1940s

W

Wesley House Association Records, 1929-2002 (S0675)
2 cubic feet, 52 folders, 399 photographs

 Digitized Materials

 Finding Aid

The Wesley House Association was founded in 1903 by a lay group affiliated with the Methodist Church. Its purpose is to provide social services for the 21st Ward in St. Louis City. Included in the collection are bylaws, meeting minutes, correspondence, budgets, , newsletters, and photographs.

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Wessel and Schaefer Family Papers, 1907-1974 (S0522)
2.5 cubic feet, 48 folders, 43 photographs

 Finding Aid

The Wessel and Schaefer Family Papers contain correspondence, diaries, newspaper clippings, and photographs documenting the lives of Lillian Schaefer and Emil Wessel. The collection contains material both prior to and during their marriage, including family correspondence from 1954. The complete date range of the collection is 1907 to 1975, with bulk dates from 1917 to 1923.

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West Freedom Telephone Company (Concordia, Mo.) Records, 1904-c. 1960 (CA5324)
0.4 cubic feet

 Finding Aid

Constitution, by-laws, minutes, financial records, incorporation papers, and stock certificates of the company.

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West Plains Chamber of Commerce Collection, circa 1920s-1960s (R0822)
(1 folder)

 Finding Aid

These are items published by the West Plains Chamber of Commerce to promote the city of West Plains in Howell County, Missouri, and the surrounding area. Included are tourism brochures, promotional brochures, and a booklet describing automobile excursions to area resorts and attractions.

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Emma West Collection, 1880-1950 (P0062)
0.16 linear feet

Copy photos and postcards of Missouri, the bulk of which focus on New Cambria, Macon County.

Subjects

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Western Auto Supply Company Collection, 1911-2004 (KA2582)
6.75 c.f.

 Finding Aid

The Western Auto Supply Company Collection contains catalogs, circulars, newsletters, and other miscellaneous materials related to the company dated between 1911 and 2004.

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Western Auto Supply Company Records, 1920-2000 (K1233)
38 c.f.

 Finding Aid

Historical records of the national retail store headquartered in Kansas City, MO. Includes photographs, catalogs, publications, scrapbooks of advertising, artifacts, correspondence and working files on Western Auto stores.

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Western Historical Manuscript Collection Records, 1943-2010 (CA6463)
17.7 cubic feet, 2 audio tapes, 4 computer discs, 4.37 GB of digital files, 4 oversize items

 Finding Aid

Records of the organization include correspondence, reports, event files, space planning materials, photographs, materials on the National Women and Media Collection, and miscellaneous administrative material.

Western Historical Manuscript Collection, St. Louis, Vertical File Collection, 1834-2012 (S0694)
4.25 cubic feet, 265 folders

 Finding Aid

The Western Historical Manuscript Collection (WHMC)-St. Louis’s vertical file was begun in 1968 as part of WHMC’s collecting mission under the direction of Irene Cortinovis and Ina Watson. The collection chronicles numerous St. Louis-related topics, including African Americans, Anheuser-Busch, the Congress of Racial Equality, and the Shaw neighborhood.

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Western Missouri Photograph Collection, 1930-1960 (K0116)
3 cf

The collection contains photographic prints and negatives depicting activities of Kansas City, Missouri, municipal departments, mayors and council members, city events, city buildings and parks, and other sites in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Subjects

Westminster Gerontology Foundation, Inc. Records, 1921-1971 (K1397)
0.15 cubic foot (5 folders)

 Finding Aid

The Westminster Gerontology Foundation, Inc. Records contain materials related to the Foundation and its operating projects at John Calvin Manor and Vista Del Rio.

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Westmount Civic Improvement Association (Columbia, Mo.) Record Book, 1905-1945 (C1289)
0.11 cubic feet (1 volume)

 Finding Aid

Constitution, minutes, committee reports and financial records of a group organized to buy lots and make and maintain improvements in the Westmount Addition of Columbia.

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John G. Westover Collection, 1910-1946 (C3733)
1.1 cubic feet (56 folders)

 Digitized Materials

 Finding Aid

Correspondence between members of a Missouri family, including three sons in the service, during World War II. The letters deal largely with family matters, but also include descriptions of military bases, a soldier's daily routine and training, and people, cities, and countries in Africa and Europe. Also included are letters from an uncle who was in the service during World War I and in the 1920s.

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Westport Branch/National League of Pen Women Records, 1936-1990 (K0308)
3 c.f.

