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Samuel S. Studebaker Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS-85

Scope and Contents

The collection of Samuel S. Studebaker consists of booklets, pamphlets, speeches and official published correspondence concerning the problems relating to soil, water, forest, mining, and general conservation efforts on both the local and national scene.

Series I, National Association of Soil and Water Conservation District (NACD), 1963-1970, is the largest series and documents Studebaker's activities as president of the NACD. The NACD is a nationwide organization dedicated to the improvement of conservation problems affecting not only farmers, but all citizens everywhere. The series also contains convention materials as well as other NACD materials, including Tuesday Letters.

Series II, Speeches and Other Writings on Conservation, 1958-1978, is a significant series containing speeches given by Mr. Studebaker which reflect his intense interest in and devotion to the cause of conservation and environmental protection. The series also includes writings on the topic of conservation by other authors.

Series III, Correspondence, Awards, and Citations, 1959-1978, contains very little personal correspondence, but does contain Mr. Studebaker’s obituary and letters of sympathy upon his death. Also included are awards and citations honoring Studebaker.

Series IV, Books and Pamphlets, 1950-1973, consist of publications on the topic of soil, water, land and general conservation.

Series V: Soil Surveys, 1939-1978, includes soil surveys for Allen County and Miami County in Ohio, as well as farm credit information, and minutes of committees appointed to deal with specific conservation problems and various laws affecting the course of conservation efforts.

Dates

  • Creation: 1939-1978
  • Creation: Majority of material found within 1958-1978

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on accessing material in this collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright restrictions may apply. Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.

Biographical Note

Samuel S. Studebaker was born in Tipp City, Ohio in 1897. The son of a farmer, Mr. Studebaker continued the family tradition on a 600 acre dairy and grain farm in Bethel Township. He was educated in Bethel Local Schools and graduated from Ohio State University in 1920 with a B.S. degree in agriculture.

Mr. Studebaker was a high school principal and superintendent of Bethel Local School from 1921 to 1932. He served on the local school board from 1934 1948. Mr. Studebaker was elected to the Miami County School Board in 1932 and served as vice chairman and chairman through 1960.

A nationally recognized leader of the soil, water, and land conservation movement, Mr. Studebaker served as national president of the National Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts from 1966 until 1970. A supervisor of the Miami County Soil and Water Conservation District for more than 30 years, Mr. Studebaker was the only Ohioan to be inducted into both the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame (1970) and the Ohio Conservation Hall of Fame (1977).

Mr. Studebaker died in 1977 at Tipp City, Ohio in the same house in which he was born.

Extent

2.5 linear feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

A nationally recognized leader of soil, water, and land conservation movements, Studebaker served as president of the National Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. He was also a Miami County educator and a farmer. His papers consist of printed materials, speeches, and correspondence dealing with conservation efforts both locally and nationally. Also included are some local soil surveys, farm credit information, and minutes of committees appointed to deal with specific conservation problems.

Arrangement

The papers are arranged into 5 series:

Series I:
National Association of Soil and Water Conservation District (NACD), 1963-1970
Series II:
Speeches and Other Writings on Conservation, 1958-1978
Series III:
Correspondence, Awards, and Citations, 1959-1978
Series IV:
Books and Pamphlets, 1950-1973
Series V:
Soil Surveys, 1939-1978

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The papers of Samuel S. Studebaker were given to the Wright State University Archives by his widow, Mrs. Marie Studebaker. They were accessioned February 1, 1979 and given accession number 79-8.

Title
Guide to the Samuel S. Studebaker Papers (MS-85)
Status
Completed
Author
Lois Moon
Date
1980 May 27
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Revision Statements

  • 2017 September: Finding aid revised according to DACS by Toni Vanden Bos.

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Wright State University Libraries
Special Collections and Archives
3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy
Dayton OH 45435-0001 USA
937-775-2092