The papers of William H. Seaman document his service to Oberlin College as first Director of Admissions (1928-48) through his talks and writings in which he addressed admission policies and life at Oberlin, gave welcoming remarks and encouragement to incoming freshmen, and provided insight to college life in general. Approximately one half of the collection (0.20 l.f.) concerns his sudden death by suicide on 19 March 1948. The biographical series contains copies of his obituary, memorial service materials, and some employment records. The Correspondence Series consists entirely of letters of condolences to Frances F. Seaman (4 folders) and to members of the Oberlin College staff (I folder).
The collection is divided into four series: I. Biographical Files; II. Speeches and Talks; III. Writings; and IV. Correspondence.
SERIES DESCRIPTIONS
Series I. Biographical Files, 1928-48 (4 folders)
Consists of copies of William H. Seaman's obituary, memorial services materials (i.e. program, correspondence regarding the planning of the service), employment records (1928-48), and materials compiled by Dorothy Smith (i.e. reminiscences of the Admissions Office during Seaman's tenure as Director).
Series II. Speeches and Talks, 1929-47 (5 folders)
Speeches and talks (copies and original handwritten notes) by William H. Seaman given at Freshmen Assemblies, the Oberlin YMCA, Senior Chapel, and off-campus. These presentations include welcoming remarks, admissions at Oberlin College, and college life. One folder contains a typed copy of a presentation of an honorary given by Seaman on behalf of Arnaud Cartwright Marts, President of Bucknell University and President of Marts and Lundy, Counselors for Philanthropic Institutions (June 1940).
Series III. Writings, 1925, 1930-47 (2 folders)
This series contains writings by William Seaman. One folder contains a typed script log of his travels following his graduation from Oberlin College in 1924. He travelled to France and England from July to September 1925. The other folder contains typed script articles written for the Oberlin Alumni Magazine (1930-47) concerning the Alumni Golf Tournament (1930), admissions at Oberlin College, and life at Oberlin.
Series IV. Correspondence, 1948-49 (5 folders)
Consists of letters of condolences to Mrs. William (Frances) Seaman and members of the Oberlin College administration following the death of William Seaman on 19 March 1948.
PROVENANCE
The papers of William H. Seaman were received by the Oberlin College Archives from Shirley Seaman Lake (OC '54) on 8 June 1992 (accession 1992/51).
RELATED MATERIALS: See also the records of the Office of Admissions, 1888, 1902-88 (RG 25).
Further Information
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