 Finding Aid

Minutes of the monthly meeting and irregular business meetings, official and unofficial correspondence, scrapbooks, news clippings, programs, financial records, roosters, newsletters, general administrative files including work done by Pen Women, and photographs.

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Westport Scrapbook, 1907-1961 (K0244)
0.06 c.f.

 Finding Aid

Photocopied scrapbook of newspaper clippings, booklets, research papers and other items compiled by Adrian Christopher, a local historian, concerning the history of Westport, MO.

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Westport Tomorrow Records, 1907-1989 (K0831)
39 c.f.

Organizational records of a business and neighborhood association coalition in Kansas City, MO. includes correspondence, business and financial papers and newsletters. also newspaper and historical articles concerning the Westport area as well as newsletters, correspondence and articles relating to other neighborhood associations.

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Walter William Wharton Papers, c. 1912-1995 (C3772)
2.5 cubic feet (114 folders)

 Finding Aid

Papers of a Missouri poet and writer, trade magazine editor, book reviewer, and lecturer. Includes correspondence, books, newspaper clippings, poetry, sketches, and plays.

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James Parker Wheatley Papers, 1945-1982 (S0205)
1 cubic foot, 4 folders, 16 volumes

 Finding Aid

The James Parker Wheatley Papers document the daily activities of a pioneer in educational television programming. Born in 1906, Wheatley served as a broadcaster on the Armed Forces Network, general manager of WGBH in Boston, and the first public affairs director of KMOX in St. Louis. Materials of interest include Wheatley's diaries, reflecting his appointments with potential interviewees for programs on WGBH and KMOX, and an undated telephone directory of his professional contacts.

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Maurice and Doris Wheeler Papers, 1906-1989 (S0599)
16 cubic feet, 469 folders, 32 photographs

 Finding Aid

The Maurice and Doris Wheeler Papers contain correspondence, newsletters, publications, and reports documenting the Wheeler’s social activism and involvement in groups such as the American Federation of Technical Engineers, Eighth Ward Independent Democrats, New Democratic Coalition, Reform Organization of Welfare (ROWEL), and Socialist Party.

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Wheelhouse Family Papers, 1911-1958 (S0703)
0.1 cubic foot

The Wheelhouse Family Papers contain vital records, marriage certificates, obituaries, and newspaper clippings regarding the Wheelhouse and Endicott families.

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Whitaker Family Collection, 1902-1972 (SP0076)
2 cubic feet (22 folders, 116 photographs, 2 oversize boxes)

 Digitized Materials

 Finding Aid

The Whitaker Family Collection contains materials related to Whitaker Printing and Manufacturing Company, a family-owned business that was located in Joplin, Missouri. The collection consists of correspondence, financial records, photographs, publications, and records pertaining to Sar-Tol pharmaceutical products. The collection also contains artwork by Joplin artist Robert Higgs.

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White River Boosters League Collection, 1934-1940 (R0749)
(1 folder)

 Finding Aid

These are two booklets promoting tourism in Taney and Stone Counties in Missouri. Entitled "Come to Lake Taneycomo and the White River Country: the Vacation Paradise of the Ozarks," each booklet contains many advertisements for hotels, resorts, cottages, camps, and other tourist-related businesses, as well as a map of the area.

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Ann Peppard White Papers, 1870-2009 (K0652)
10 c.f.

 Finding Aid

Personal papers and writings of White, one-time columnist for the Kansas City Star, and her daughter Kate who did interviews with her mother and edited the stories. Included is correspondence, postcards, scrapbooks, publications, newsletters, books, photographs, oral history transcriptions, and audiocassettes.

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George O. White Collection, 1915-1960 (CA6515)
0.5 cubic feet, 10 8mm films, 7 oversize items

 Finding Aid

Collection of photographs, films, awards, clippings, and miscellaneous material of the first State Forester of Missouri.

L. Mitchell White Photograph Collection, 1940-1960 (P0068)
22 photographs

Photos of Mexico, MO including the Mexico Ledger & Simmons Stables, St. Paul's Episcopal, Green, Newton and Robinson homes, Missouri Military Academy, Audrain Co. High School. Photos of Tom Bass, Daniel Fitzpatrick, and James and Clarence Robinson. Additional images of horses, including Rex McDonald at the Mexico Fairgrounds and a photo of Rex's tombstone.

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Park Jerauld White Papers, 1911-1982 (S0461)
1 cubic foot, 64 folders

 Finding Aid

The Park Jerauld White Papers contain correspondence, articles, poems, and reports documenting Dr. Park Jerauld White, a pediatric physician, poet, and civic reformer. An early advocate of integration to improve public health, Dr. White opened one of St. Louis’ first integrated pediatric practices in 1924 and championed efforts to stop lead paint poisoning and nuclear bomb tests.

