Research Ready – The Texas Collection

Research Ready: September-October 2021

Posted on November 10, 2021

The Texas Collection posts newly accessible resources each month. If you have any questions or would like to use these materials, please let us know and we would be happy to assist!

Finding Aids

Baylor-Waco-McLennan County Fallout Shelter Planning records, Accession #703
- The Baylor-Waco-McLennan County Fallout Shelter Planning records include clippings, pamphlets, planning and educational documents, and surveys to prepare for possible radioactive fallout in the Waco-McLennan County area. Plans for Baylor University are also documented.
Colonial Dames XVII Century: Governor Samuel Mathews Chapter records, Accession # 684
- The Colonial Dames XVII Century: Governor Samuel Mathews Chapter records include a history of the group and scrapbooks documenting their community activities in Belton and Temple, Texas.
[Waco] National Society of Colonial Dames Peter Folger Chapter, Accession #3144
- The Colonial Dames XVII Century: Peter Folger Chapter records include minutes, clippings, scrapbooks, certificates, yearbooks, and officer’s files, documenting the chapter’s activities in the Waco community.
Ben Phelper papers, Accession #1584
- The Ben Phelper papers contain typed copies of diaries kept by Phelper while in a World War II prisoner of war camp, plus correspondence, newsletters, and unpublished manuscripts.
Seley-Johnson-Fuller papers, Accession #689
- The Seley-Johnson-Fuller papers contain the American Civil War letters of William W. Lang, member of the 3rd Alabama Cavalry and 20th Texas Infantry, together with a few letters from before and after the war.
BU records: Heart of Texas Regional History Fair, Accession #BU/277
- The BU Records: Heart of Texas Regional History Fair contains the records of the regional history fair held annually in the Central Texas area. The collection includes lists of award winners, correspondence, administrative materials, publicity, Board of Directors minutes and agendas, photographs and more.

BU records: Office of Community Engagement, Accession #BU/411
- The BU Records: Office of Community Engagement contains materials on events hosted by the office for over 25 years, including Santa’s Workshop, Civil Rights Tour, Alternative Spring Break, Steppin’ Out, and Habitat for Humanity.

BU records: Program for Regional Studies, Accession #BU/265
- BU Records: Program for Regional Studies contains correspondence, records, grant proposals, and other materials related to the operation of Baylor University’s Program for Regional Studies and its interdisciplinary research concerning Texas and surroundings regions.

Research Ready: May 2020

Posted on May 29, 2020

By Sylvia Hernandez, Archivist

The Texas Collection posts newly accessible resources every month. If you have any questions or would like to use these materials, please let us know and we would be happy to assist!

April maps

Carte du Mexique et des pays limitrophes situés au nord et à l’est, 1811; Translated as “Map of Mexico and the Neighboring Countries to the North and East”

From the same atlas as the famous Carte Générale du Royaume de la Nouvelle Espagne (translated as “General Map of the Kingdom of New Spain”), this map gives more context to Texas by depicting the southern half of the North American continent. Unlike many of its cartographic predecessors, this map correctly depicts the course of the Rio Grande River.

Hispania Nova, circa 1597; Translated as “New Spain”

An early map published in Corneille Wytfliet’s atlas Descriptionis Ptolemaicae augmentum (translated as “Ptolemy’s World Augmented”), this map focuses mostly on Mexico with information on Texas limited to the coastline. Most of the Texas rivers are incorrectly drawn, because Texas remained relatively unexplored by Europeans except for Spanish missionaries.

Research Ready: April 2020

Posted on May 4, 2020

April Finding Aids

By Sylvia Hernandez, Archivist

Every month The Texas Collection posts recently published finding aids for you to use. If you have any questions or would like to use these materials, please let us know and we would be happy to assist!

Edmond Hardy Jones II and Susan Jane Willis Jones papers (#3720) consist primarily of letters from Edmond to Susan while he served in the 64th Georgia Infantry regiment in Florida, Georgia, and Virginia during the American Civil War.

William H. Pierce papers (#537) are comprised of one letter written in 1862 and describes Pierce’s experience as a Confederate soldier in a training camp near San Antonio.

