Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1940-1950 (Creation)
Extent
0.21 linear feet (1 half-document case)
Name of creator
Biographical history
George L. Brown was born on January 25, 1869, on a farm in Bates County, Missouri. He attended a rural school before enrolling in a preparatory program at the University of Missouri, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1892. Two years after graduating, Brown joined the faculty of the University of Missouri as an instructor in mathematics while completing his Master of Science degree in mathematics. He later pursued advanced study at the University of Chicago, where he completed a fellowship and earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in mathematics.
In February 1897, Brown was appointed professor of mathematics and astronomy at what was then South Dakota State College. He served the institution for approximately fifty years, holding multiple administrative roles including dean and vice president. During his tenure, he served as acting president on five occasions and was awarded the title of president emeritus in 1944.
Brown married Winifred G. Loucks of Deuel County in 1898. They had three children, one son, Cecil, and two daughters, Elizabeth and Florence. Following Winifred’s death in 1908, Brown married Anna York Loucks of Brookings in 1910. Their marriage produced six children in total, including two sons, George Jr. and Gerald, and four daughters, Winifred and Charlotte among them.
George L. Brown died on August 8, 1950.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
The collection contains correspondence dating from 1940 to 1950, including letters addressed to George L. Brown in his capacity as president of South Dakota State University and other professional correspondence. A small group of materials dating from 1944 to 1946 includes letters and an image associated with commemorations of Brown’s work and long service to the institution. The records document administrative responsibilities, professional relationships, and institutional recognition during the later years of Brown’s career.
This collection documents George L. Brown’s leadership roles and continued involvement with South Dakota State University during the closing years of his professional life. The correspondence and commemorative materials offer insight into institutional governance, presidential duties, and the recognition of long-term service within a land grant university context.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
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In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use. .sdstate.edu/sdsu-archives-and-special-collections/researcher-registration-form)
The collection is open for research, but please note that the materials in the Archives do not circulate and can only be used In the SDSU Archives and Special Collections Reading Room.
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If you cannot visit the Archives in person, please reach out to us. We will do our best to help you find the information you need.
In most cases, the materials in this collection have not been digitized and are not available online.
South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections supports access to the materials in its collections. However, access to some items may be restricted due to their fragile condition, donor agreements, or other considerations.
If you would like to know more about the contents of the collection, please contact the SDSU Archives at: Telephone: 605-688-5094 Email: arcrefs@sdstate.edu
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
Reproduction of materials from the collection is subject to the following conditions:
- Permission: Written permission must be obtained from the SDSU Archives for any reproduction, publication, or quotation of materials.
- Copyright: Users are responsible for complying with copyright laws and securing any necessary permissions from copyright holders.
- Fragile Materials: Some items may not be reproduced due to their fragile condition.
- Charges: Reproduction charges may apply, and users will be informed of any costs in advance.
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Acknowledgment: Any reproduced material must include proper acknowledgment of the South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections as the source.
For more information or to request permission, please contact the SDSU Archives.
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
Copyright and Use Statement
In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.
Specialized notes
Alternative identifier(s)
Description control element
Rules or conventions
Sources used
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- Brown, George L., 1869-1950 (Subject)