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Pearl Schwartz White Papers, 1911-1981 (S0133)
0.15 cubic foot, 6 folders

 Finding Aid

The papers of Peral Schwartz White contain correspondence, scrapbooks, programs, newspaper clippings of a St. Louis African-American educator. Items of interest include material on the Missouri State Association of Negro Teachers, as well as statistics on negro teachers in Missouri in the 1930s.

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Richard Drace White Papers, 1895-1953 (C3624)
0.5 cubic feet (42 folders)

 Finding Aid

Unpublished autobiography, correspondence, photographs, and newspaper clippings of a Missourian who graduated from the United States Naval Academy, spent forty years on active duty in the Navy, was made a Rear Admiral, and served in the diplomatic corps.

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Shirley Copaken White Papers, 1937-2007 (K1187)
2 c.f.

 Finding Aid

White is very active in cultural, philanthropic, and social organizations, including those of Beth Shalom Synagogue and Hadassah. Includes publications; White and Copaken family photographs and printed materials; Beth Shalom Synagogue and Hadassah materials; Paseo High School reunions; the grand opening of the Lewis and Shirley White Theatre at the Jewish Community Campus; Jewish Community Foundation programs; and newspaper and magazine clippings about Sandi White, Rita Blitt, the AT&T Building, and miscellaneous other subjects.

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James R. Whitley Papers, 1940s-2010s (CA6255)
8.5 cubic feet

 Finding Aid

Papers of a wildlife scientist whose studies focused on water quality in Missouri. Whitley worked for the Missouri Department of Conservation in the water quality branch of the fisheries research section and published many articles, most notably, "Water Plants for Missouri Ponds."

William Brewer Whitlow Papers, 1894-1943 (C0035)
30.8 cubic feet (2,781 folders), 3 rolls of microfilm (13 volumes only on microfilm)

 Finding Aid

The Papers of William Brewer Whitlow contain materials pertaining to the liquidation of seventy-seven insolvent banks in Missouri.  Whitlow, a lawyer from Fulton, was appointed to liquidate the banks. Also includes Whitlow's political papers as chairman, Callaway County Democratic Committee; member, State Democratic Committee, 1937-1939; and state senator from the 10th district, 1938-1942. These papers concern campaign programs, publicity and speakers; public opinion and reaction to proposed legislation; constituent requests and endorsements; and Senate bills, amendments and committee work.

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Donald R. Whitman Collection, 1874-2008 (SP0079)
2.5 cubic feet (42 folders, 50 photographs, 4 VHS tapes, 5 oversize items)

 Finding Aid

The Donald R. Whitman Collection contains the personal papers of Donald Ray Whitman, including correspondence, genealogical records, and photographs. The collection also documents Whitman’s service in the United States Air Force and his work in the Marshall Islands during Operation Ivy in 1952, as well as his career with the National Weather Service in Kansas City, Missouri.

Rex M. Whitton Papers, 1920-1981 (C3917)
3.25 cubic feet

 Finding Aid

Papers of Rex M. Whitton, Chief Engineer of the Missouri State Highway Department and Federal Highway Administrator under presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. Papers consist of speeches, correspondence, newspaper and magazine articles, photographs, and miscellaneous material relating to his position and activities as Federal Highway Administrator.

Whizzo, Ol' Gus and Me Collection, 1940-2003 (K1236)
2 c.f.

Notes, video interviews, and video/film transfers used in the production of a Public Television documentary about Kansas City children's TV programing in the 1940s-1980s.

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Lewis Wickens Collection, 1940s-2000s (CA5371)
20 cubic feet, 17 video cassettes

 Finding Aid

Published works, videocassettes, and personal papers primarily relating to World War II fliers and prisoners of war.

Subjects

David G. Widder Papers, 1918-1996 (K0922)
1 c.f.

A diary Widder kept as a boy, scrapbooks relating to Kansas City history and architecture, newspaper and magazine articles, books, photographs including a World War I era album.

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Otto Widmann Collection, 1898-1965 (C4001)
0.2 cubic feet (7 folders)

 Finding Aid

The collection contains correspondence, notes, publications, and miscellaneous material compiled by Daniel McKinley for a biography of Otto Widmann, an ornithologist from St. Louis, Missouri.

