J. Paul Mitchell papers

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: RG-04-01-28

Staff Only

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

Creation: 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)

Additional Description

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