Richard Loeb Papers

The Richard Loeb Papers consist of 1 box and 1 oversize folder of correspondence, photographs, and miscellaneous biographical information dating 1886 to 1956 related to the Loeb family and the prosecution and incarceration of Richard Loeb and his friend Nathan Leopold following their May 1924 murder of 14-year-old Bobby Franks.

The first series, Correspondence, 1915-1950, spans 1 folder and includes letters (originals and copies) from Richard Loeb to his family, a romantic interest (believed to be Helen Wollenberger), and legal counsel Clarence Darrow, as well as letters between family members (including parents Anna and Albert Loeb, brother Ernest Loeb and Ernest's wife Adele, brother Thomas "Tommy" Henry Loeb, and brother Allan Loeb) and family friends (including Gussie and Julius Rosenwald, who was a part-owner and former President of Sears, Roebuck and Company, where Richard's father Albert worked as Vice President and Treasurer). Topics include early-life updates on schoolwork and Richard's time at college, correspondence from jail regarding his legal counsel, feelings about the crime and hope for the future, family and friends' reaction to the news, and Richard's experience of prison life.

The second series, Photographs, 1886-1956, spans 1 folder and includes photos of Richard Loeb and his family members, family friends, staff (including his governess Miss Struthers), as well as photos of Loeb Farms and the Loeb residence at Charlevoix, Michigan.

The third series, Biographical documents and clippings, 1890 April 23-1924 October 27 and undated, spans three folders, and includes an 1890 April 23 Certificate of membership of Albert H. Loeb to The Imperial Council of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine for North America, a print-out of a 1908 Sears, Roebuck catalog, a 1924 October 27 copy of Richard's father Albert Loeb's autopsy report, and print-outs of secondary-source biographical information about the Loeb family, family friend Julius Rosenwald, and the family's estate at Charlevoix, Michigan (included with the collection by the donors).