PCL MS 162 Kenneth Davison Collection

MLA Citation

Davison, Kenneth. “PCL MS 162 Kenneth Davison Collection.” Finding Aids. BGSU University Libraries, 5 May 2021, lib.bgsu.edu/finding_aids/items/show/2703. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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TitlePCL MS 162 Kenneth Davison Collection
CreatorDavison, Kenneth
Introduction

The Kenneth Davison Collection consists of approximately 2.5 linear feet of manuscript materials. The collection was donated to the Browne Popular Culture Library by Kenneth Davison between 1998 and 1999. This collection is partially processed, please contact the BPCL Reference email with additional questions. The collection has no restrictions placed on its use for scholarly purposes. Researchers are responsible for securing copyright permission when using all unpublished manuscripts and published works found in this collection.

Biographical SketchDr. Kenneth E. Davison received his B.A. from Heidelberg College in 1946 and his PhD. from Western Reserve University in 1953. He taught at Heidelberg University from 1952-1989, serving as the Chair of the American Studies Department from 1967-1989.

During his career, Dr. Davison served as the treaurer of both the Ohio-Indiana American Studies Association and the national American Studies Association. He was also involved in the National American Studies Faculty, a group charged with evaluating American Studies programs. 

Dr. Davison has written several books on Ohio history as well as the life and presidency of Rutherford B. Hayes. He donated his research materials on Rutherford B. Hayes to the Hayes Presidential Library & Museum in Freemont, Ohio in 1998.
Scope and ContentThis collection is comprised of Kenneth Davison's papers relating to his time as an officer of both the national and Ohio-Indiana American Studies Associations. Dr. Davison served as treasurer of both organizations, so much of the collection relates to the financial health of the organization at the time. However, business meeting minutes, conference proceedings and materials, and other materials related to the history of both organizations are included as well. 

The collection encompasses the years 1956-1981, with the bulk dating from 1956-1977.

This collection will be of interest to those interested in the evolving field of American Studies, especially as it relates to important professional organizations in the field. 

The collection is currently organized as it was received.
Inventory

Box 1
Folder Description Date
1 2nd Annual ASA National Meeting- Toledo 1969
2 ASA Treasurer Reports 1973
3 Ohio-Indiana ASA Records Inventory 1981
4 National ASA Newsletter 1976-1977
5 Agendas & Notes- Various ASA Chapter and National Conferences 1974-1976
6 ASA Young Scholars Directory 1976
7 Development of American Studies at Cuyahoga Community College 1973
8 American Studies Newsletter 1974-1976
9 ASA National Conference Reports 1976-1977
10 Treasurer's Report- American Studies Association 1976-1977

 

Box 2
Folder Description Date
1 Ohio-Indiana ASA 1955-1957
2 Ohio-Indiana ASA 1974, 1981
3 American Studies Pedagogy undated
4 ASA Executive Secretary candidacy 1972
5 National ASA election materials 1971-1972
6 Proposal- American History & Culture Program for Community Museums 1972-1973
7 Connections Journal 1972-1973
8 Letters of recommendation for Alma Payne 1975
9 Heidelberg College American Studies Program 1973-1976
10 ASA Evaluation- Cumberland College of Tennessee 1975
11 NEH Grant Application- NASF Graduate Education Workshop 1973
12 Assorted ASA Pamphlets 1975, 1977
13 American Studies classes- bibliographies 1973
14 Correspondence 1975-1976
15 American Studies International 1976-1977

 

Box 3
Folder Description Date
1 Conference- The United States in the World 1976
2 Publishing contract- America, the Other Perspective 1977
3 Loose American Studies flyers, brochures multiple
4 American Studies Theory- articles multiple
5 Ohio-Indiana ASA Meeting Minutes 1958
6 Ohio-Indiana ASA Proceedings 1959-1960
7 Membership lists- Ohio-Indiana ASA 1958-1962
8 Treasurer's Reports- Ohio-Indiana ASA 1958-1962
9 Newsletters- Ohio-Indiana ASA 1956-1958

 

Box 4
Folder Description Date
1 Newsletters- National and Chapter ASAs 1959-1964
2 Ohio-Indiana ASA Meeting at Heidelberg 1961
3 National and Ohio-Indiana ASA Constitutions 1959-1960
4 Correspondence and Meeting Information 1965-1966
5 Symposium in American Civilization 1960
6 Correspondence- ASA 1959-1963
7 Ohio-Indiana ASA- Report of Meeting at Butler University 1962
8 ASA Executive Council Meeting Minutes 1958-1963
9 Meeting Announcements & Reports- Ohio-Indiana ASA 1956-1963
10 Aid to Graduate Students 1964-1965
11 Papers Presented at ASA Meetings 1962
12 Financial Aid to Graduate Students 1974-1975
13 Fulbright-Hays Act Analysis 1961

 

Box 5
Folder Description Date
1 ASA Meetings & Reimbursement Information 1974-1976
2 ASA Annual Meeting Memos 1975
3 Ohio-Indiana Meeting at Heidelberg 1971
4 Music in American Civilization Manual undated
5 ASA Council Meeting Materials 1976
6 ASA Council Meeting Materials 1974-1975
7 ASA Income-Expense Reports 1974
8 Ohio-Indiana ASA Meeting Announcements 1958-1975
9 ASA Treasurer Correspondence 1974-1975
10 ASA Treasurer Correspondence 1974
11 ASA National Council Meeting Notes 1973-1975

 

Box 6
Folder Description Date
1 Correspondence- Harold Baetzhold (1 of 3) multiple
2 Correspondence- Harold Baetzhold (2 of 3) multiple
3 Correspondence- Harold Baetzhold (3 of 3) multiple
4 American Quarterly Articles 1986-1990
5 ASA Treasurer's Reports 1974-1975
6 National American Studies Faculty 1974-1976
7 Great Lakes American Studies Association- Constitution 1999