John Merriman McGhee papers (#374) contain four handwritten and typed transcripts of letters he wrote home as part of the 16th Alabama Infantry during the American Civil War.

Museum Association of Waco records (#586) contains correspondence, financial and legal documents, minutes, and event information generated by the association, as it supports member organizations through marketing, educating, and financing initiatives.

Research Ready: March 2020

Posted on April 3, 2020

March’s finding aids
By Paul Fisher, Assistant Director and Processing Archivist

Michael Kaelin papers (#4043): Contains photographs of Behren’s Drug Store following the 1953 Waco tornado.
Peerless Wire & Fence Company (#4009): Publicity materials for the company based out of San Angelo, Texas, including letters and pamphlets.
Harry L. Woodyard papers (#394):Includes materials related to the activities of the 131st Field Artillery during World War I.
Staggs and Company records (#4008): Consists of materials promoting the sale of Staggs and Company’s branding table.
Midland County Abstract records (#4050): Four title abstracts to tracts of land in Midland County.
A.C. Bowles papers (#371): Contains a single transcribed letter from Bowles near the end of the American Civil War, describing conditions in camp, possible upcoming troop movements, and rumors of peace
BU Records: University Research Committee (#BU/302): Includes reports regarding funds distributed by the committee in 1975-1981.
BU Records: Museum Studies Department (#BU/355): Consists of a variety of materials from the museum studies department at Baylor University; primarily correspondence as well as administrative records.
BU Records: Emmy Parrish Lectures in American Studies Series (#BU/326): Contains materials relating to speakers at past lectures, including correspondence and programs.
BU Records: Recreational Sports Department (#BU/344): Includes the 1996-97 Year End Report produced by the department.
BU Records: Center for Community Research and Development (#BU/269): Consists of copies of community needs assessments for Corpus Christi, Burnet, Llano, and Abilene Baptist Associations.
BU Records: Aerospace Studies Department (#BU/5): Correspondence, scrapbooks, photographic material, and literary productions produced by the Baylor University Aerospace Studies Department, a University-sponsored military preparation program in partnership with the U.S. Air Force.
Zadock Woods Family papers (#4014): Contains two manuscripts about the Woods family in Texas, including details about frontier and family life, Texas history, and religion.
L. L. Sams and Sons Company Records (#2921): Records highlight the works of the church furniture company through project photographs, catalogs, advertisements, and business records.
L. L. Sams Stained Glass Studio records (#3223): Include project files, renderings, and slides that document the creation and installation of stained glass windows in Texas institutions such as churches, schools, and military installations. Correspondence, sketches, photographs, product samples, oversize drawings, and colored renderings are included.
Waco Chapter American Institute of Architects records (#240): Provides insight into the organization from its inception in 1962 until 1971. Materials include meeting minutes, membership applications, support documents issued by the national organization, correspondence, and financial documents.
BU Records: International Programs Office (#BU/341): Contains materials largely related to Baylor’s international partnerships and programs. Materials contain correspondence, pamphlets, research materials, photographs, and administrative materials.
Military Order of the World Wars (Central Texas Chapter) records (2923): A variety of records on servicemen from Central Texas who gave their lives in conflicts from 1917-1975.
Ronald W. Matthews papers (#4042): Consists of certificates of baptism, marriage, and confirmation from German-Americans in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century.
Howe Family papers (#2648): Transcribed letters from George Plummer Howe back home during his service in the World War I.
Alexander Gordon Walsh papers (#3694): Contains memoirs and photographs from the World War I.
George Green papers (#580): Diary and photographs from George Green’s time serving in World War I.
George C. Burch papers (#356): Includes letters written by Burch during the American Civil War. Burch was a member of the 1st Florida Infantry, captured at the Battle of Missionary Ridge, and imprisoned for the rest of the war at Fort Delaware.

Research Ready: January 2020

Posted on February 3, 2020

January’s finding aids
By Paul Fisher, Assistant Director and Processing Archivist

Baylor students at a Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for Foreign Missions event, part of Missions Week in 1956. You’ll find this item in the BU Records: Baptist Student Union, Accession #BU/15, box 10, folder 18, at The Texas Collection, Baylor University.

