The Clarence Ward Papers provide detail on Clarence Ward’s activities as an architectural consultant and on his administration of the Allen Memorial Art Museum. Information also exists here on the debate of the system of faculty governance at Oberlin College. Consisting of correspondence, memoranda, and other printed materials, this collection is organized into eight series: A Biographical File, 1905-1977, 1996; Correspondence, 1916-1987, n.d.; Diaries, 1932-1961, n.d.; Files related to Art Museum and Oberlin College Administration; Sermons and Talks, 1929-1962, n.d.; Writings, 1914-1985, n.d.; Non-Textual Materials, 1918-47, n.d.; and, Files relating to Oberlin Archaeological Digs, 1941-42. The correspondence series is further subdivided into Professional and Personal correspondence, and the Non-Textual Material series is subdivided into Photographs/Illustrations and Art Books.

The correspondence series provides the richest insight into Ward’s personal and professional activities. Ward’s work as an architectural consultant for churches in the Midwest United States and New England is also documented in the correspondence series, and is occasionally enhanced by accompanying drawings and photographs. While most of the correspondence details Ward’s work for churches in Northern Ohio, a reasonable amount of material exists on the First Congregational Church of Benzonia, Michigan. Letters from Oberlin College President Ernest Hatch Wilkins, and Cincinnati architect Charles F. Cellarus further highlight Ward’s involvement in Oberlin College’s architectural development.

The series related to the Allen Memorial Art Museum and Oberlin College Administration details Ward’s administrative role as director of the Art Museum (1917-1948), and his role in helping to formulate policy on the Oberlin College campus. Of special interest is material regarding the Oberlin College Board of Trustees’ initiative to change the Faculty Council’s jurisdiction over the appointment process in 1947. Ward’s correspondence with members of the Board of Trustees, most notably Walter K. Bailey, provides valuable insight on the continuous debate over faculty governance at Oberlin College.

Overall, this collection is thin and uneven. Little information exits on Clarence Ward’s personal and professional development or on his academic teaching and scholarship. Random Reminiscences: The Connecticut Boyhood of Clarence Ward (1996), located in the Biographical Series, provides some insight into his early development. Ward’s professional education and career development is also very much under documented. (Such historical materials may still be held by members of the Ward family.) An exception is Ward’s correspondence with Elizabeth Prentiss (widow of Dudley P. Allen) and her secretary, Anna Held, which provides some detail on the personal activities, health, thoughts, and travels of Ward, his wife Helen Eshbaugh, and Elizabeth Prentiss.

The balance of the collection is made up of writings, sermons and talks, and non-textual materials.

Series I. Biographical File, 1905-1977, 1996, n.d. (0.2 l.f.)

The biographical files are arranged alphabetically by folder title. Included are diplomas, marriage certificate, newspaper and journal clipping honoring Ward, his will, and memorial service programs for Mr. and Mrs. Ward.

Series II. Correspondence File 1916-1987, n.d. (0.8 l. f.)

The Correspondence file is divided into two subseries: 1) Professional, and 2) Personal. The Professional file includes Ward’s consultant files pertaining to churches, correspondence with other universities, and a First Church File. The Personal subseries contains birthday notes, thank you letters from students, retirement notes, miscellaneous correspondence, correspondence with Helen Liello, Jean Volkmer, and condolence letters upon Mr. and Mrs. Ward’s deaths.

Series III. Diaries, 1932-1961 (0.32 l.f.)

The loose-leaf page diaries held in two folders chronicle Clarence Ward’s trips to Europe and his early interest in architecture.

Series IV. Files related to the Art Museum and Oberlin College Administration, 1920-1972 (0.96 l.f.)

The file includes basic information on the art museum’s collection, administrative procedures, the list of donors of the Clarence Ward Book Fund, correspondence between the Art Museum and College, manuscripts pertaining to the museum, art courses evaluations of classes taught by Ward, and correspondence with Oberlin College Presidents.

Series V. Sermons and Talks, 1929-1962, n.d. (0.4 l.f.)

The files contain Ward’s speeches given at baptisms, eulogies, lectures, sermons, speeches, and miscellaneous notes and quotes.

Series VI. Writings, 1914-1985, n.d. (0.2 l.f.)

A collection of writings by Clarence Ward mostly on architecture and art, and his collection of writings by others on the subject of art and architecture.

Series VII. Non-Textual Materials, 1918-1947, n.d. (2.1 l.f.)

Divided into two subseries, the Non-Textual Materials contains photographs and drawings (subseries I) and art books (subseries II). The photographs include pictures of Clarence and Helen Ward, drawings, and European architecture. Subseries II contains various books on Egyptian, Roman, and European Renaissance art, all of which are in German. There is also an index card system, written in German that corresponds to the art books.

Series VIII. Files relating to Oberlin Archaeological Digs, 1941-42 (0.2 l.f.)

Consists of materials relating to an archaeological dig for Erie Indian remains on the George Morris Farm, Vermillion River, 1941-42, and other digs on nearby lands (?). Includes the excavation plan, news clippings, catalog cards of the items collected, and photos.

The Papers of Clarence Ward were received in five installments, including F. Champion Ward (1983 and 1997), Andrew Ward (1997), and the Allen Memorial Art Museum (1986). Andrew Ward prepared an inventory for accession number 1997/015. The original disk and printed copy are located in the first box of the collection. In 2001, files relating to an archaeological dig were received from Barb Prior (Art Library), 2001/083.

See also the records of the Allen Memorial Art Museum (9/3), Subgroup IV. Clarence Ward Records, and the records of the East Oberlin Community Church (31/4/4).