Civic Affairs

Meramec Basin Resources Committee Collection, 1950 (R0777)
(1 folder)

 Finding Aid

This is "A Shameless Sham": The Army Engineer "Plan" for the Meramec Basin, published by the Meramec Basin Resources committee in cooperation with the Conservation Federation of Missouri and the Ozark Protective Association. The groups opposed plans by the Army Corps of Engineers to build three multiple purposes high dams on the Meramec, Bourbeuse, and Big Rivers in Missouri.

Milgram Food Stores, Inc. Collection, ca. 1912-1996 (K0325)
4.5 c.f.

 Finding Aid

The Records, heavy with photographs, document the business and activities of the company and the Milgram family. Among the many topics are the American Royal, Jazz, the Ban Johnson League and other amateur sport.

The Missouri Collection, 1771-2024 (C3982)
18.6 cubic feet (850 folders, 892 photographs), 32 oversize items, 9 audio cassettes, 7 audio discs, 9 CDs, 1 computer disc, 1 film, 6 film strips, 9 DVDs, 3 video cassettes, 583 MB of digital files

 Digitized Materials

 Finding Aid

The Missouri Collection is an artificial collection combining miscellaneous small acquisitions related to Missouri places, individuals, organizations, and events.

Missouri Librarians Oral History Collection, 2020-2021 (C4501)
190 GB of digital files (65 mp4s)

 Finding Aid

The collection contains digital video oral history interviews conducted by Steve W. Campbell, director of the Scenic Regional Library in Union, Missouri, with retired library directors from across the state about their lives and careers.

Missouri Ozarks Chamber of Commerce Collection, 1929 (R1196)
0.01 cubic foot (1 folder)

 Finding Aid

This is a certificate of investment in the Missouri Ozarks Chamber of Commerce dated April 5, 1929, for J. M. Cape of Steelville, in Crawford County, Missouri. It constitutes a three-year pledge to support the Chamber at two dollars per years. Officers name on the certificate are F. H. Wielandy, Claude Bass, and E. K. Ponder.

Missouri Patriotic Associations Collection, no date (CA5939)
0.6 cubic feet, 1 roll of microfilm

 Finding Aid

Records of state and local chapters of various patriotic and heritage associations in Missouri.

Missouri River Navigation Association Records, 1925-1943 (K0354)
0.34 cubic foot (19 folders, 204 photographs, 1 oversize photograph, 24 negatives)

 Finding Aid

The Missouri River Navigation Association Records contains photographs and negatives depicting different aspects of engineering and activities along the Missouri River.

Frances Pearle Mitchell Papers, 1858-1919 (C1703)
0.3 cubic feet (10 folders)

 Finding Aid

The papers of a resident of Rocheport, Missouri, consist of appointments, certificates, correspondence, invitations, programs, and dance cards.  Mitchell, a graduate of Stephens College, was involved in many civic and women’s organizations, including the Missouri Women Farmers’ Club.

George Sneed Montgomery Papers, 1860-1947 (K0716)
0.75 c.f.

 Finding Aid

Genealogy, correspondence, memos, speeches, scrapbooks, printed material, and photographs concerning Montgomery's activities as Presiding Jackson County Judge during the early years of Kansas City's Reform Era.

Shirley Rae Tranin Morantz and Stanley Aaron Morantz Papers, 1922-2010 (K0648)
4 c.f.

 Digitized Materials

 Finding Aid

Personal papers of Shirley Morantz, Administrative Secretary for the National Office of the Panel of American Women, and Stanley Morantz, board member of numerous religious and civic groups. Also programs, clippings, military papers, speeches and writings by and organizational publications and awards received Stanley Morantz.

Moulder Family Papers, 1873-1987 (CG0012)
0.2 c.f.

 Digitized Materials

 Finding Aid

Photographs, papers, and letters from the Thomas Valentine Moulder, Wilbur J. Moulder, and Frances Valentine Moulder family from Scott County, Missouri.

James E. Mueller Papers, 1988-2012 (R1324)
4 cubic feet (140 folders, 3 video tapes, 7 audio cassettes, 213 lantern slides)

 Finding Aid

The James E. Mueller Papers contain the correspondence and printed materials assembled by James E. Mueller over the course of his years of research and volunteerism as an environmentalist in Joplin, Missouri. Included in the papers are materials concerning air quality issues, a campaign targeting emission levels of a local company, and a proposed landfill at a site in farm country north of Joplin. There are also papers pertaining to other environmental issues that interested Mueller, including hazardous waste disposal and lead poisoning.