BU Records: Baptist Student Union (#BU/15): Correspondence, financial records, literary productions, organizational records, and photographs of the ministries and events put on the by organization between 1930-1960.
BU Records: Teacher Certification Program Revisions (#BU/256): Includes materials related to the reforms made by Baylor University’s School of Education in its teacher certification program in order to meet new state standards.
BU Records: Alpha Lambda Delta (#BU/189): Contains chapter materials from 1955-1973, which includes literary productions, correspondence, and financial documents.
BU Records: Beall Poetry Festival (#BU/349): Promotional materials, such as tickets, brochures, and pamphlets from the poetry festival hosted by Baylor University. The Beall Poetry Festival, an annual poetry festival established in 1994, is still held every spring at Baylor University. You can read about this year’s upcoming Beall Poetry Festival here.
BU Records: Delta Sigma Pi (#BU/339): Includes administrative records, membership lists, minutes, photographs, booklets, and newspaper clippings pertaining to the Beta Iota chapter of Delta Sigma Pi at Baylor University. Dates range from 1930 to 1994.
BU Records: Baylor Foundation (#BU/378): Investment presentations, correspondence, and financial information about the Baylor Foundation.
BU Records: Jesse Jones Library Building Committee (#BU/360): Contains building plans, correspondence, and architectural information related to the library’s construction from 1989-1992.

Research Ready: October 2019

Posted on November 1, 2019

September’s finding aids
By Paul Fisher, Assistant Director and Processing Archivist

Mary McCaulay Maxwell's Rooom at Baylor, 1908 — Mary McCaulay Maxwell was a student at Baylor University in 1908. In her scrapbook, preserved at The Texas Collection, she saved photographs, notes, clippings, and more about her time at Baylor. Pictured here is her room, probably in Georgia Burleson Hall. You’ll find this item in the Mary McCauley Maxwell papers, Accession #2080, box 1, folder 1, at The Texas Collection, Baylor University.

BU Records: Baylor Orators Toastmasters Club (#BU/387): Includes materials about the founding of the professional development society through its chartering as an official club and first decade of existence at Baylor University.
Cornelia Marschall Smith papers (#666): Resources include materials from Smith’s time at Baylor University, both as a student and professor, and from her time at Stetson University in Florida. Also included are personal materials that include programs, copies of a manuscript, invitations, photographs, negatives, slides, and postcards.
BU Records: Summer School (#BU/166): Contains a variety of materials relating to Baylor University’s Summer School program during the years of 1926-1949.
[Waco] Garden Clinic Garden Club records (#3638): Minutes, constitutions, booklets, awards, certificates, journals, and scrapbooks collected by the club.
McLennan County Office of Price Administration records (#4052): Includes various records from Waco area businesses, relating to business operations during World War II.
Samuel Newton Clabaugh Family papers (#426): Memoirs, newspaper clippings, and handwritten notes generated by Samuel Newton Clabaugh and his daughter, Ora Easter Clabaugh Wells.
Ollie Mae Moen papers (#4051): Contains handbooks and certificates from workshops attended by Ollie Mae Moen relating to the Waco Parent Teacher Association.
Dr. Stephen Corwin Cameron Park Zoo records (#4037): Documents the efforts of the Central Texas Zoological and Botanical Society to move the Central Texas Zoological Park to Cameron Park and the transitional period during this move, as well as the formative years of the Cameron Park Zoo and the Cameron Park Zoological Society. This collections shows the extensive efforts made to build a natural habitat zoo in an urban environment.
Madison Alexander Cooper, Jr. papers (#1342): Correspondence, galley proofs, clippings, book reviews, photographs, a scrapbook, and financial records related to Madison Alexander Cooper Jr., especially regarding the publication of his first novel, Sironia, Texas, in 1952.
[Calf Creek] Lone Star Baptist Church records (#3081): Includes financial and membership materials, plus revival baptisms, weddings, and death records.
[Blossom] First Baptist Church record (#593): Contains early records of the church, including newspaper clippings and a ledger.
Dorthy LaVern McCarthy papers (#558): Poems, awards, and other literary materials from Oklahoma-based poet LaVern Spencer McCarthy.
Wilford Wolfie Naman papers (#2128): Resources include a variety of materials having to do with the activities of Wilford Wolfie Naman as a soldier during World War I.
Mary McCauley Maxwell papers (#2080): Scrapbook of collected materials related to Mary McCauley Maxwell, who graduated Baylor University in 1908. She went on to lead the History Department at the University of Mary Hardin Baylor 1908-1913, and worked for decades to collect and preserve relics of Judge R.E.B. Baylor and other founders of Baylor University.
BU Records: Pi Gamma Mu (#BU/133): Includes materials documenting the founding of the Texas Beta Chapter on campus and its 40 years of activities.
Ladonia First Baptist Church records (#2673): One minute book documenting the church’s activities in the community.
BU Records: Sigma Xi (#BU/406): Contains materials relating to the founding of the chapter on campus as well as materials related to the activities of the organization, such as events and bylaws.

