The papers of Walter King Bailey document his activities—particularly athletic ones—while a student at Oberlin College and his involvement in development issues during his tenure as a trustee of the College later in his career. His letters include reference to the 1916 controversy involving a Greek fraternity. Several letters also relate conversations with Irvin Houck and address the controversy surrounding the naming of Carr Pool. These letters demonstrate the depth of involvement Bailey had with development efforts of the College.

His papers also include development publications (1954 1960) which include references to future building projects such as King Memorial Hall, the Conservatory complex, and Kettering Hall. As a trustee, Bailey served in the Development Committee as noted in the publication, but his involvement with their publication is unknown.

Bailey’s papers include three scrapbooks, two of which have been unbound. One unbound scrapbook (1996) contains memorabilia from the memorial service of Sarah and Walter Bailey. The remaining bound scrapbook (1914-19) includes banquet and reception booklets, athletic schedules, concert and theatre programs and ticket stubs, newspaper clippings regarding the Greek fraternity controversy and other stories, a certificate of military training elevating Bailey to the rank of sergeant, athletic award ribbons, and some photographs.

The remaining scrapbook contains materials relating to Bailey’s fellow student athletes often during games and some photographs of Navy personnel and female students. The scrapbook is unbound and included in the photograph series. Also included in the papers are two transparencies and a News of the Century publication (March 2002) which describes Bailey’s involvement with development and his sons’ establishment of a scholarship fund in his name. The transparencies are those used in the publication.

Series I. Correspondence, 1916-17, 1958-71 (restricted) (2f)

The correspondence series includes letters to and from Dean of Arts and Sciences Cole relating to the 1916 controversy involving a Greek fraternity. It also includes numerous letters regarding awards, donations, a scholarship fund, and development efforts for Mudd Center and Philips Gymnasium. Access to this series is granted by permission of the Archivist.

Series II. Printed Material, 1954, 1960 (1f)

The printed matter series includes two brochures printed by the Development Council. The first, 1954, solicits funds for the replacement of Westervelt Hall, Federal Hall, and Elmwood Cottage, proposes the construction of King Memorial Hall, and notes the needs of Life Sciences, the Conservatory, and student housing. A second publication, 1960, displays plans for Kettering Hall and the Conservatory complex.

Series III. Scrapbooks, 1914-19, 1996 (1f and one volume)

The scrapbook series includes the contents of two scrapbooks, one of which has been unbound. The unbound scrapbook, 1996, contains memorabilia from the memorial service of Sarah and Walter bailey. The bound scrapbook, 1914-19, includes banquet and reception booklets, athletic schedules, concert and theatre programs and ticket stubs, and other college memorabilia.

Series IV. Photographs (varying sizes), 1916-19, 2002 (2f)

The photograph series includes numerous photographs removed from a third scrapbook, 1916-19. The photograph series also includes transparencies and a News of the Century publication, March 2002. The transparencies are those used in the publication.

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