Manuscript Collections - Lawrence C. Rummells Papers

LAWRENCE C. RUMMELLS PAPERS, 1928-1976
1 linear foot, 4 linear inches (3 LGA-S boxes)
Herbert Hoover Presidential Library

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

In 1939 Lawrence “L. C.” Rummells was a founding member of the Herbert Hoover Birthplace Society and later served as secretary/treasurer. Rummells played an active role in the purchase and development plans for the site of Hoover’s birthplace and library. In 1958 Rummells continued his service as the Society transitioned into the Herbert Hoover Birthplace Foundation in 1958 and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Association in 1972. He served as vice-president of the latter from 1977-1983. Rummells was the president of the West Branch State Bank and was elected Mayor of West Branch.

SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE

The papers primarily document Rummells work with Hoover’s life in West Branch and include newspaper clippings, correspondence, minutes, reports, newsletters, invitations, receipts, and an essay. Major topics of the papers include: Hoover’s 1928 homecoming ceremony in West Branch, Hoover’s inauguration, purchasing the birthplace, establishing the Birthplace Society, and Hoover’s 80th birthday party. The collection is arranged alphabetically by topic or type of material: Hoover’s visits to West Branch, Hoover Birthplace Society [and subsequent organizations], printed materials, and a scrapbooks.

Processed by Julie Zimmerman
July 2011

FOLDER LIST

Box Contents

1

Hoover’s 1928 Visit to West Branch

“Ask me, I live here” buttons and press badges, 1928
Correspondence, June-Aug 1928 (2 folders)
Expenses and receipts, 1928
Gift for Hoover, 1928
Organizing a Tent for the Homecoming, 1928
Reception Committee, 1928
Republican National Committee – Correspondence and Publications, 1928
Seating and Ground Plan, 1928
Thank You Letters, 1928
West Branch Election Celebration, 1928

Hoover’s 1929 Celebrations in West Branch

Picnic Schedule and Invitations, 1929
Schiele, Bernice – essay: My Trip to DC for the Inauguration, 1929
Special Train to the Hoover Inaugural, 1929

Hoover’s 1948 Visit to West Branch – Hoover Day

Correspondence, 1948
Receipts, 1948

Hoover’s 1954 Visit to West Branch – 80th Birthday, 1954
Hoover’s Birthplace, 1928-1945, 1963-1965, 1976

Insurance, 1937-1945
Ketchum birthplace deed, 1963
Letters and Clippings about Hoover’s Cradle, 1976
Purchase and sketch of birthplace, 1928-1939
Quaker Church Restoration, 1964-1965

2

Birthplace Society, Birthplace Foundation, and Herbert Hoover Foundation, HHPLA

Birthplace Society and Birthplace Foundation

Agendas and Minutes, 1939-1962
Bills and Receipts, 1929-1961
Correspondence, 1945-1962
Organizational statement of purpose, 1958-1965
Minutes and financial records, 1958-1967

Herbert Hoover Foundation

Articles of Incorporation and Minutes, 1954-1955

Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Association (HHPLA)

Executive Committee meeting minutes, 1983
News, 1972-1975
Printed Materials
Newspaper Clippings, 1948-1964 (7 folders)

3

Newspaper Clippings, 1965-1979 (11 folders)
Hoover’s 80th birthday – Scrapbook, 1954
West Branch Business Directory, circa 1870 [photo reproduction]
West Branch that Knew Hoover, The Iowan, 1974
West Brach to the White House, Transmissions, 1969

4

Scrapbook [oversize] on Hoover’s death, 1964