 c.f.:
Photos and information primarily on local mills, compiled by Dr. Richard Bartley (MSU faculty emeritus).

Robert Palmer Collection (M 22), 1952-1991, 8 c.f.:
Cartoons by Robert Palmer for the Springfield News-Leader and New York Daily News.

Milton Rafferty Slides Collection (M 9), 3 c.f.:
Collection of photographs taken all over the world by Rafferty, a former professor of Geology at Missouri State.

Religious Lives of Ozarks Women Collection (M 40), 2008-present, .5 c.f.:
Interviews of influential religious women in the Ozarks recorded by MSU students.

Shannon County Film Digitization Project (M 79), 1920s, 1978-1979, 106 digital video files: Footage used in the documentaries Shannon County: Home and Shannon County: Hearts of the Children, which focuses on the rural Ozarks, specifically Shannon County, Missouri.

Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association (M 46), 1896-2009, 1.5 c.f.:
Materials related to the SMBA including meeting minutes, financial records and correspondence. The bulk of the materials are from 1949 to 2009.

Stone County Documents (SC-M-002), 1851:
Facsimiles of pages from the “Report of the Commissioners who selected the Co. seat.”

Robert F. Stroud Collection (M 82), 1943-1963, 1.55 GB:
Two manuscripts by Robert F. Stroud, a federal prisoner portrayed in the movie Birdman of Alcatraz. Looking Outward is a history of the prison system, and Bobbie is an autobiography.

Otho Jefferson Thomas Collection (M 41), 1924-1929, 6 items:
Artifacts and documents belonging to Otho Jefferson Thomas, former Frisco employee.

United Nations Association of Springfield Missouri (M 27), 1947-2008, 2 c.f.:
Information includes minutes, agendas, reports, communications and events from the Springfield chapter of the UNA.

Lena Wills Collection (M 2), 1969-1986, 16 l.f.:
Books and periodicals that Wills accumulated as writer of a genealogy column for the Springfield News Leader.

Poetry

William J. Jones French Literature Collection
The collection contains primarily published material and focuses on the work of French poets Arthur Rimbaud and Michel Butor.

Robert Wallace Collection (M 1), 1936-1994, 17 l.f.:
Manuscripts of poems and books written by Wallace, as well as information dealing with his publishing business, Bits Press.

Printing and Publishing

Community Free Press Collection (M 21), 2003-present, 2 c.f.:
Local newspaper focused on Springfield. Collection consists of a full run of the publication.

Sherry Kramer Collection (M 33), 1977-2005, 4 c.f.:
Playwright Sherry Kramer is from Springfield. The collection includes copies and drafts of several of her plays.

Medieval Manuscript and Early Printing Collection (M 48), 1300-1610, 25 items:
Individual pages from early manuscripts and printed works. Most are original pages, with a few modern facsimiles.

Rare Books
These volumes are located in Special Collections because of their early date of publication, rare or unique format, subject matter, scarceness, or fragile condition.

Rare Books at Garnett Library (West Plains Campus)
Garnett Library at the Missouri State University - West Plains campus also maintains a collection of rare books.

Union Labor Record (LA 30), 1937-1985, 27 c.f.:
This newspaper was published in Springfield, Missouri.

Robert Wallace Collection (M 1),1936-1994, 17 l.f.:
Manuscripts of poems and books written by Wallace, as well as information dealing with his publishing business, Bits Press.

Railroads

Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (B.L.E.), Ozark Division No. 83 (LA 2), 1871-1954, 1.5 l.f.:
One of the earliest known unions in the Ozarks.

Otho Jefferson Thomas Collection (M 41), 1924-1929, 6 items:
Artifacts and documents belonging to Otho Jefferson Thomas, former Frisco employee.

United Transportation Union (UTU), General Committee of Adjustment GO-001 – Records (LA 17), 1921-1985, 13 l.f.:
Represented rail workers for a broad period of time.

Theatre

Gillioz Family Collection (M 23), 1881-2004, 3 c.f.:
Focuses on M.E. Gillioz, noted local road and bridge contractor and founder of the Gillioz Theatre.

Gillioz Theatre – Records (LA 18), 1940-1980 (Bulk 1960s), 2.5 l.f.:
Correspondence, general office files, and financial records from one of the oldest movie houses in Springfield.

Robert Gilmore Collection (M 6), 1910-1996, 7 c.f.:
Materials from Gilmore’s time as a professor at Missouri State, his interest in the theatre, and his research of the Ozarks.

Howard Orms Collection (M 12), 1920s-2001, 5.5 c.f.:
Materials from Orms’ life, including his time as a Theatre professor at Missouri State.

Theatre and Dance Department (RG 4.9), 1910 to Present, 29 c.f.:
Primarily programs and photographs documenting the university’s theatre productions