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Sprague family papers

 Collection
Call Number: RH MS 860

Overview

The Sprague family papers are those of Kansas residents Donald and Lois Sprague. While Donald Sprague was a Baptist minister, Lois Sprague was the long time executive director of Leavenworth's Neighborhood House.

Dates

  • Creation: 1967 - 1988

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

No access restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Spencer Library staff may determine use restrictions dependent on the physical condition of manuscript materials.

Biography of Sprague Family

Donald A. Sprague was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts. He attended Quincy College (Quincy, Ill.), Moody Bible Institute (Chicago, Ill.), Missouri Baptist College, and Saint Mary College (Leavenworth, Kan.), graduating from the latter in 1976. Sprague was licensed to preach in 1968 and ordained 15 Feb 1970; he served in churches in Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. In 1974, Sprague became pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church in Leavenworth, where he remained for over fifteen years. Beyond his duties at First Missionary, Sprague was also active in a number of organizations, including the Kansas Balance of State CETA program and the Northeast District Association Congress of Christian Education.

In 1953, Donald Sprague married Lois Nixon. Lois Sprague earned a Bachelor's degree in business and a Master's degree in counseling, both from Ottawa University (Kan.); she also earned a doctorate in ministry from Lael University (St. Charles, MO). Mrs. Sprague worked as executive director of Leavenworth's Neighborhood House for thirteen years before being appointed executive director of the Economic Opportunity Foundation in Kansas City, Kan. Like her husband, Mrs. Sprague was active in community organizations, including the Leavenworth Kiwanis and the Leavenworth County Clergy Association.

The couple had three children: Karen, Karry, and Dawn.

Extent

.25 Linear Feet (1 box + 2 cassette tapes)

Language of Materials

English

Scope and Contents

The Sprague family papers date from 1967 to 1988 and are arranged in a single series of papers. While there are copies of Donald Sprague's sermons, the majority of the papers focus on Neighborhood House and contain clippings, program information, and brochures. Folder arrangement is alphabetical by subject.

Audiocassette tapes from the collection are located at RH Cass. Tape 35.

Physical Location

RH MS 860

Physical Location

RH Cass. Tape 35

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift, Lois Sprague, 1987, 1988.

Related Materials

Salute Neighborhood House of Leavenworth, Inc. for 22 years of service to Leavenworth County, 1967-1989. [Leavenworth, Kan. : Neighborhood House, 1989], at RH D6878, Spencer Library (Kansas Collection).

Title
Guide to the Sprague Family Collection
Subtitle
Sprague family papers
Author
Finding aid prepared by mbw, 2007; revised by, cl 2010.
Date
2007
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Finding aid written in <language encodinganalog="language">English.</language>
Sponsor
Support for the processing of this Collection was provided by the Dana and Sue Anderson African American Collecting Program Endowment Fund.
Finding aid permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/10407/5665529046
Preferred citation
Sprague Family Collection, Kansas Collection, RH MS 860, Kenneth Spencer Research Library, University of Kansas Libraries

Repository Details

Part of the University of Kansas. Kenneth Spencer Research Library Repository

Contact:
1450 Poplar Lane
Lawrence KS 66045-7616 United States
785-864-4334