Papers UA 053.009 - William H. Powers Papers

Identity area

Reference code

UA 053.009

Title

William H. Powers Papers

Date(s)

  • 1907-1950 (Creation)

Level of description

Papers

Extent and medium

0.21 linear feet (1 half-document case)

Context area

Name of creator

(1868-1936)

Biographical history

William H. Powers was born in northwest Ohio. He earned his B.A. from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, in 1891, and later received an M.A. from Harvard University in 1899. After several years teaching at Huron College in Huron, South Dakota, Powers was appointed librarian at South Dakota State College in 1905, a position he held until 1931.

In addition to his work at the college, Powers was a charter member of the South Dakota Academy of Science and the Forum. He served on the South Dakota State Library Commission and was a member of the Brookings Public Library Board of Trustees. He played a key role in securing a Carnegie Library for Brookings and was also active in the Boy Scouts from an early date.

Powers died in 1936.

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Scope and content

The William H. Powers Papers consist primarily of handwritten and draft materials authored by Powers concerning the institutional history of South Dakota State College. The collection also includes general correspondence, correspondence with entomologist J.M. Aldrich, and documents specifically focused on the founding and development of the Brookings Public Library. Additional writings by Powers reflect his historical interests and biographical sketches, including materials related to figures such as Robert F. Kerr and Pamelia Phillips Banks-Warriner, and topics like the McLouth administration and the Upheaval of 1893. A small number of items pertain to unrelated activities, including World War I-era materials from the World Disarmament Committee and a 1917 anti-conscription petition signed by faculty. The collection also contains a certificate of membership in the South Dakota Academy of Science.

These papers document William H. Powers' historical research on South Dakota State College and his civic involvement in Brookings, South Dakota. His notes and correspondence offer insight into early 20th-century library development, academic perspectives on military conscription during World War I, and efforts to preserve institutional memory. The collection is particularly valuable for understanding early initiatives related to the Brookings Public Library and faculty engagement in national and local issues.

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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.
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Language of material

  • English

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    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.

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