William O. Druffel

William O. (Bill) Druffel was born in Spokane, Washington, September 7, 1894, the son of Joseph and Adelaide Druffel. At the age of six years, the Druffels moved to a farm near Pine City, then to Colton, Washington, where Bill grew up. He capped his education at St. Martins College in Olympia, receiving an M.A. in 1911. In 1916 he was employed as a printer's apprentice, then as a bookkeeper for a grain firm. This was followed by a position with the First National Bank of Pullman. In 1920 he became Cashier of the Farmer's State Bank of Johnson, while the same year he was married to Miss Charlotte Hicks of Pullman, Washington. In 1925, he became cashier of the Security State Bank of Colton, holding that position for over twentyfive years. Between 1933 and 1940 he also managed the Highway Garage Hardware.

His civic activities included several terms as Mayor of Colton, member of the school board, Whitman County Commissioner, President of the Washington State Association of County Commissioners, and Vice-President of the National Association of County Officials.

He was a veteran of a World War I Balloon Company, and active as Company Commander in the National Guard during and after World War II. He was also a member of the Pullman Ration Board during that period.

From 1958 until his death Bill Druffel was President of the WSU Friends of the Library in which he played an active supporting role. Much of his FOL-related activities are documented in the records of that organization.

He died on December 12, 1962, in Colton, Washington.

From the guide to the William O. Druffel Papers, 1920-1962, (Washington State University Libraries Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections)