Ralph B. Dennis (1876-1942) Papers

The Ralph B. Dennis Papers fill one half-size box and span the years from 1897 to 1978. Included in the series are biographical materials, correspondence, speeches and articles, a travelogue, and materials relating to declamation contests.

One folder of biographical materials which span the period 1897-1978 includes Dennis' university matriculation papers and transcript, curricula vitae, and clippings.

The correspondence, generally copies of outgoing letters, dates from 1922 to 1942. It documents a variety of routine administrative matters pertaining to the School of Speech such as curriculum, graduate placement, and enrollment. Much of the correspondence is addressed to students and concerns academics and disciplinary matters. Numerous student recommendations also are included. A small amount of correspondence written by Assistant Dean Clarence T. Simon may be found here. The correspondence is arranged in chronological order within two folders.

A small number of Dennis' briefer speeches and articles is arranged in one folder.

A travelogue, published by Northwestern in 1940, details Dennis' world travels of 1939. The travelogue is a compilation of the letters Dennis wrote while overseas.

Materials relating to declamation contests are arranged in one folder. Included are correspondence dating from 1934-1935 as well as typewritten statements (c. 1936-1937) pertaining to the organization of these contests.