Kenneth E. Olson (1895-1967) Papers

The Kenneth E. Olson Papers fill one box and span the years 1937 to 1967. The records provide an overview of Olson's career during his tenure as Dean and Dean Emeritus of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. Materials include biographical files, clippings, articles, and Olson's faculty file.

Biographical materials, spanning the years 1941 to 1967, include press releases and articles about Olson, faculty information forms, and the dedication of the 1959 Syllabus to Olson.

The clippings file, arranged chronologically, contains articles dating between 1937 and 1967 and documents Olson's involvement in the field of journalism, his travels and speaking engagements, including many instances where he was quoted or mentioned. A separate obituary file holds clippings that appeared on Olson's death in 1967.

The articles by Olson include editorials, a scholarly article and two presentations, published later. Other presentations are documented as are a copy of two lectures, a transcript of a speech to the Social Security Administration and a copy of a presentation to the Northwestern University Associates and Trustees. Nine transcripts of "The Reviewing Stand," dating from 1943 to 1951, document Olson's appearances on this radio show presented by Northwestern University. Both the University and the publisher wrote press releases forThe History Makers: The Press of Europe from Its Beginnings Through 1965 in 1966. In addition, two articles and two documents regarding Olson's research during the 1951-52 academic year are included in this folder.

Olson's faculty file, organized chronologically, spans the years 1937 to 1967. The file contains copies of his employment contract for 1937 and 1947 and a copy of Olson's request for leave in 1959. Most correspondence in this file dates from 1957 to 1966 and consists of copies of letters and memos from I. W. Cole, Olson's successor as Dean, to Olson and to others regarding Olson. These are mostly administrative in nature. It also contains some correspondence from Olson. Information regarding his will after his death in 1967 is included as well.