Summary Information
John W. Oliver Papers
UA.90.F76
Oliver, John W., 1885-1972
1942-1984
2.0 linear feet
Language: English
Abstract: John W. Oliver was professor and head of the department of history at the University of Pittsburgh from 1923-1954. While at the University of Pittsburgh, Oliver taught courses in American history and technology. Professor Oliver’s papers include personal and professional correspondence, lectures to numerous organizations and schools, various newspaper clippings detailing his achievements, and working manuscripts, among other documents related to Oliver’s life.
ULS Archives Service Center
University of Pittsburgh Library System
7500 Thomas Boulevard
Pittsburgh, PA, 15260
412-648-3232
archives-ref@mail.pitt.edu
April 2010
Finding aid prepared by Michael Cherry.
Biography
John William Oliver, Sr., was born April 12, 1885 and died February 29, 1972. Throughout his academic career, Oliver led an active life serving as professor and head of the department of history at the University of Pittsburgh (1923-1954). Oliver was a professor of American history specializing in the history of applied science and technology. Prior to teaching at the University of Pittsburgh, he served as director of the Indiana State Historical Society from 1916-1923. He was also active in military service, serving as 2nd Lieutenant Field Artillery in World War I. As a child Oliver grew up on a farm in the Leemon community near Fruitland, Missouri. He was the son of L.C. Oliver and Mary Louise (Alexander) Oliver. Oliver attended the University of Missouri on a history scholarship, receiving his A.B. and B.S. in 1911 and A.M. in 1912. After completing his education, he moved to Wisconsin to pursue a PhD at the University of Wisconsin. From 1914-1916, he was awarded the American History Fellowship and completed his PhD at the University of Wisconsin in 1915. Additionally, Oliver was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters from Geneva College in 1948.
Oliver’s productive career also extended to his leadership roles in several important institutions. In 1924 he was named chairman of the National Archives Commission to lead a campaign to establish a new National Archives building in Washington, D.C. In 1929 Oliver was appointed chairman of the Western Pennsylvania Historical Survey (1929-1936). The survey was funded by the Western Pennsylvania Historical Society, The Buhl Foundation, and the University of Pittsburgh. It consisted of five volumes of surveys on Western Pennsylvania’s economic and social history. Oliver’s other achievements included his contributing affiliations with the Pennsylvania State Historical and Museum Commission (1932-1957), American Historical Association, Mississippi Valley Historical Association, Missouri State Historical Society, and the American Newcomers Society, among others.
In addition, he was a distinguished chairman of an advisory committee for preparing the history of the Navy’s Research and Development Bureau during World War II and also advocated for the building of the Stephen Foster Memorial on the University of Pittsburgh’s main campus. The latter was the result of his relationship with the pharmaceutical industrialist and philanthropist Josiah Kirby Lilly, who Oliver persuaded to become trustee of the Indiana Historical Society. After hearing of Lilly’s love of Foster, Oliver started a movement to erect a building for the Pittsburgh-born native and pre-eminent songwriter. That memorial is still part of the campus today.
Oliver and his wife moved to Winter Park, Florida, in 1956 after his retirement from the University of Pittsburgh. While residing there he served as a part-time lecturer at Rollins College (1956-66). He had also been a lecturer at the University of Sorbonne in Paris for one summer. Oliver is the author of
History of American Technology published in 1956. Throughout his career, he contributed numerous articles to prestigious journals including
The Scientific Monthly.
Collection Scope and Content Notes
The John W. Oliver Papers consist of three series: lectures, correspondences, and other miscellaneous professional documents, such as working manuscripts, certifications, and several book reviews. The collection reveals Oliver’s research interests and professional accomplishments. The series are arranged chronologically by year.
In addition, there are two smaller boxes of note cards that reflect Oliver’s research interests. Each card contains a subject heading, year, and a bibliographic source for an article or book to the right. Under the subject heading is a brief list of notes that corresponds to the article and date. Behind the index cards in the second box is a small stringed envelope of additional notes and clippings, as well as rare lantern slides from Rittener Furnace Company. These smaller boxes are included in the series containing other personal records.
Subject Terms
- College teachers -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh
- History -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh
- University of Pittsburgh. Dept. of History.
- University of Pittsburgh. -- Faculty
- Oliver, John W., 1885-1972
- Correspondence
- Lecture notes
- Manuscripts for publication
- Faculty papers
- University of Pittsburgh
Access and Use
No restrictions.
