The Maurice P. Kessler Collection in Honor of Albert Schweitzer papers consist of materials related to the life and professional career of Kessler himself, as well as materials pertaining to the career of Albert Schweitzer. The biographical and correspondence files, which include records of immigration, letters to and from Kessler, as well as programs from several of his performances, shed light on Kessler’s career and his time at Oberlin. The bulk of the collection, however, is comprised of photographs, articles, clippings and printed matter pertaining to Kessler’s life-long friend and renowned humanist Albert Schweitzer.

The collection is divided into five series I. Biographical, II. Clippings and Magazine Articles, III. Correspondence, IV. Writings, V. Photographs.

Series I. Biographical, 1932, 1935, 1938, 1954, 1970, n.d. (3 folders)

This series consists of biographical material concerning Maurice Kessler, including a memorial minute for him that appeared in the Oberlin Alumni Magazine (1970). Also included are immigration records (photostats) and performance programs/releases from concerts given by Maurice Kessler.

Series II. Clippings and Magazine Articles, 1946, 1949, 1951-56, 1959-60, 1965, n.d. (2 folders and loose materials)

This series consists of clippings and magazine articles pertaining to the careers of Maurice Kessler and Albert Schweitzer and to their life-long relationship.

Series III. Correspondence, 1928, 1932, 1937, 1971 (1 folder)

The correspondence primarily consists of letters between Maurice Kessler and William F. Bohn, Oberlin College Assistant to the President. Also included is a postcard written to Juliette Kessler.

Series IV. Writings, 1927, 1931, 1934, 1938, 1946-48, 1952, 1954, 1966, n.d. (Four folders)

This series consists of a published piece regarding Schweitzer’s visit to Ohio written by Kessler’s wife, Juliette, as well as a piece written by Kessler on John Frederick Oberlin. Also included are writings by and about Albert Schweitzer in English, French and German.

Series V. Photographs, 1938, 1951, 1959, 1963, 1965, n.d. (2 folders)

This series is comprised of photographs of Albert Schweitzer over the course of his life. The photographs also include Schweitzer’s family, patients and co-workers, and several include personal notes written by Schweitzer and his daughter Rhena Schweitzer Miller to Juliette Kessler.

The papers were donated by Chris Hannon, grandson of Maurice P. Kessler and received by the Oberlin College Archives in 2002. (2002/024)

For related materials see John Frederick Oberlin (30/165).