robinson_howard

Oberlin College Archives

MR. HOWARD B. ROBINSON (1885-1977) AND

MRS. GLADYS WRENN ROBINSON (1891-1976)

PAPERS, 1911-(1920-1963)-1975
SCOPE AND CONTENT

The papers of Howard and Gladys "Jenny" Robinson, divided into two subgroups, consist of letters sent and received, invoices, writings, reviews, pamphlets, travel journals, photographs, and research materials. Included in the research materials are illustrations, maps, notes, and historical documents used in Robinson's publications on the postal service. The bulk of the papers, however, are mainly manuscripts and research materials. Some of the manuscripts are incomplete and not in finished form. There is some correspondence relating to Robinson's publications, his work on the Citizens' Committee on Postal Reform, and his teaching activities at Oberlin College. An unusual part of the collection is a folder containing scribbled lists of names. In carrying out his various publication projects, Robinson compiled these lists for his research on name origins—a subject on which he frequently spoke. In addition, a collection of World War II materials—ranging from posters to news clippings—exists in these papers. These items document the interest of Gladys Robinson who was greatly involved with the war effort for her native country, England.

SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

Subgroup I. Howard B. Robinson

This subgroup consists of talks, writings, correspondence, printed files, and photographs of Howard B. Robinson. Additionally, files relating to his hobbies, the postal service, and etymology, are included.

Series 1. Talks and Writings, 1911, 1920, 1955-1963, n.d. (1.2 linear feet)

This series, which contains Robinson's talks and writings, is divided into two subseries: 1. Talks and 2. Writings. The talks files are meager, but his writings are well documented. Papers and articles span from the time he attended college to his professorial days. Included in this series are his manuscripts (some incomplete) for "A History of the Post Office in New Zealand" and "Carrying British Mails Overseas."

Series 2. Research Materials, n.d. (0.2 linear feet)

Included in this series are photostats, maps, and hand written notes that Robinson used to write his many postal histories.

Series 3. Committees, 1969-70 (0.05 linear feet)

This series consists of notes from the Citizens' Committee on Postal Reform in Oberlin, which Robinson was heavy involved in for a short time.

Series 4. Correspondence, 1943-47, 1969 (0.1 linear feet)

This series contains correspondence between Robinson and several of his friends as well as well wishers who had read his postal publications.

Series 5. General Files, 1945-46, n.d. (0.1 linear feet)

Contains invoices and a copy of part of a finding aid from the archives.

Series 6. Etymology Files, n.d. (0.05 linear feet)

Included are lists of names and language notebooks Robinson studied concerning name origins.

Series 7. Printed Materials, 1965, 1968 (0.1 linear feet)

Pamphlets and small books comprise this series.

Series 8. Travel Notes, 1938-39, 1949, 1953 (0.2 linear feet)

Contains journals of Robinson's many trips. Several of the photographs from series 9 relate to these travel accounts.

Series 9. Photograph Files,1913,1921,1928,1935-42, n.d.(0.4 linear feet)

Howard Robinson was an avid photographer. His photographs capture many aspects of Oberlin College life as well as Oberlin city scenes. In addition, this file unit includes the photographic prints and negatives from several of his trips to England. The class reunion photographs are the only pictures in this series which may not have been taken by Robinson himself.

Subgroup II. Gladys "Jenny" Wrenn Robinson

This subgroup consists of the writings, correspondence, and photographs of Gladys Robinson. Also included are files documenting topics such as World War I, World War II concentration camps, prisoners of war, and the relief effort, but mostly as they relate to England.

Series 1. Writings, 1939 (0.05 linear feet)

A 1939 article, "An English Housewife in America," deals with the American way of life. It was written to show how British women differed from their American counterparts.

Series 2. Correspondence, 1925, 1931-47 (0.1 linear feet)

Consists of correspondence between Gladys Robinson and Stella Perley as well as correspondence written by Robinson while she was the secretary for the English Speaking Union in the early 1930s.

Series 3. General Files, 1918, 1929, 1933, n.d. (0.1 linear feet)

Includes guest lists, pedigree papers, sheet music, and a 1909 Cambridge University certificate belonging to Mrs. Robinson.

Series 4. Miscellaneous Files Relating to World War II, 1945, n.d. (0.05 linear feet)

This series documents Mrs. Robinson's interest and involvement in World War II. A large portion of the materials consist of newspaper clippings relating to prisoner of war and concentration camps. Posters (black and white) distributed by the Clothes for Europe Campaign are also part of this series.

Series 5. Printed Materials, 1910,1928-1930,1936-48,n.d.(0.1 linear feet)

Materials in this series range from newspapers to books on the history of Britain during World War I and II.

Series 6. Photograph Files, 1910-19, 1930-42, n.d. (1.2 linear feet)

Most of the photographs in this series are family pictures, some dating back to World War I, and they document Gladys' relatives and friends back in England.

RELATED MATERIALS

For related information the researcher is encouraged to consult Howard B. Robinson's faculty file in the records of the Alumni and Development Office (28/3).