Municipal League of Metro St. Louis Records, 1918-2020 (S0279)
1.25 cubic feet

 Finding Aid

The Municipal League of Metro St. Louis records consists of member meeting minutes relating to the organization's mission to improve St. Louis County residents' lives by fostering cooperation among St. Louis County government and municipalities. Topics of interest include the League's lobbying of state and federal government for legislation designed to help municipalities better serve their residents, including the proposed implementation of an internet sales tax and the removal of radioactive waste stored in St. Louis City and County. Interspersed throughout the meeting minutes are resolutions, reports, and policy statements regarding recreational opportunities for at-risk youth in St. Louis County, solid waste management policy, and local control of municipal affairs in light of St. Louis County Executive Sam Page's restrictions on businesses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Also included in the collection is a history of the League, written by Charles W. Sisler, a former Crestwood council member (1977-1991). The materials in this collection date from 1918 to 2020.

Native Sons and Daughters of Greater Kansas City Records, 1931-2011 (K0279)
34 c.f.

 Finding Aid

Organizational records of a historical society for Kansas City area history. Includes minutes and Secretaries' files; President's files; Treasurers' files; membership records; Curators' files of correspondence with researchers; general correspondence; historical information; and other materials related to the operation of the organization.

Oscar David Nelson Papers, 1914-1980 (K0069)
58 c.f.

 Finding Aid

Personal, including his philanthropic work, his personal investments, travel and general correspondence, and professional papers of former chairman of the board of Butler Manufacturing Company

Miller Nichols Papers, 1958-1997 (K1081)
39 c.f.

 Finding Aid

Personal and professional files of Nichols, president of the J.C. Nichols Company and active civic leader in Kansas City, MO. Also some personal correspondence of his wife Jeanette Nichols.

Dominic M. Nigro Papers, 1953-1982 (K0693)
0.5 c.f.

 Finding Aid

Nigro was a noted Kansas City physician, businessman, and civic leader. Includes photographs of family, friends and various activities of Nigro, such as founder of the Knute Rockne Clubs of America under whom he played football.

Office of Economic Opportunity, Community Action Agency Manual, no date (CA5639)
0.2 cubic feet

Guidelines, instructions, and other materials documenting the origins of Community Action services.

John W. Oliver Papers, 1936-1990 (K0751)
25 c.f.

 Finding Aid

Speeches, writings, correspondence, photographs, and personal files of Oliver, Senior U.S. District Judge of Western Missouri. Also personal papers of his wife, Gertrude Field Oliver (1916- ).

Frank Paxton, Jr. Papers, 1960-1997 (K0558)
41 c.f.

 Finding Aid

Personal and business papers of Paxton, former president of Paxton Lumber Company and civic leader in Kansas City, MO. Includes material on the lumber business, and his interest in education and the Guadalupe Center. Also extensive genealogical research on the Paxton family.

Heather N. Paxton Collection, 1820-2015 (K0721)
2 c.f.

 Finding Aid

Advertising flyers to local Kansas City area events and organization, concentrated mostly on the artistic community. Also research and writings by Paxton, a local author and historian.

People's Association for Better Municipal Government (Columbia, Mo.) Records, 1951-1957 (C4278)
0.2 cubic feet (8 folders)

 Finding Aid

Constitution, minutes, correspondence, membership lists, committee reports, financial records and miscellaneous papers of a group formed soon after the Charter-City Council form of city government was begun in Columbia.

Performing Arts Foundation of Kansas City Records, 1965-1983 (K1124)
0.5 c.f.

The Foundations purpose was to encourage interest in and appreciation for the performing arts, to hold an annual performing arts festival, and to promoted a new performing arts center. Includes correspondence, contracts, printed materials, programs, and clippings concerning productions mounted by the Foundation. Also the 1968 MRI study, "The Performing Arts in Kansas City."

Walter L. Pfeffer II Collection, 1949-2021 (CA5847)
17.45 cubic feet, 48.4 MB of digital files, 2 VHS

 Finding Aid

Records of Columbia Association of Life Underwriters, University of Missouri Alumni Association, Evans Scholars Alumni Association, MU College of Arts and Science Alumni Association, MU Political Action Committee, Columbia Chamber of Commerce, Southside Optimist Club, and DeSmet Jesuit High School, and personal papers.

Elmer F. Pierson Papers, 1938-1981 (K0084)
0.5 c.f.

 Finding Aid

Photocopied scrapbooks compiled following Pierson's retirement from the Vendo Company, a manufacturer of vending machines. They are items Pierson felt to be of greatest personal interest dealing with Vendo and Pierson philanthropic and civic activities.

