J. Paul Mitchell papers
Scope and Contents
The J. Paul Mitchell Collection includes research pertaining to various projects including
the publication “A History of Negroes in Muncie,” containing oral history interviews,
correspondence, census information, the Delaware-Muncie Planning Commission, AntiPoverty
Corporation, and other community outreach groups.
Only a limited amount of the collection is devoted to Mitchell’s own work as a professor
for Ball State. Examination books and essays are included, but the bulk of the collection
is devoted to Mitchell’s work with “A History of Negroes in Muncie,” and the 1976
publication “Working in Middletown: Getting a Living in Muncie, Indiana.” Some of the
collection also includes newspaper clippings and pamphlets pertaining to research on
both aforementioned publications. Also included is a photograph collection of the Muncie
ACTION, Inc. Summer Employment and Recreation Program in 1967. The program was
meant to provide jobs and recreation for Muncie area youths, as well as improve their
own neighborhoods. There is a slide collection as well, documenting some of Dr.
Mitchell’s work as an Urban Planner.
Dates
- 1964-1978
Language of Materials
Materials in English.
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research.
Biographical Note / Historical Note / Administrative History
Dr. Mitchell was the Director of the Urban and Regional Studies Program at Ball State from 1970 until the dissolution of the program in 1981. The Urban and Regional Studies Program merged that year with the College of Architecture's Department of Urban and Regional Planning. Mitchell was given joint appointment in this new department, as well as in the history department.
Dr. Mitchell was also a co-author of "A History of Negroes in Muncie," a booklet that Mitchell wrote with Mr. Hurley Goodall, published in 1976. The booklet was conceived from the period 1971-1975. Over thirty interviews, as well as census information, church matters, and community outreach were used to create this work. Dr. Mitchell was also the author of another book, "Race Riots in Black and White."
Extent
3.4 Cubic Feet (3 Boxes)
Arrangement
Arranged in the following series:
Series 1: African American history materials
Series 2: Administrative and personal records
Series 3: Central Indiana city government records
Series 4: Oral history transcripts
Series 5: Labor history records
Series 6: Miscellaneous history project records
Series 7: Working in Middletown project records
Series 8: Photographs
- African American history Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- History Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Labor Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Labor unions Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Muncie (Ind.) Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Muncie (Ind.) -- History -- 20th century -- Sources Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Muncie (Ind.) -- Photographs -- 20th century -- Sources Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Title
- Dr. J. Paul Mitchell papers
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
Repository Details
Part of the Ball State University Archives Repository
Alexander M. Bracken Library
2000 W. University Avenue
Muncie Indiana 47306 USA
765-285-5078
libarchives@bsu.edu