Operational and Vital Records, 1906-1978

Part A consists of Oneida's known, extant and non-current records dating from 1909 through the end of the administration of David Jackson in 1972. In addition, there are autobiographical and biographical materials concerning the early life of founder James A. Burns and the story of the founding of the school. Lastly, are the daily correspondence files of current president Barkley Moore, 1972-1983. With the inclusion of James A. Burns’ account of his founding of the school, The Crucible, and Barkley Moore’s correspondence, the entire history of the school is documented to some extent. Gaps in the record do exist, however. There are very few surviving papers from the files of the principle administrators prior to 1922; nor is the Chester Sparks administration (1948-1962) substantially documented. Although the files contain references to meetings of the Board of Trustees, no board meeting minutes have been found. Also there are no personnel files and there is little indication of an official personnel file ever having been established.

Archival material providing the most extensive documentation of the history of the school are the school newspapers, autobiographical and biographical sketches, correspondence of the principle administrators, financial records and official student records. Minimal supplementary documentation is provided by the Alumni Association files, primarily in the newsletters compiled between 1958 and 1962.

The collection is divided into five series: 1. Historical Sketches and Publications, 1912-1981; 2. Correspondence, 1922-1983; 3. Operational and Vital Records, 1906-1978; 4. Alumni Association Files, 1929-1964; and 5. Student Records, 1909-1982.

Note - There is no Reel 11 due to an error in microfilming.