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Elsie Arline Stults Wiedenhoeft Papers, 1700-1983 (C4173)
0.8 cubic feet (35 folders)

 Finding Aid

Correspondence, newspaper clippings, photographs and genealogical material of the Stults, Roach, Niedhamer, Middleton, Earhart, and related families.

Robert P. Wiegers Collection, 1840-2006 (CA6759)
4.0 cubic feet, 48 computer discs, 7 video cassettes

 Finding Aid

Research materials on author Robert P. Wiegers book "Missouri Armories: The Guard's Home in Architecture and History." Records include photographs, slides, negatives, Missouri historic inventory forms, correspondence, copies of blueprints, deeds, newspaper articles, and written descriptions of armories and their architectural structures in various cities around Missouri, 1840-2006.

Wight and Wight Architectural Records, 1904-1952 (K0825)
40.04 c.f.

 Finding Aid

Architectural drawings, business papers, and photographs from the premier pre-World War II architects of Kansas City, MO. also of furnishings designed by W.D. Wight.

Wilborn and Associates Photograph Collection, 1930-1971 (K0790)
2.25 c.f.

 Digitized Materials

Photographs of architectural and landscape drawing for buildings designed by Kansas City architects. Also photographs of organizations and activities within the Kansas City Jewish Community.

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Mildred Durr Wilcox Papers, 1859-2010 (CA6640)
1.4 cubic feet

 Finding Aid

The papers of Mildred Durr Wilcox include correspondence, photographs, business records, family papers, genealogy, legal documents, deeds, and miscellaneous material.

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Endangered Wolf Center Records, 1946-1992 (S0535)
15 cubic feet, 463 photographs, 5 audio tapes, 9 videotapes

 Finding Aid

The records of the Endangered Wolf Center (formerly the Wild Canid Survival and Research Center), chronicle its establishment, growth, and administration. Founded by Carol and Marlin Perkins in 1971, WSRC bred wolves for reintroduction into the wild and fought for other conservation issues. The collection contains correspondence, meeting minutes, newspaper clippings, articles, publications, legal documents, wolf studies, veterinary reports, conference proceedings, and government legislation.

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Wilder Family Photographs, 1940, no date (P0294)
2 photographs

Copy photos of Laura & Almanzo Wilder and their home in Mansfield, MO.

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Laura Ingalls Wilder Papers, 1894-1943 (C3633)
3 rolls of microfilm (34 folders)

 Finding Aid

Papers of the author of the "Little House" series of children's stories. Manuscripts, a diary and some correspondence are included.

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Hershel Wileman Papers, 1945-1952 (S0736)
0.25 cubic foot, 9 folders

 Finding Aid

During the late 1940s, Hershel Wileman served as the President of United Gas, Coke and Chemical Workers of America-Local #476. He worked for the Mercury Record Corporation in St. Louis, MO. The collection includes labor agreements, Congress of Industrial Organization's newspapers, union literature, correspondence, wage measures, and job classifications.

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Thomas Houston Wiles Records, 1906-1945 (R1234)
(1 volume)

 Finding Aid

This is a record book kept by the Reverend Thomas Houston Wiles, a Baptist minister or several congregations in Missouri, Colorado, and Kentucky, most notably at Grant Avenue Baptist Church in Springfield in Greene County, Missouri. Included are records of sermons, baptisms, marriages, funerals, and 'conversions and additions' to the membership of his churches.

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Robert S. Wiley Collection, 1869-1994 (R0521)
8.5 cubic feet (177 folders, 639 photographs, 25 slides, 2 audio discs, 13 oversize folders)

 Finding Aid

The Robert S. Wiley Collection consists of legal documents, publications, promotional material, and ephemera related to Missouri, specifically Stone County, and to travel, tourism and recreation in the White River region of Missouri and Arkansas. The collection also contains material largely focused on Missouri State Representative Dewey Short and the Republican Party.

Estella Wilferth Papers, 1912-1962 (C3035)
0.2 cubic feet

 Digitized Materials

 Finding Aid

A collection of correspondence written to Estella Wilferth from friends and family members, mostly during World War I. The letters cover topics concerning local events, weather, daily activities, and feelings about the war from the perspective of both soldiers and civilians.

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Wilkins Family Papers, 1931-2006 (S0273)
0.8 cubic foot

The Wilkins Family Papers contain correspondence, photographs, meeting minutes, programs, hymnals, and recipe books pertaining to the Wilkins family of Webster Groves. The materials in this collection primarily reflect the lives of Mattie Hunt Wilkins and her descendants. Items of interest include the meeting minutes of Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter 4. Mattie Wilkins was the Worthy Matron (WM) of the lodge.

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