Albert H. Rerick and Donald J. Rerick papers

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: MSA 308

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Albert H. Rerick and Donald J. Rerick papers (1915-1986; 1.25 cubic feet) documents student life of two generations of Purdue University alumni: Albert H. Rerick (1915-1917) and his grandson Donald J. Rerick (1968-1973). This collection includes a handful of Albert’s correspondence and personal artifacts, as well as a more expansive collection of Donald’s papers and artifacts that represent his experience at student events in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Types of materials include: correspondence, ticket stubs, buttons (information artifacts), newspaper clippings, photographs, a commemorative spoon, and a hatpin. The papers are organized into 2 series:

Dates

Creation: 1915 - 1986
Creation: Majority of material found within 1915 - 1917
Creation: Majority of material found within 1968 - 1973
Other: Date acquired: 12/09/2015

Creator

Rerick, Donald J. (Person)
Rerick, Albert H. (Albert Hamilton), 1895-1985 (Person)

Language of Materials

Collection material is in English.

Access Information

Collection is open for research.

Copyright and Use Information

Copyright held by Purdue University. Consult with Purdue University Archives and Special Collections prior to reproduction of materials.

Biographical Information

Albert H. Rerick was born on June 27, 1895 in South Bend, Indiana to Joseph and Minnie Rerick. Following the tradition of several generations of Rericks in Northern Indiana, Albert grew up on the family farm on South Bend’s North Prairie Avenue. He attended South Bend Central High School before moving to West Lafayette in 1915 to begin studies at Purdue University. While at Purdue, Albert pursued a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, a pursuit which was interrupted in late 1917/early 1918 as he left school to fight in World War I. He never returned to Purdue to complete his degree following the war, but instead moved back to South Bend in 1919 and began working for the Studebaker Corporation. Two years later, in 1921, Albert married his long-time sweetheart Samantha “Sammie” A. Sheetz, with whom he had been courting and exchanging correspondence during his time at the University. Albert quickly advanced into executive administration at Studebaker, designing numerous machines for tire assemblies and other production equipment, with several patents developed and assigned to the company. During World War II, Albert worked on the design team assigned to Studebaker’s battle-ready amphibious water-to-land vehicle, the M29 “Weasel,” which was produced in large numbers for the transport of infantry and supplies in snowy conditions. In 1949, the company sent Albert to India to assist in the development of an automobile manufacturing plant for Mr. B. M. Birla, one of the wealthiest men in India. Following this experience abroad, Albert spent time traveling around the world—twice—before retiring from the Studebaker-Packard Corp. after almost 38 years in 1958. Albert and Sammie lived in South Bend together until his death in March of 1985 at the age of 89, and he was laid to rest with five generations of Rerick males at the Sumption Prairie Cemetery. Donald J. Rerick is the grandson of Albert H. Rerick and a Purdue alumnus. Donald was enrolled in the civil engineering program and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1973. During his time at Purdue, Donald lived in McCutcheon Hall (the Royal Highlanders) and was actively engaged in student activities, especially various sporting events. Source: Rerick, Donald J. Letter to Sammie L. Morris. Sep. 4, 2014.

Note written by Stephen Horrocks

Extent

1.25 Cubic Feet

1.00 mss._boxes

1.00 shoe_boxes

1.00 flat_box

Additional Description

Arrangement Note

1. Papers, 1915-1981 (.4 cubic feet) Series 1 includes communications between Albert H. Rerick and his future wife Samantha “Sammie” Sheetz in 1915 and 1917. The remainder of the series documents student life during the late 1960s and early 1970s during Donald J. Rerick’s matriculation at Purdue University. Much of this series focuses on fan materials related to student athletics, including letters from coaches, newspaper clippings, and game programs. Materials in this series are arranged chronologically. 2. Artifacts, 1915-1986 (.85 cubic feet) Series 2 is comprised of material artifacts from both Rerick generations’ matriculation as students at Purdue University. Albert’s materials include metal commemorative items and an early automotive repair textbook (circa 1915-1917). Donald’s materials include ephemera from various student activities, primarily sporting events. Materials in this series are arranged by type and chronologically.

Source of Acquisition

Donald J. Rerick

Processing Information

Whenever possible, original order of the materials has been retained. All materials have been housed in polyester sleeves, acid-free folders, and/or acid-free boxes. All newsprint has been photocopied and in most cases original newspaper clippings have been discarded. Artifacts have been separated and grouped into a separate series for preservation and accessibility purposes.

Related Names

Subject

Purdue University--Students (Organization)
Purdue University. Students. Social life and customs (Organization)
Purdue Boilermakers (Football team) (Organization)
Purdue Boilermakers (Men's Basketball team) (Organization)

Source

Rerick, Donald J. (Person)

Subjects

Genre / Form

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title: Albert H. Rerick and Donald J. Rerick papers
Status: In Progress
Author: Stephen Horrocks and Keertana Marella
Date: 2020-04-27
Description rules: Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description: English
Script of description: Latin
Language of description note: English
Edition statement: Second edition. Collection description was first completed 2016-02-12.