Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Papers
Title
A.S. Harding Papers
Date(s)
- 1889-1949 (Accumulation)
Extent
0.63 linear feet (1 document case, 1 small document case)
Name of creator
Biographical history
Albert Spencer Harding was born in Jamesville, Wisconsin on November 30, 1867. In 1883, he moved with his family to Spink County, Dakota Territory. In 1889, he entered Dakota Agricultural College. He earned his B.A. in agriculture in 1892, and went on to receive his M.A. from the University of Nebraska. In 1897, he returned to Brookings as a professor. / From 1897 to 1943, Harding taught courses at South Dakota State University [SDSU] in history, political science, sociology and economics. During his 54 years of teaching, he taught 600 different classes with a total of 11,798 students. In 1931, he was named head of the history and political science department, a position he held until his retirement. / In 1897 or 1898, Harding married Neva Marie Whaley of De Smet, SD. They had one adopted son, Robert. Neva Marie died at the age of 105 at Brookings, SD in 1978. / In addition to his work at the University, Harding was very involved the Brookings Kiwanis Club, the Methodist church and the Forum. / Harding's long association with the university makes him a part of its history in a way not duplicated. In 1952, Harding Hall was built on the SDSU campus to honor him. Another tribute to Harding is the Harding Distinguished Lecture Series, which has brought distinguished lecturers to campus since 1963. / Harding died on December 2, 1952 in Brookings, SD.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
This collection is composed of material Harding collected while researching the history of South Dakota State University. Much of the material is from the works of Robert F. Kerr and William H. Powers, and it appears that Harding used their notes while compiling his own. Also included are many notes from newspapers, which may prove helpful to anyone studying the earliest days of the University. Also included in this material are Harding's Master's thesis and some other varied writings.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
This collection is open to researchers without restrictions.
The materials in the Archives do not circulate and may be used in-house only.
Researchers conducting extensive research are asked to make an advance appointment to access archival material. Please call or e-mail prior to visiting the collection and indicate as much detail as possible about a particular topic and intended use.
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
South Dakota State University supports access to the materials, published and unpublished, in its collections. Nonetheless, access to some items may be restricted as a result of their fragile condition or by contractual agreements with donors.
Languages of the material
- English
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
Acquisition and appraisal elements
Custodial history
Immediate source of acquisition
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information
Accruals
Related materials elements
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related archival materials
Related descriptions
Notes element
General note
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Specialized notes
Alternative identifier(s)
ID
ID
Description control element
Rules or conventions
Sources used
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- Harding, Albert Spencer 1867-1952 (Subject)