Gift of John Oliver, Jr., in May 2005.
John W. Oliver Papers, UA.90.F76, University Archives, Archives Service Center, University of Pittsburgh
This collection was processed by Michael T. Cherry on February 10, 2010.
The University of Pittsburgh holds the property rights to the material in this collection, but the copyright may still be held by the original creator/author. Researchers are therefore advised to follow the regulations set forth in the U.S. Copyright Code when publishing, quoting, or reproducing material from this collection without the consent of the creator/author or that go beyond what is allowed by fair use.
Collection Inventory
Series I. Lectures, 1942-1969
|
Scope and Content Notes: Oliver's lectures cover a range of topics and reflect his research interests in historical sites, World War II, local history, science, and American leadership. The file folders mainly consist of lecture notes both typed and hand written. The date, year, and place of each lecture are noted where that information was available. In addition to covering a wide range of topics, the lectures also were delivered to various organizations and groups.
|
Box 1
| Folder |
1 |
Why Study History in the Time of War?, University of Pittsburgh, December 29, 1942
|
|
| Folder |
2 |
Thomas Jefferson-Scientist, 1943
|
|
| Folder |
3 |
Social Situation of Women, Graduate Nurses, 1944
|
|
| Folder |
4 |
World Peace: An Unkown Idea, 1945
|
|
| Folder |
5 |
Some History Lessons I Would Teach, Allegheny Co. Institute, October 11, 1945
|
|
| Folder |
6 |
Effects of World War II upon the Teaching of History and Social Studies, 1945
|
|
| Folder |
7 |
Slippery Rock Vesper Service, Homecoming, October 6, 1946
|
|
| Folder |
8 |
Pitt’s Alumni History, 1946
|
|
| Folder |
9 |
Radio Talk Charter Day , February 28, 1947
|
|
| Folder |
10 |
Northwest Airlines Comes to Pittsburgh, 1948
|
|
| Folder |
11 |
A Great Miracle to Me, Heinz Chapel, April 5, 1948
|
|
| Folder |
12 |
An Awakening in Early Pittsburgh History, The Department of Fine Arts, University of Pittsburgh, 1948
|
|
| Folder |
13 |
Leadership in Democracy, Pitt Fraternity Leaders, November 11, 1949
|
|
| Folder |
14 |
The War and the Prophets, 1950's
|
|
| Folder |
15 |
Let’s Try Another Remedy for Our Patients, University of Pittsburgh, School of Nursing, June 14, 1950
|
|
| Folder |
16 |
Another Approach to the Study of American History, 1950
|
|
| Folder |
17 |
The Historical Significance of Point Park, 1950
|
|
| Folder |
18 |
Impact of the Industrial Revolution on Modern Society, Graduate School of Public Health, January 10, 1951
|
|
| Folder |
19 |
Give Deserving Youth a Chance, Mercersburg Mothers, January 17, 1951
|
|
| Folder |
20 |
Some History Lessons I Would Teach, Pittsburgh Freedom Committee, September 19, 1953
|
|
| Folder |
21 |
Washington Scientific Leader, Ligonier Rotary Club, September 28, 1954
|
|
| Folder |
22 |
Conestoga Wagon Day, Point Park, Pittsburgh, September 20, 1954
|
|
| Folder |
23 |
The Conestoga Wagon: A Symbol of Early Transportation, College Club, May, 20, 1955
|
|
| Folder |
24 |
Westmoreland-Fayette County Historical Society, 1956
|
|
| Folder |
25 |
Why Preserve Historical Sites?, Conference at Rollins, 1958
|
|
| Folder |
26 |
Theodore Roosevelt: Pioneer Leader in the Conservation Movement, University Club Winter Park, February 22, 1958
|
|
| Folder |
27 |
Winter Park Kiwanis Club, July 13, 1959
|
|
| Folder |
28 |
Early American Know-How Goes Abroad: Western Pennsylvania's Part, Westmoreland-Fayette County Historical Society, 1959
|
|
| Folder |
29 |
Early American Know-How Goes Abroad: Western Pennsylvania's Part, West Overton, June 20, 1959
|
|
| Folder |
30 |
Abraham Alfonse Albert Gallatin, West Overton, June 18, 1960
|
|
| Folder |
31 |
The Civil War Centennial: Lincoln, The War President, Westmoreland-Fayette County, Founder’s Day, June 17, 1961
|
|
| Folder |
32 |
Destiny and Glory, Winter Park J. C.’s, April 19, 1961
|
|
| Folder |
33 |
Lincoln: The War President, Westmoreland-Fayette Historical Society, June 17, 1961
|
|
| Folder |
34 |
Another Bequest from the Mayflower, Annual State Meeting of Mayflower Descendants, November 15, 1963
|
|
| Folder |
35 |
Abraham Lincoln: War President, University Club (Winter Park), January 9, 1963
|
|
| Folder |
36 |
A New Challenge to American Historians, University of South Dayton History Conference, May 2, 1963
|
|
| Folder |
37 |
Huguenot Society, 1964
|
|
| Folder |
38 |
George Washington: Farmer, University Club (Winter Park), February 22, 1964
|
|
| Folder |
39 |
Another Lesson in American History, D.A.R. (Winter Park), February 10, 1964
|
|
| Folder |
40 |
The Gallant Mrs. Stonewall, May 31, 1969
|
|
| Folder |
41 |
Josephus Daniels in Mexico
|
|
| Folder |
42 |
Why Study History?
