Scrapbooks, 1893-1932

The Edward C. Elliott Papers (1890-1975; 22.8 Cubic ft.) document the life and career of educator and former Purdue University President Edward Elliott. The majority of the papers date from 1940 to 1960. The papers reflect the original order as they were received from Elliott and his family, and therefore have not been divided into series or subject areas. The Elliott Papers document Elliott's education and career, particularly his tenure as President of Purdue University (1922-1945), but also his work relating to education, military training, and pharmaceutical surveys. Portions of the papers relate to Elliott's positions at the University of Montana and the University of Wisconsin. Some personal papers are included which document Elliott's academic background, family, and personal life. A small collection of Elliott's personal belongings, such as medals and awards, academic regalia, and books from his personal library are included in the collection. Types of materials in the papers include: correspondence; reports; meeting minutes; printed material (brochures, publications, newspaper clippings, books); biographical information; notes and transcripts of speeches; certificates; diplomas; schedules and itineraries; rosters and lists; ledgers; charts; research notes; articles of incorporation and bylaws; photographic materials; audio-visual materials; sheet music; scrapbooks; artifacts; ephemera; surveys; press releases; works of art on paper; and daily appointment books. The scrapbooks, in particular, thoroughly document the life, career, and activities of Elliott, and his appointment books contain notations to significant events such as bringing Amelia Earhart to Purdue University. The papers include correspondence between Elliott and noted individuals such as George Ade, John T. McCutcheon, and others. Documents in the collection also relate to Elliott's relationships with and/or memories of prominent people such as Thomas Edison, Amelia Earhart, Booth Tarkington, Frederick Hovde, Lillian Gilbreth, Chase S. Osborn, David Ross, Thomas Francis Moran, Lord Halifax, and artist Maude Phelps Hutchins. Subjects covered extensively in the papers include higher education, pharmaceutical education and surveys, military training, the United States Armed Forces Institute, the Purdue Research Foundation, the War Manpower Commission, the Army Ordnance Corps, the Purdue Aeronautical Corporation, and the Elliott Hall of Music at Purdue University. Researchers should note that most of Elliott's working papers as Purdue President, along with many of his personal papers, were destroyed in a warehouse fire after Elliott retired from Purdue.