David Dietz Papers, 1916-1977

Summary

Creator:
Dietz, David, 1897-
Abstract:
Papers of the Pulitzer Prize-winning American science journalist; science editor for the Scripps-Howard Newspapers and science correspondent for NBC News from 1940-1950. Collection includes correspondence and research files, articles, lectures, book manuscripts, and scrapbooks of columns and feature articles on astronomy, atomic energy, and medicine (1916-1977).
Extent:
31 linear ft.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

David Dietz Papers,

Background

Scope and content:

The David Dietz Papers consists of correspondence, biographical material, writings, and memorabilia.

Correspondence includes some subject folders (e.g. Africa, diesel progress, and Mexico). The correspondence covers Mr. Dietz's long career as columnist and science editor, consequently the list includes personal names, organizations, and businesses. The files retain name and topic headings and contents as Mr. Dietz used them during his career, with the minor exception that titles (Dr., Rabbi, etc) have been consistently moved to follow the person's name.

Biographical material consists of a short autobiography, and a series of autobiographical columns written in 1973 for the Cleveland Press.

Writings consists of articles, lectures and books; each category has been arranged in alphabetical order. In box 29 there is a single folder containing an unpublished, untitled article which requires the permission of Mr. Dietz for perusal.

More than 75 Scrapbooks contain columns written by Mr. Dietz. Several of these pertain to specific subjects; of particular interest are those in packages 11-14 pertaining to atomic energy and its development.

Biographical / historical:

David Dietz (1897-1984) was a Pulitzer Prize-winning science journalist and author. He was science editor for the Scripps-Howard Newspapers and science correspondent for NBC News from 1940-1950, and was heard on ''Morgan Beatty News of the World'' over 181 stations. .

Date Event
1915 Joined editorial staff-Cleveland Press-until retirement
1918 m. Dorothy B. Cohen. (2 daughters, 1 son) 1918 Private, U. S. Army
1919 B. A. Western Reserve University
1921 Science Editor, Scripps-Howard Newspapers until retirement
1927 (to late 1970's) lecturer in general science, Western Reserve
1931 Published Story of science
1937 Pulitzer Prize for journalism
1937 Published Medical magic
1940 B. F. Goodrich Award for distinguished public service
1940-1946 Member Publicity Committee, National Research Council, Division of Medical Science
1942 Member, Harvard University Institute on War Problems
1944-1947 Consultant. to Surgeon General, U. S. Army
1945 U. S. War Department, Certificate of Appreciation
1945 Published Atomic energy in the coming era
1945-1976 President, Shaker Heights Public Library Board of Trustees
1946 Westinghouse Distinguished Science Writers Award
1946 Article "Atomic Bomb", Encyclopedia Britannica, 1946 ed.
1946-1956 Articles on atomic energy, Britannica Book of the Year
1948 Hon. Litt: D. Western Reserve
1954 Hon LLD Bowling Green State University
1954 Lasker Award for medical journalism
1954 Published Atomic Science, bombs and power
1958 Ohioana Career Medal
1958 Published All about satellites and space ships
1960 Published All about great medical discoveries
1961 James T. Grady Award, American Chemical Society
1965 Published All about the universe
1969 Published Stars and the universe
1972 Published New outline of science
1977 Retired
Arrangement:

Correspondence is arranged alphabetically. Later additions are in boxes 26-29 but are listed in the appropriate location in the finding aid. Writings are arranged alphabetically by type and then by title.

Access and use

Restrictions:

The majority of our archival and manuscript collections are housed offsite and require advanced notice for retrieval. Researchers are encouraged to contact us in advance concerning the collection material they wish to access for their research.

Terms of access:

Written permission must be obtained from SCRC and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.

Preferred citation:

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

David Dietz Papers,

Location of this collection:
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Libraries
Bird Library, Room 600
Syracuse, NY 13244, United States
Link to repository site
Contact:
315.443.2697
scrc@syr.edu