Mary McCaulay Maxwell and Friends, 1908 — Mary McCaulay Maxwell and several of her Baylor friends lost no time in exploring their new hometown of Waco, Texas, while in college. Here they look to be exploring a windmill near Waco. You’ll find this item in the Mary McCauley Maxwell papers, Accession #2080, box 1, folder 1, at The Texas Collection, Baylor University.

Research Ready: September 2019

Posted on October 1, 2019

September’s finding aids
By Paul Fisher, Assistant Director and Processing Archivist

Upton P. Barnard papers (#101): Includes correspondence, notes, financial records, and advertisements related to Upton P. Barnard, a horse trader, livery stable operator, farmer and rancher, and traveling salesman.
Moselle Alexander McLendon papers (#4041): Correspondence and secondary research materials related to Moselle Alexander McLendon, a Baylor University graduate active in many civic organizations throughout Waco. She donated the “Pied Piper” stained glass window which now resides in the Armstrong Browning Library.

Letter to Upton Barnard responding to a letter he sent asking about pants to sell to customers as part of his traveling salesman business. You’ll find this item in the Upton P. Barnard papers, Accession #101, box 1, folder 1, at The Texas Collection, Baylor University.

Cloth sample — Sample of cloth a company sent to Upton Barnard as potential material to be made into pants to sell to customers. You’ll find this item in the Upton P. Barnard papers, Accession #101, box 1, folder 1, at The Texas Collection, Baylor University.

Research Ready: August 2019

Posted on September 3, 2019

August’s finding aids
By Paul Fisher, Assistant Director and Processing Archivist

BU Records: Immortal Ten #BU/109): Contains scrapbooks documenting the tragedy and aftermath of a fatal bus-train accident that occurred in Round Rock, Texas, on January 22, 1927, while the Baylor Men’s Basketball team was traveling to Austin for a game against the University of Texas. The scrapbooks contain clippings, photographs, letters, sympathy cards, and telegrams from the days surrounding the event.
BU Records: Sigma Nu (#BU/336): Clippings, event flyers, rosters, and leadership development curriculum related to the Sigma Nu fraternity at Baylor University.
BU Records: Faculty Development Committee (#BU/90): Includes memorandums, publications, flyers, and program information related to the Faculty Development Committee at Baylor University.
BU Records: Institute of Environmental Studies (#BU/110): Correspondence, clippings, reports, program information, promotional materials, and studies related to the Institute of Environmental Studies at Baylor University.

One of many condolence telegrams that poured in to Baylor University after the Immortal Ten crash. This one is from the University of Texas at Austin, whom Baylor was supposed to play against the day of the crash. You’ll find this item in the BU Records: Immortal Ten, Accession #BU/109, box 1 OVZ, item 2, at The Texas Collection, Baylor University.

Research Ready: July 2019

Posted on August 1, 2019

Each month, we post an update to notify our readers about the latest archival collections to be processed and some highlights of our print material acquisitions. These resources are primed for research and are just a sampling of the many resources to be found at The Texas Collection!Continue Reading

Research Ready: June 2019

Posted on July 1, 2019