Skip to main content

Stephen J. Spingarn papers

 Collection — Box: 1
Call Number: RH MS 196

Overview

This collection contains Xerox copies of correspondence and memoranda addressed to and from Spingarn. Included in the collection, often on the letter or memorandum, are explanatory notes made by Spingarn.

Dates

  • Creation: 1950 - 1975

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 Stephen Spingarn

Stephen Spingarn was the son of Joel E. Spingarn (1875-1939), former professor comparative literature at Columbia University, political activist and civil rights advocate, and founder of the publishing firm of Harcourt, Brace and Company and its literary adviser from 1919 to 1932. Joel E. Spingarn, who was also deeply involved in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, established the organization's Spingarn Medal and served as president of the NAACP from 1930 until his death in 1939.

The younger Spingarn served as administrative assistant to President Harry S. Truman (1949-1950). As administrative assistant Spingarn helped draft the Truman Administration's omnibus civil rights bill. In 1950 Truman appointed Spingarn to the Federal Trade Commission. For additional biographical data consult: Who's Who in America (1938) and Who's Who in American Politics, vol. 4. For Spingarn's role in the Truman Administration see Donald R. McCoy, Quest and Response (Lawrence, University Press of Kansas, 1973).

Extent

1 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Scope and Contents

The collection is in very rough chronological/subject arrangement as maintained by the donor.

The subjects of the correspondence are broad ranging, including Democratic Party politics, Spingarn's role in the Truman administration his efforts to clarify what he calls the "Clark Clifford Myth," and other personal crusades.

Physical Location

RH MS 196

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift, Donald R. McCoy, May 1976.

Title
Guide to the Stephen J. Spingarn Collection
Subtitle
Stephen J. Spingarn papers
Author
lgg 6 May 76 mg 2004
Date
2004
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Finding aid writtenin<language> English.</language>
Finding aid permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/10407/3412969309
Preferred citation
Stephen J. Spingarn Collection, Kansas Collection, RH MS 196, Kenneth Spencer Research Library, University of Kansas

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