The papers of George T. Scott, biologist and Oberlin College professor, primarily document his involvement with the merger of the Oberlin College Departments of Botany and Zoology into the Department of Biology in 1961.

The collection is divided into six series: I. Biographical Files, II. Correspondence Relating to the Oberlin College Biology Department, III. Clippings File, IV. Writings File, V. Audio Recordings, and VI. Photographs. 

The correspondence series consists of a letter written by Department of Zoology Chairman George T. Scott to Oberlin College President Robert K. Carr, in which Scott explained the rationale for the merger.  Oberlin College Department of Botany Chairman George T. Jones (d.1998) argued in a subsequent letter that the merger would unfairly limit the productivity and resources of the Department of Botany.  (The Jones Family Papers, RG 30/107, and the Records of the Department of Botany, RG 9/15, should be consulted for further details.) Letters written by professors at other universities expressed concern about the merger, indicating that the Department of Botany would unfairly suffer.  Included are letters by William Penfound (Oberlin College Class of 1922) from the University of Oklahoma, Walter S. Phillips (Oberlin College Class of 1929) from the University of Arizona, William C. Denison (Oberlin College Class of 1949) from Swarthmore College, and William C. Fritts (Oberlin College Class of 1951) from Eastern Illinois University. 

The correspondence series contains nine letters regarding a $375,000 grant to Oberlin College from the Rockefeller Foundation for the construction of Kettering Hall, which was built for the new Department of Biology and the Department of Chemistry.  Series V. Audio Recordings consists of four reel to reel tapes of the Oberlin College Science Symposium held on October 20, 1961, coinciding with the dedication of Kettering Hall.

The biographical files and clippings file series provide some insight into the research interests of George T. Scott.  Scott’s relationship with the Bermuda Biological Station in St. Georges, Bermuda, where he studied marine biology and served as president from 1967-1977, is of special importance.  Also present are clippings documenting the July 16, 1977 dedication of the George T. Scott Laboratory located at the station.  The writings series provides insight into his work regarding the effects of sodium and potassium in Ulva lactuca.  Absent from this collection are materials relating to George T. Scott’s teaching (i.e., lecture notes, syllabi) and papers relating to his personal life.

Series I. Biographical Files, 1965, 1973, 1977, 1980, 1987 (2 folders)

The biographical files consist of photocopies of Oberlin College news releases concerning George T. Scott’s retirement from teaching in 1980 and obituary notices from September 23, 1987.  Included are brochures and an annual report of the Bermuda Biological Station in St. Georges, Bermuda, where Scott conducted research.

Series II. Correspondence Relating to the Oberlin College Biology Department, 1959-60 (3 folders)

The correspondence series contains detailed letters that document the merger of the Oberlin College Departments of Botany and Zoology into the Department of Biology in 1961.  Included is correspondence between George T. Scott and Oberlin College President Robert K. Carr, and letters from professors at other institutions.  This series also consists of letters concerning a construction grant for Kettering Hall.  The series is arranged chronologically.

Series III. Clippings File, 1953, 1959-77 (2 folders)

This series consists of two folders of clippings (photocopies), one containing articles relating to George T. Scott’s presentations, research, and awards, and the other concerning the Bermuda Biological Station in St. Georges, Bermuda.  The clippings are arranged chronologically.

Series IV. Writings File, 1951, 1953, 1957, 1959 (1 folder, 6 titles)

Consists of six scientific articles, five coauthored and one written exclusively by George T.  Scott and reprinted from scientific journals.  See the inventory for a complete list of titles and citations.  The writings are arranged chronologically.

Series V. Audio Recordings, 1961 (4 reel to reel tapes)

Includes four reel to reel tapes of the Oberlin College Science Symposium held for the dedication of Kettering Hall on October 20, 1961.  George T. Scott and Oberlin College Professor Luke E. Steiner (d. 1980) presided over of the symposium. Other speakers included Robert Alberty (University of Wisconsin), Barry Commoner (Washington University), and George Wald (Harvard University). See also the records of the Office of Communication (RG 18) for additional information about the symposium.

Series VI. Photographs, 1971, 1977 (2 folders)

There are four photographs in the series: two color photographs of the Bermuda Biological Station (August 1977), one color photograph of the bronze dedication plaque for the George T. Scott Laboratory (August 1977), and one black and white photograph of George T. Scott (1971).

George T. Scott donated the correspondence files and reel to reel tapes to the College Archives on July 2, 1980.  The Oberlin College Office of Communications and the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs transferred the remainder of the collection (clippings, news releases, writings, and photographs) to the College Archives in the 1970s to 1987.

Hope Hibbard Papers (RG 30/147)

Records of the Oberlin College Department of Botany (RG 9/15)

Records of the Oberlin College Office of Communication (RG 18)