Robert C. Clothier Administration Records

The presidential records of Robert C. Clothier cover the years 1925 to 1952. The bulk of the material spans his tenure as president of Rutgers University, 1932-1952. The records are divided into six series: Subject Files (1925-1952), Committee Files (1925-1952), Faculty and Administrators Files (1925-1952), Writings and Speeches (1932-1953), Trustees and Trustees' Committee Records (1932-1951), and Commencements, Dedications and Celebrations (1932-1949). There are 155 manuscript boxes (62 cubic feet) in this collection.

Series I, Subject Files (Boxes 1-77) is the largest series in the collection. It contains correspondence between Robert C. Clothier and various individuals, associations, and corporations as well as reports, news clippings, telegrams, minutes, and memoranda. These files cover the years 1925 to 1952, with the bulk covering 1932 to 1952. The files are arranged alphabetically and chronologically within each folder. Researchers should note that files for individual faculty members and university trustees are located in Series II, Faculty Files, and Series V, Trustees and Trustees' Committee Records, respectively. Other individuals, such as Deans, may be listed either in Series II or here under either their name or with their affiliate department or office. During his presidency, Robert C. Clothier corresponded with a multitude of individuals and organizations, ranging from: politicians, military officers, scholars, businessmen, professional and trade organizations, alumni, students, and citizens of New Jersey. The breadth of the correspondence shows the spectrum of demands placed on the president as well as the variety of constituents that required his attention.

As a whole, these files provide an excellent overview of the issues that Robert C. Clothier faced during his presidency. However, the importance of several subjects dictate that they be highlighted. Because Clothier's tenure began during the Depression, the university's financial situation is significant to his presidency. Some of the files that provide insight into the university's financial situation are: the "Budget" files; Corporation Gifts and Crystal, Herman, Fiscal Analyst, Dept. of Taxation and Finance/Dept. of Treasury; the "Fund Council" files; and the "Rutgers Research Council" files.

While the Depression served as the single most significant national event that supplied the context for the early years of the Clothier presidency, World War II was the global event that framed the middle to late years. The Subject Files provide much insight into the wartime environment at Rutgers University. Of note are the files on the Army Specialized Training Program; Beukema, Col. Herman, Army Specialized Training Program; Grier, Col. J. B., Army Specialized Training Program; and Palmer, Col. Theodore D., Army Specialized Training Division. Other interesting files related to the war are Conscientious Objectors; Defense Council, Rutgers Advisory, re: air raids/blackouts; Defense Program (Rutgers Advisory Defense Council); Military Department; Military Training; Navy ROTC; and War Service. The files entitled Veterans—Education (University Council on Veterans Training) discuss Rutgers plan to provide educational opportunities for returning veterans.

A common theme that can be found in the records of many Rutgers presidents is that of State Relations. This is no different for Clothier as files entitled: Board of Strategy (Advisory Committee on State Relations); Education Reorganization Act; Regents, New Jersey State Board of; Reorganization; and State Relations all touch on this subject.

Clothier's presidency was one of growth for the university. New land was purchased, new buildings were constructed, and new departments and curricula were developed. The new "Stadium" was dedicated in 1938, just a few years after the purchase of the land known as the Raritan Campus. In 1946 the University of Newark merged with Rutgers University, providing Rutgers with a College of Arts and Science, a School of Business Administration, a Law School, and a College of Pharmacy in an urban setting. A merger of the two institutions had been considered as early as 1933, and is documented in files such as: Burnett, D. Frederick (attorney), re: Newark Schools merger; Newark Colleges of Rutgers University. Similarly, a law school and the College of South Jersey merged with Rutgers University in 1950. Some information on this merger can be found in the College of South Jersey folder. Also, a significant number of files pertaining to the New Jersey College for Women (NJC) (later Douglass) can be found in this series.

Series II, Committee Files (Boxes 78-83) is arranged alphabetically. These files contain correspondence, notes, and reports of the many committees that were established for the purpose of conducting university business or to investigate a specific topic. Some committees are ongoing, such as the Academic Standards Committee, and Public Relations Committee; and others were more temporary, such as the special committee to consider Acquiring Water Rights in Valley of Raritan River (1935), or the Select a President (1930-1931) committee. Many of the committees relate to the subjects highlighted in Series I. Among these are: Acquisition of Land for Playing Fields (Trustees); Army Specialized Training Program (Faculty); Building Needs of the University (Trustees); Development; Endowments; Post-War International Problems; Purchase of Land (Trustee—Special); War Curricula and Schedules; War Effort (Trustees); and War Service Board. Committee membership was typically made up of faculty, trustees, or both.

Series III, Faculty and Administrators Files, (Boxes 84-104) is arranged alphabetically by last name. These files contain correspondence between Robert C. Clothier and individual deans or faculty members, as well as memos, reports, and meeting minutes. Of note are William H. Cole, Thurlow C. Nelson, Selman A. Waksman, and Carl R. Woodward.

Series IV, Writings and Speeches, (Boxes 105-125) is divided into two subseries: A. Writings and B. Speeches, each of which is arranged alphabetically by file heading. The Writings subseries consists of manuscripts and notes, including several articles from the Alumni Monthly, various local newspapers, and numerous news releases. The Speeches subseries contains notes used during speeches, transcripts of speeches and in some cases published copies of speeches. Clothier was in demand as a speaker. Many of Clothier's speaking engagements were for the Rutgers community of students, faculty, trustees, and alumni. Besides speaking at commencement ceremonies, Clothier frequently spoke to the alumni at various Rutgers Clubs throughout the country, and in chapel. Clothier was also often invited to speak outside the Rutgers community, speaking in front of many professional associations, community organizations, and on local radio programs.

Series V, Trustees and Trustees' Committee Records, (Boxes 126-144) is divided into three subseries: A. General, B. Meetings, and C. The Trustees. The General Trustees files are arranged alphabetically by subject and contain correspondence, memos, and reports pertaining to each subject heading. The Trustees Meeting files are arranged chronologically by year of the meeting and contain correspondence, memos, agendas and reports for each meeting. The Trustees files are arranged alphabetically by surname and contain communications between the trustee and Clothier or other trustees, memos, meeting minutes, and reports. Several of the trustees served on the board for many years; in many cases overlapping one or more of the university presidents that preceded or followed Clothier. Examination of their files, not just those in this record group, may help piece together history of some of the themes and events that had begun before the commencement of the Clothier presidency, as well as those that had not reached their conclusion prior to Clothier's resignation.

Series VI, Commencements, Dedications, and Celebrations, (Boxes 145-155) is divided into twenty-one subseries; one for each year's commencement ceremonies between 1932 and 1949, the Stadium Dedication, 175th Anniversary Celebration, and Commencement Scrapbooks. These files typically include copies of programs, invitations, and lists of distinguished guests. The files on "Honorary Degrees" for each year's commencement ceremonies may be of particular interest.