President William Ernest Weld Papers, 1935-1952
Collection context
Summary
- Abstract:
- The William Weld papers cover years 1935-1950, including his interaction and communications with other colleges, people of distinction in academia and his personal connections with those that influenced his life and his presidency at Wells College. Also included in the papers are Henry Stebbins' correspondence with President Weld, as Finance member and Board of Trustee. Mr. Stebbins contributed heavily to President Weld's administration and direction of Wells College during his presidency and later into the early 1950's.
- Extent:
- 1 linear foot 1 box
- Language:
- English
Background
- Scope and content:
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The William Weld papers cover years 1935-1950, including his interaction and communications with other colleges, people of distinction in academia and his personal connections with those that influenced his life and his presidency at Wells College. Also included in the papers are Henry Stebbins' correspondence with President Weld, as Finance member and Board of Trustee. Mr. Stebbins contributed heavily to President Weld's administration and direction of Wells College during his presidency and later into the early 1950's.
- Biographical / historical:
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President William Ernest Weld graduated from Wooster College, Ohio. He earned a Master's of Arts degree from Princeton and a P.H.D. from Columbia University in the first decade of the 20th century. As President, Weld wished to maintain Wells College as a liberal institution, where beliefs were tolerated and people could build more personal relationships with others. Weld served as the college's eighth president, from 1936 to 1945. President Weld served during World War II, where he engaged in many of the college's war efforts, such as the sale of war bonds and stamps to assist the troops that fought overseas. Weld, being an economized president had to keep the college's budget in balance despite the decreased funds and endowments from other institutions. The college grew towards the end of the war. A new dorm was built, as well as a fine arts building and an infirmary despite a small budget deficit during that time. After the war, President Weld retired at age 65 as Wells College began to experience larger enrollment. Weld recommended to the Board of Trustees at the end of his tenure that curricula needed to be expanded, in addition to increased retirement for staff, and academic scholarships for future students. Weld left a library and a special classroom in MacMillan Hall as gifts to the college.
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: a Content Standard
Indexed terms
Access and use
- Restrictions:
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There is no restriction on access to the Weld papers for research use. Particularly fragile items may be restricted for preservation purposes.
- Location of this collection:
- Contact: