Palmer University records

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: UA-054

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains a photocopy of a lecturer brochure and a copy of a photograph of Palmer University President John R. H. Latchaw dating from circa 1902 to 1905.

Dates

Creation: 1902 - 1903

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Ball State University Libraries make every reasonable effort to provide accurate information regarding the copyright status of materials held by Archives and Special Collections. Patrons may scan items or request a reproduction of one or more items in the collection; however, it is the responsibility of the patron to evaluate whether or not the intended use complies with copyright law.

Biographical / Historical

In August of 1902, Dr. John R. H. Latchaw, faculty member of Christian College in Defiance, Ohio, persuaded retired banker Francis Asbury Palmer to contribute funds towards the founding of a new school. One year earlier, the Eastern Indiana Normal School located in Muncie, Indiana was forced to close due to low enrollment. Local volunteers fixed up the vacant university building, and Palmer University was opened in September of 1902. Dr. Latchaw took on the role of president of the university, but he resigned after a difficult first year. Dr. Thomas MacWhinney took Latchaw's place as president of Palmer University.

In September of 1903, funder and namesake Francis Palmer died. Palmer's heirs contested his will and the promise of continued funds to the university. The court decided in favor of the heirs, and Palmer University was forced to close. In 1905, the university building was reopened as the Indiana Normal School and College of Applied Science. This building is still standing and is currently the Administration Building on the campus of Ball State University.

Extent

0.1 Cubic Feet (2 legal folders)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement

This collection is arranged alphabetically.

Related Materials

Related materials can be found in the following collections:

UA.053: Eastern Indiana Normal School records

UA.055: Indiana Normal School and College of Applied Science records

UA.064: Muncie Normal Institute and Muncie National Institute records

RG.09.20.10: Marie Fraser papers and photographs