Sweazey, George B. (George Beaty), 1875-1946. George B. Sweazey Salt Lake Collegiate Institute Principal's correspondence, 1903-1913.
Title:
George B. Sweazey Salt Lake Collegiate Institute Principal's correspondence, 1903-1913.
This collection consists of the incoming correspondence and six examples of third-party correspondence of George B. Sweazey. The records begin sparsely in 1903 and continue steadily throughout the next decade, ending in December 1913. Sweazey was best known as the fourth principal of the Salt Lake Collegiate Institute. George Sweazey was also hired as the second faculty member of the Sheldon Jackson College (later renamed Westminster College) in 1897. Several important pieces of correspondence concerning Sweazey's promotion to principal of the Salt Lake Collegiate Institute are included in the series, with special emphasis on those from August 1903. Several letters from Caskey, the then current principal of the Institute, and George F. McAfee, the Superintendent of School Work for the Presbyterian Board of Home Missions, commend Sweazey on his work and attempt to persuade him to take the position of principal at the Institute. In one letter Robert G. McNiece, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church and chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Collegiate Institute, asks Sweazey to consider becoming principal so that the Collegiate Institute and Westminster College might be "closer to being one." A telegram from Charles L. Thompson, Secretary for the Board of Home Missions, on 1 September 1903, announces Sweazey's appointment and so begins correspondence dealing with the business, students and faculty of the Collegiate Institute. It includes correspondence between George F. McAfee, Robert G. McNiece, and a telegram from Charles L. Thompson; letters concerning the financial situation of the Salt Lake Collegiate Institute; letters from parents inquiring into their children's acceptance to school; letters from Mary Thomas, Gilbert Nance, and Theo Lei concerning tuition payments; correspondence with Harvey C. Olin, John F. Pingry, Rob M. Craig, George H. Mars, Chas F. Rowing, and Lou Paden; third party correspondence with B.F. Clark concerning Mr. Eiler J. Freece. The majority of the correspondence deals with the business arrangements and the students of the Institute. Sweazey was well known for his generous nature, which is evident in the overwhelming number of letters concerning financial aid and placement of students. Parents would often write considering their children's admission to the school; frequently asking for work or a place for their child to board at school. The letters of various parents can be tracked through the series ending usually with them thanking Sweazey for admitting their children into the school. Despite the leniency displayed toward students, the business records found in the collection show careful financial dealings. Several groups of letters deal with the purchases of books for the school library. Other business affairs include buying diplomas and advertisements for the school. An extended communication was maintained between Sweazey and the treasurer of the Presbyterian Church Board of Home Missions, Harvey C. Olin. Olin was responsible for funding the overall improvement of the school. Sweazey was also in direct communication with John F. Pingry, from the Department of School Work. Rob M. Craig, Superintendent of the Department of School Work would periodically inform Sweazey of new school openings, lesson work, and general changes within Presbyterian education. Sweazey also kept in close contact with the other Presbyterian schools in Utah. George H. Mars, of the Wasatch Academy of Mount Pleasant, and Principal John M. Cathcart, of the New Jersey Academy in Logan. Each shared the changes within their schools regularly with Sweazey. Most of the letters dealing with changes and important events within nearby schools appear in the latter half of the series, between 1908-1913, when Sweazey was fully established in the community as well as in the Institute itself. Many of the letters also came from prospective candidates for teaching positions at the Collegiate Institute. A letter from Chas F. Rowing, 17 June 1904, recommends librarian Lou Paden to the school. Ms. Paden later became the librarian of Westminster College for more than 30 years.
ArchivalResource:
2.8 linear ft.
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