Guide to the John W. Oliver Papers, 1942-1984 UA.90.F76
Arrangement
Repository
ULS Archives & Special Collections
Title
John W. Oliver Papers
Creator
Oliver, John W.
Collection Number
UA.90.F76
Extent
2 Linear Feet
Date
1942-1984
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.
Language
English
.
Author
Michael Cherry.
Publisher
ULS Archives & Special Collections
Address
University of Pittsburgh Library System Archives & Special Collections Website: library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections Contact Us: www.library.pitt.edu/ask-archivist URL: http://library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections
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.
Processing Information
This collection was processed by Michael T. Cherry on February 10, 2010.
Access Restrictions
No restrictions.
Copyright
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.
Previous Citation
John W. Oliver Papers, UA.90.F76, University Archives, Archives Service Center, University of Pittsburgh
Preferred Citation
John W. Oliver Papers, UA.90.F76, University Archives, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System
Acquisition Information
Gift of John Oliver, Jr., in May 2005.
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.
Subjects
Corporate Names
University of Pittsburgh. Department of History
University of Pittsburgh -- Faculty
Personal Names
Oliver, John W.
Geographic Names
Pittsburgh (Pa.)
Genres
Correspondence
Manuscripts for publication
Lecture notes
Other Subjects
History -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh
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