Orrington Lunt Papers

The Orrington Lunt Papers fill one and one-half boxes spanning the years 1865 to 1897, with scattered documents through 1988. Biographical and obituary/memorials files make up the bulk of the material, which also includes a small amount of correspondence, personal journals, and records broadly relating to Lunt’s life.

The Biographical Information File consists largely of newspaper articles, photocopied excerpts from books, and other documents that supply biographical information about Lunt in the context of his contributions to Evanston and Northwestern’s growth. A file of obituaries and tributes, and two elaborate memorial books, reflect the local community’s appreciation of his life and work. One memorial book, donated by Lunt’s daughter, contains reprinted text from obituaries, documents, and letters celebrating Lunt’s life. A second Memorial Book was produced by the NU Board of Trustees to show appreciation for his years of service.

The Journals file includes two handwritten journals by Orrington Lunt, one starting in March of 1865, and one starting in 1867. The journals are very difficult to decipher.

The Genealogy File includes documentation and family trees relating to Orrington Lunt’s family. These resources mostly start with Orrington Lunt, and then go back in time focusing on Lunt’s ancestors.

The Golden Wedding Anniversary file documents the celebration of Orrington and Cornelia Lunt’s 50th wedding anniversary, in January 1892. This file includes correspondence sending best wishes to the Lunts, pamphlets published in Evanston celebrating the event, and newspaper clippings reporting on the event.

The sparse Correspondence File includes a variety of letters addressed to Lunt regarding personal or professional topics. There is little correspondence regarding Northwestern.

Lunt’s service as Secretary of the Conference Committee for the Relief of Methodist Institutions File is reflected in an 1873 Committee report.

The Northwestern University General File spans the brief period of 1891-1892 and includes a few documents relating to Lunt's involvement with Northwestern. Of note is a transcript of Lunt's speech given at the inauguration of the new Board of Trustees in 1891 and a record of donations to Northwestern from Lunt.

Documenting Lunt’s involvement in the construction of the new library in 1894 is a letter from Lunt to the Board of Trustees stating his wish to help build a new library, a transcript of his speech given at the dedication the library, and a copy of the program distributed at the dedication of the library.

The Deeds File holds three property deeds, postdating Lunt’s death, relating to property held by his family.

The Lunt Papers and Bust Acquisition File contains correspondence between Northwestern and Lunt family members supplying or acquiring historical artifacts and papers relating to Orrington Lunt.

The Correspondence File consists of letters to and from researchers requesting information relating to Lunt from the archives.