|
|
| Folder |
43 |
Functional History or Service History?
|
|
Series II. Correspondence, 1945-1984
|
Scope and Content Notes: This series comprises personal and professional correspondences including family, colleagues, and important civic leaders.
|
| Folder |
44 |
Bowman resignation, 1945
|
|
| Folder |
45 |
National Society Sons of the American Revolution, 1947
|
|
| Folder |
46 |
Bowman F. Ashe correspondence, 1949-1950
|
|
| Folder |
47 |
Oliver's testimonial banquet, 1954
|
|
| Folder |
48 |
Resignation as Chairman of the Sub-Committee of Point Park, 1955
|
|
| Folder |
49 |
Alexander Hamilton Bicentennial Commission, Governor's correspondence, 1955
|
|
| Folder |
50 |
Various correspondences, 1956-1957
|
|
| Folder |
51 |
Various correspondences, 1957-1958
|
|
| Folder |
52 |
Various correspondences, 1956-1959
|
|
| Folder |
53 |
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission correspondence and seal, 1959
|
|
| Folder |
54 |
Various correspondences, 1959-1960
|
|
| Folder |
55 |
Various correspondences, 1961-1965
|
|
| Folder |
56 |
Helen C. Frick correspondence, 1967
|
|
| Folder |
57 |
Pension correspondences, 1957-1969
|
|
| Folder |
58 |
Florida Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, 1971
|
|
| Folder |
59 |
Indiana Historical Society correspondences, 1979
|
|
| Folder |
60 |
Various correspondences, 1928-1971
|
|
| Folder |
61 |
John Oliver, Jr., correspondences, 1984
|
|
Series III. Other Personal Records, 1937-1972
|
Scope and Content Notes: The remaining folders consist of miscellaneous items in the collection. Some of those items include certifications Oliver was rewarded, an undated manuscript, and several book reviews.
|
| Folder |
62 |
Alumni Review issues, 1937 and 1945
|
|
| Folder |
63 |
Geneva College honorary degree, 1948
|
|
| Folder |
64 |
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission seal, 1949
|
|
| Folder |
65 |
The Newcomen Society of England, 1950
|
|
| Folder |
66 |
Various programs, 1945-1954
|
|
| Folder |
67 |
Hoodridge House sale, 1955
|
|
| Folder |
68 |
Pitt: A Magazine of Fact and Thought at the University of Pittsburgh, 1956
|
|
| Folder |
69 |
Valley Forge Historical Society certification, 1958
|
|
| Folder |
70 |
Various book reviews, 1950-1964
|
|
| Folder |
71 |
Notes on moon landing, 1969
|
|
| Folder |
72 |
Prudence B. Trimble tribute, 1972
|
|
| Folder |
73 |
Various newspaper clippings, 1942-1972
|
|
| Folder |
74 |
Various photographs
|
|
| Folder |
75 |
Card and photograph from Josiah Kirby Lilly
|
|
| Folder |
76 |
Who's Who: Head of History Department Chosen by Government
|
|
| Folder |
77 |
Manuscript for
The Know How that Made America
|
|
| Folder |
78 |
Manuscript for
The Know How that Made America
|
|
| Folder |
79 |
Notes, manuscript, and interview
|
|
| Folder |
80 |
Research notes on various topics
|
|
| Folder |
81 |
Research notes on various topics
|
|
| Folder |
82 |
Genealogy and family notes
|
|
| Boxes |
2-3 |
Note cards and lantern slides
|
|
|
