While sifting through some of the remaining unprocessed collections I came across a box full of handwritten notes on yellow notepads. Each note contained cramped, cursive handwriting that filled the entirety of the page with notations about the history of Delaware State College. At first glance there was no identifying information to be able to know to whom the research belonged. However, a second flip through the pages revealed clues - reminders about hair appointment, the chemistry club, and Administrative Council meetings.
It became evident that this was the work of Harriet Ruth Williams, a chemistry professor and prominent university figure from 1941 until c. 1993. She is the second-longest serving professor in the history of the university and was a central figure in the growth of the science department during Luna I. Mishoe's early presidency. She additionally served the university as an administrator for public relations, alumni relations, admissions, and academic affairs to name a few.
Toward the end of her career and into retirement Dr. Williams had been compiling a comprehensive history of then-Delaware State College with the hopes of writing a book. She never completed the book and for a long time the location of her research notes was unknown to us. Myself and campus historians believed them to be forever gone.
It therefore with great pleasure that I announce the existence of the notes and drafts for what appears to be "Chapter One" of Dr. Williams' manuscript. The research primarily discusses the history of the Loockerman Family, Morrill Acts, and the incorporation of the college. There are additionally scattered notes for the Webb and Gregg presidencies. If you would like to view the full finding aid for the collection you may find it on the archives LibGuide or at https://desu.libguides.com/ld.php?content_id=46335455
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