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J. Howard Kramer Papers

Finding Aid

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Collection Summary

Identifier

UA 53.7

Title

J. Howard Kramer Papers

Creator

J. Howard (John Howard) Kramer

Dates

1975

Extent

0.21 linear feet (1 small document case)

Language

English

Repository

South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library, Brookings, South Dakota.

Access note

This collection is open to researchers without restrictions. The materials in the Archives do not circulate and may be used in-house only.

Preferred Citation

Name of item . J. Howard Kramer Papers. UA 53.7. South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M .Briggs Library, Brookings, South Dakota.

Abstract

J. Howard Kramer was a professor, head of the education department, and director of the Summer School. This collection consists of unedited manuscripts for book published as South Dakota State University, a history: 1884-1975. Also includes unpublished biographies of SDSU’s presidents up until 1975.

Biographical Note

John Howard Kramer was born November 12, 1902, at Canning, South Dakota. He grew up in Pierre and graduated from Pierre High School in 1920. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Dakota in 1924, his master's degree from the University of Iowa in 1930 and his doctorate degree from Colorado State University in 1943.

On July 17, 1926, Kramer married Lenette Dunlap at Vermillion, SD. They had two children, John and Miriam. J. Howard Kramer worked in education in South Dakota for more than 50 years. He was a debate coach and taught at Madison High School, Madison SD from 1924 to 1927. He served as superintendent of public schools for 18 years in various South Dakota communities.

After leaving the public school system, Kramer moved into higher education in South Dakota. He was president of Southern State College in Springfield, SD from 1945 until 1954. From 1954 until 1956, he served as professor and head of the Education Department and Director of Summer School at South Dakota State University [SDSU]. He was president of Northern State College from 1956 until 1968 when he returned to Brookings and served as professor of Education at South Dakota State University. He was appointed president emeritus of Northern State College and professor emeritus at South Dakota State University.

Throughout his life, he was active in various state and national education organizations. He wrote in his field; was a speaker in great demand; and distinguished himself as an able college administrator. He was active in civil and service organizations, serving as a member of the Masonic Lodge, Consistory and Shrine. He was also a member of Alpha Tau Omega, Tau Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Kappa and Rotary Club.

John Howard Kramer died at his home on January 9, 1984.

Contents Note

This collection is composed of an unedited manuscript for Kramer's book, A History of South Dakota State University 1884-1975. This manuscript was reduced for publication so there may be some material available that is not found in the book. Also included are biographies complied by Kramer of South Dakota State University presidents dating from 1884 to 1975.

Key Words

Kramer, J. H. (John Howard), 1902-1984

South Dakota State University -- Faculty

South Dakota State University -- History

South Dakota State University – Presidents

Container List

View container list on Open Prairie

J. Howard Kramer Papers Container List. UA 53.7

BoxFolderDescriptionDate(s)
11Manuscript:  SDSU— A History 1884 to 1975 (Introduction-Chapter 10)1975
12Manuscript:  SDSU— A History 1884 to 1975 (Chapter 11-13)1975
13President Biographies (Lilley to Briggs)undated

Administrative Information

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to researchers without restrictions. The materials in the Archives do not circulate and may be used in-house only.

Researchers conducting extensive research are asked to make an advance appointment to access archival material. Please call or e-mail prior to visiting the collection and indicate as much detail as possible about a particular topic and intended use.

South Dakota State University supports access to the materials, published and unpublished, in its collections. Nonetheless, access to some items may be restricted as a result of their fragile condition or by contractual agreements with donors.

Copyright note

Copyright restrictions apply in different ways to different materials. Many of the documents and other historical materials in the Archives are in the public domain and may be reproduced and used in any way. There are other materials in the Archive carrying a copyright interest and must be used according to the provisions of Title 17 of the U.S. Code. The Archive issues a warning concerning copyright restrictions to every researcher who requests copies of documents. Although the copyright law is under constant redefinition in the courts, it is ultimately the responsibility of the researcher to properly use copyrighted material.

Arranged and Described by

Crystal J. Gamradt, Archivist, 1998 December 7.