Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1975 (Creation)
Extent
0.21 linear feet (1 half-document case)
Name of creator
Biographical history
John Howard Kramer was born on November 12, 1902, in Canning, South Dakota. He was raised in Pierre and graduated from Pierre High School in 1920. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Dakota in 1924, followed by a master's degree from the University of Iowa in 1930 and a doctorate from Colorado State University in 1943. On July 17, 1926, he married Lenette Dunlap in Vermillion, South Dakota. The couple had two children, John and Miriam.
Kramer dedicated over 50 years to education in South Dakota. He began his career as a debate coach and teacher at Madison High School from 1924 to 1927, later serving as superintendent of public schools in various South Dakota communities for 18 years. In 1945, he transitioned to higher education, becoming president of Southern State College in Springfield, a position he held until 1954. From 1954 to 1956, he was professor and head of the Education Department as well as Director of Summer School at South Dakota State University. He then served as president of Northern State College from 1956 to 1968 before returning to SDSU as a professor of education. He was later named president emeritus of Northern State College and professor emeritus at South Dakota State University.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
The J. Howard Kramer Papers are composed of an unedited manuscript draft for Kramer's book A History of South Dakota State University, 1884 to 1975. The manuscript is divided into two segments: the first includes the introduction through Chapter 10, and the second includes Chapters 11 through 13. This version of the manuscript contains material that was later reduced or omitted during the editing process prior to publication. In addition to the manuscript, the collection includes biographical summaries compiled by Kramer of South Dakota State University presidents from George Lilley through Hilton M. Briggs, covering the years 1884 to 1975.
This collection provides insight into the institutional development of South Dakota State University and preserves contextual material not present in the published version of Kramer's history. The president biographies offer additional perspectives on administrative leadership and university governance during key periods of transformation and growth.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
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Conditions governing reproduction
Reproduction of materials from the collection is subject to the following conditions:
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Languages of the material
English
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
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Immediate source of acquisition
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Accruals
Related materials elements
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
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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.