The papers of George W. Dell primarily document his research for a biography of Robert Maynard Hutchins (Oberlin College Honorary War Membership, 1919). In addition to interviews conducted by Dell, the collection includes various newspaper clippings and articles, correspondence with and regarding Robert Hutchins, speeches given by Hutchins, and related writings, notes, and articles.  See the inventory for information concerning the speeches and writings.

Series I.  Interviews, 1926-94 (some restrictions apply) (1 folder)

This series consists of transcripts and supporting documents (i.e., correspondence) of interviews with Robert M. Hutchins (1973-76), Vesta Hutchins (1977), Edward Levi (1977-78), Richard Lightman (1975), Stanley Sheinbaum (1975), Lawrence Kimpton (1976), Mortimer Adler (1976), Harry Ashmore (1974), Clifton Fadiman (1974), Hallock Hoffman (1976), Frank Kelly (1974, 1976), and Malcolm Moos (1977). Researchers are permitted to use the interviews provided that they are “quoted in context” (per George Dell to Roland Baumann, letter received December 9, 1998). Please consult the College Archivist.

Series II.  Articles and Clippings, 1935, 1968-77, 1991-94 (8 folders)

This series consists of newspaper clippings and magazine articles related to Dell’s research on Robert Hutchins.  The bulk of these published clippings and articles concern subjects of interest to Hutchins.

Series III. Correspondence, 1920-95 (9 folders)

This series consists of correspondence between Dell and Hutchins (originals and copies), as well as correspondence with the University of Chicago regarding Dell’s Papers and with Oberlin College regarding Hutchins.

Series IV.  Speeches, 1949-77 (1 folder)

This series consists of transcripts of speeches given by Robert M. Hutchins.  The  transcripts are arranged alphabetically and a complete list of the titles are included in the inventory.

Series V.  Writings, 1921-94, n.d. (17 folders)

The writings consist of published and unpublished works by and topics relating to Robert Hutchins, used by Dell for his biography of Hutchins, and arranged in three subseries: Subseries 1. Writings by George Dell, Subseries 2. Writings by Robert Maynard Hutchins, and Subseries 3. Writings by others.  The writings are organized by subject within each subseries.  See the inventory for a listing of the subjects.

Series VI.  Biography of Robert Maynard Hutchins, c. 1988 (8 folders)

This series consists of an unbound manuscript copy of George Dell’s An Intellectual Biography of Robert Maynard Hutchins, c. 1988, 864pp.

The George W. Dell papers were received in two accessions from Dell in 1994 and 1998. (1994/46, 1998/147).

Robert Maynard Hutchins, photograph and biographical information, Oberlin College and military service in World War I virtual collection (www.oberlin.edu/archives).