Stephen R. "Dick" Pratt Collection, 1998-1980 (K1206)
0.55 c.f.

 Finding Aid

Pratt served as Prosecuting Attorney for Clay County, MO, Kansas City Councilman, and Circuit Judge of Clay County. Includes scrapbooks: his political campaign Division II Circuit Court Judge, and cases he handled; and his appointment as an Honorary Missouri Colonel.

John Edwin Rahm Family Collection, 1921-1983 (K1136)
8 c.f.

Correspondence, legal documents, rosters, procedures/instructions, scripts, programs, clippings, photographs, ephemera relating to the Jewel Ball, a social and fundraising event held in Kansas City MO. also records from the E.D. Fisher Commission Company/J.E. Rahm Grain Company, including Stock certificate books and financial and transfer ledgers.

Richmond Heights Historical Society Records, 1900-2013 (S0274)
17 cubic feet

 Finding Aid

The Richmond Heights Historical Society (RHHS) Records contain photographs, scrapbooks, newsletters, plat maps, newspaper clippings, and correspondence collected by RHHS’s volunteers documenting the history and culture of Richmond Heights from the 1900s to the present. Materials of interest include maps of Richmond Heights’ area subdivisions, including the names of homeowners. The materials in this collection date from 1900 to 2013. 

Ritter and Howard Families Papers, 1850-1956 (R0100)
1 cubic foot (50 folders, 6 volumes, 3 oversize volumes)

 Finding Aid

The Ritter and Howard Families Papers contains correspondence, legal records, business papers, and miscellaneous materials of the Ritter and Howard families of Jasper County, Missouri. Included are mining lease and drill records, and records of the Stone School District. Three generations of two families are represented in this collection.

Robinson Family Papers/Kansas City Social Register Records, 1880-1998 (K0774)
19 c.f.

 Finding Aid

Papers of a prominent Kansas City family, and publishers of the Social Register. Includes correspondence, genealogical files, reference notecard index, biographical data, printed and published material, clippings, and photographs.

Rock Hill Historic Preservation Commission Records , 1893-2004 (S0639)
5 cubic feet

The Rock Hill Historic Preservation Commission Records contain ledgers, meeting minutes, photographs, development reports, and correspondence collected by the Commission documenting the history of the Rock Hill Men's Improvement Association, the Rock Hill Presbyterian Church, city government, and the preservation of Fairfax house.

Rolla Chamber of Commerce Collection, circa 1931 (R1212)
(1 folder)

 Finding Aid

This is a promotional booklet for Rolla, the seat of Phelps County in south-central Missouri. Although undated, it includes data from the 1930 census and a view of the Edwin Long Hotel, which opened in 1931. Also included is a poem, "In the Ozark Hills of Old Missouri", by Dr. J. Curtis Lyter.

Rolla Civics Club Collection, 1938-1977 (R0902)
(1 folder)

 Finding Aid

These are yearbooks of the Rolla Civics Club, a women's club founded in 1912. The yearbooks contain listings of officers, members, and committee assignments, and programs for the monthly meetings.

Rolla Saturday Club Records, 1904-2014 (R0901)
3 cubic feet (13 volumes, 7 oversize scrapbooks)

 Finding Aid

These are the records of the Rolla Saturday Club, a women's club organized to promote individual, social, and civic improvement. The records consist of minutes of meetings, financial records, yearbooks, and scrapbooks.

Sainte Genevieve, Missouri Bicentennial Collection, 1933-1935 (R1243)
(2 volumes)

 Finding Aid

These are photocopies of scrapbooks compiled by Francis J. Rozier, chairman of the bicentennial committee of the Ste. Genevieve chamber of commerce, during the planning and observance (1935) of the bicentennial of Sainte Genevieve in Sainte Genevieve County, Missouri. Included are newspaper clippings, printed material, photographs, correspondence, and miscellaneous papers.

Charles W. Scarritt Papers, 1870-1937 (K0675)
0.5 c.f.

 Finding Aid

Scarritt, of the prominent Kansas City Scarritt family, was a Methodist pastor, businessman, realtor, and civic leader. Includes letters written to Charles by members of his family, Mrs. Calvin (Grace) Coolidge, and poet Grace Noll Crowell. Also family photographs and other family memorabilia and papers.

Nathan Scarritt Family Papers, 1839-1962 (K0248)
1 c.f.

 Finding Aid

Newspaper clippings, articles, announcements, correspondence, and publication relating to the Scarritt and Chick families, two early families in Kansas City. Deeds and leases concerning the property owned by Scarritt and his estate. Also are family histories and a diary and autobiography of Nathan Scarritt, Methodist minister and missionary and early city builder.

Scenic Missouri, Inc. Records, 1980s-2000s (CA6243)
6 cubic feet, 5 audio cassettes, 57 computer discs, 47 video cassettes

 Finding Aid

Records of a nonprofit organization advocating scenic conservation in Missouri. The group conducted "Save Our Scenery" initiative-petition drives and placed a statewide vote on billboard control on the November 2000 ballot. The measure lost 51 to 49 percent. Contains correspondence, financial records, publicity materials, photographs and slides, and audiovisual materials.

Liz Schmidt Collection, 1953-1984 (CA4702)
21 cubic feet

 Finding Aid

Clippings and printed material pertaining to elections, schools, fair housing, home rule, and Columbia and Boone County issues gathered by Schmidt in the course of her work with the League of Women Voters and other groups.

Senior Leadership of Johnson County, KS Records, 1996-2007 (K1181)
2 c.f.

Organizational records of a steering committee to coordinate a leadership program with Leadership Northeast for seniors in Johnson County. Includes minutes, committee reports, correspondence, scrapbooks, newsletters, photographs, floppy disks, and CDs.

R. Edgar Shook Papers, 1937-1946 (K1133)
1 c.f.

Shook was an attorney in Kansas City, MO active in politics. Includes scrapbooks of newspaper clippings chronicling Shook's tenure as a member of the Kansas City Board of Election Commissioners and as president of the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners.

Marian Tranin Shultz Papers, 1910-2008 (K1060)
2.5 c.f.

Daughter of entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Menorah Medical Center (MMC) founder Earl Tranin, Shultz has also been a volunteer at MMC. Includes correspondence, letters, postcards, magazines, newsletters, newspaper clippings, photographs, certificates, plaques, yearbooks, and a Menorah Medical Center history.

South Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Records, 1931-2006 (K1198)
8 c.f.

Organizational records including by-laws and articles of incorporation, minutes, membership/board reports, financial records, newsletters, anniversary booklets, video, CDs, membership directories, event files, scrapbooks, maps, and photographs.

Edward W. Sowers Papers, 1942-1980, bulk 1961-1979 (R0135)
2 cubic foot (107 folders)

 Finding Aid

The Edward Walter Sowers Papers contains correspondence, business papers, and miscellaneous printed materials of a newspaper editor and publisher at Rolla, Phelps County,
Missouri. Topics include the Sowers family, journalism and the newspaper business, the University of Missouri, and United States politics and foreign relations.

Speaker Services for the United Nations Records, 1959-1976 (K0792)
14 c.f.

Organizational records of a speakers' bureau which promoted the United Nations and international exchange of ideas by bringing noted diplomats and other outstanding speakers to Kansas City. Includes correspondence, research materials, public relations files, and printed material.

St. Louis, Missouri, Scrapbook, 1914 (C2492)
0.11 cubic feet (1 volume)

 Finding Aid

Scrapbook of newspaper clippings, brochures, and one letter about the pageant and masque celebrating the 150th anniversary of St. Louis, May 1914.

St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church Records, 1882-1939 (R0122)
(1 roll of microfilm)

 Finding Aid

The St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Cole Camp, Missouri Records contains a microfilm copy of minutes of congregational meetings, church registers, and records of the Ladies Aid Society of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cole Camp, Benton County, Missouri. Nearly all of the texts are in German.

Nathan Julius Stark Papers, 1948-1992 (K0459)
7 c.f.

 Finding Aid

Scrapbooks of correspondence, photographs, and other documents compiled by Stark, an executive with Hallmark Cards and Crown Center Redevelopment Corp., concerning his activities including leader of a civic group that helped Kansas City General Hospital become a nonprofit corporation, a founder of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, and board chairman of Truman Medical Center.

Suzanne Statland Papers, 1950-1978 (K0841)
3 c.f.

Statland was involved in several Kansas City area historical, social and educational groups in Kansas City. Includes organizational files for the UMKC Friends of the Library, Historic Kansas City Foundation, Landmarks Commission, and Future Alternatives. Also research and speeches relating to human resources and relations, as well as various issues, such as parking and the environment.

J. Andrew Stewart Papers, 1975-1994 (R1471)
0.25 cubic foot (5 folders, 1 photograph, 9 slides)

 Finding Aid

The J. Andrew Stewart Papers contain the personal papers of J. Andrew 'Andy' Stewart dealing with his involvement with the Shannondale Community Center and Shannondale United Church of Christ. These materials include photographs, correspondence, church bulletins, pamphlets, devotionals and Bible studies.