Finding Aid for the LeRoy Satrom papers

May 4 Collection -- Boxes 8, 9, 10

Author: Amanda Remster, December 2007; Updated December 2011.

Descriptive Rules: DACS

Origination: Satrom, LeRoy

Inclusive Dates: 1955-1976

Bulk Dates: 1970-1972

Extent: 2.75 cubic feet (2 record storage boxes + 1 oversized box)

Physical Location: 12th floor

Abstract: The bulk of the LeRoy Satrom papers relates to the Kent State shootings and their aftermath during Satrom's term as mayor of Kent, Ohio from 1970-1972.

Biography: Born in North Dakota, LeRoy Satrom graduated from Case Institute of Technology, afterwards beginning a lifelong career of public service in Portage County, Ohio. After serving as deputy county engineer, Ravenna and Kent city engineer, consulting engineer, and a member of Kent City Council throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Satrom was elected Kent's first full-time mayor in 1969. Beginning his mayoral term in January 1970, Satrom was placed under national scrutiny five months later due to the Kent State Shootings of May 4, 1970. As mayor, LeRoy Satrom possessed the only authorization to request that Governor James A. Rhodes send the Ohio National Guard to Kent.

In 1972, Satrom won the position of Portage County Engineer, of which he served for four terms. After his retirement, he remained an active member of the Portage County Democratic Party, as well as the Kent community. Satrom died in 2004 at the age of 85.

Scope and Content: The LeRoy Satrom papers include correspondence, documents, speeches, notes, photographs, newsclippings, periodicals, and audio materials. Inclusive dates fall between 1955 and 1976. Although the collection highlights many aspects of Satrom's career as engineer, mayor, and Kent citizen, the bulk of these materials focus on the events of May 4, 1970, and their aftermath.

Statement of Arrangement:

• Series 1: Correspondence, 1955-1972
• Series 2: Kent City Elections, 1961-1976
• Series 3: Proclamations, Speeches, Drafts, Notes, 1969-1972
• Series 4: Documents Regarding Kent State Shootings, 1969-1972
  • Subseries 1: Demands, Petitions, and Recommendations to LeRoy Satrom, 1970-1971
  • Subseries 2: Documents Regarding City and University Emergency Response, 1969-1972
  • Subseries 3: Documents Regarding Law Enforcement Reports and Procedures, 1970-1972
  • Subseries 4: Documents Regarding Kent State University, 1970-1972
• Series 5: Photographs, 1955-1972
• Series 6: Newsclippings, 1969-1973
• Series 7: Flyers, Newsletters, Pamphlets, Periodicals, 1957-1974
• Series 8: Audio Materials, 1970-1972
• Series 9: Oversized Periodicals, 1968-1976

Preferred Citation: LeRoy Satrom papers. Department of Special Collections and Archives. Kent State University Libraries and Media Services.

Acquisition Information: LeRoy Satrom donated this collection to Special Collections and Archives on June 8, 2004.

Technical Requirements: Audio materials recorded on audio reel-to-reel, cassette tape, and eight-track tape formats.

Box 8

Series 1: Correspondence, 1955-1972

Folder -- Contents

1. To LeRoy Satrom [Not Regarding Kent State Shootings], 1955-1972
2. To LeRoy Satrom Regarding Kent State Shootings, May 1-5, 1970
3. To LeRoy Satrom Regarding Kent State Shootings, May 6-10, 1970
4. To LeRoy Satrom Regarding Kent State Shootings, May 11-15, 1970
5. To LeRoy Satrom Regarding Kent State Shootings, May 16-20, 1970
6. To LeRoy Satrom Regarding Kent State Shootings, May 21-25, 1970
7. To LeRoy Satrom Regarding Kent State Shootings, May 26-31, 1970
8. To LeRoy Satrom Regarding Kent State Shootings, June, 1970
9. To LeRoy Satrom Regarding Kent State Shootings, July-August, 1970
10. To LeRoy Satrom Regarding Kent State Shootings, September-December, 1970
11. To LeRoy Satrom Regarding Kent State Shootings, January-December, 1971
    
12. To LeRoy Satrom Regarding Kent State Shootings, January-December, 1972
13. Postcards to LeRoy Satrom Regarding Kent State Shootings, May 5-June 9, 1970 [in small negative storage box]
14. Correspondence from LeRoy Satrom, 1969-1972
    

Series 2: Kent City Elections, 1961-1976

15. Kent Elections, Miscellaneous, 1961
16. Kent Elections, Miscellaneous, 1963
17. Kent Elections, Miscellaneous, 1964
18. Kent Elections, Miscellaneous, 1965
19. Kent Elections, Miscellaneous, 1968
20. Kent Elections, Miscellaneous, 1969
21. Receipts, Expenditures, and Accounts of Satrom for Mayor Committee, 1969-1971
22. Kent Elections, Miscellaneous, 1976

Series 3: Proclamations, Speeches, Drafts, Notes, 1969-1972

23. Proclamation of Heart Month by LeRoy Satrom, February 5, 1970
24. Proclamation of Civil Emergency by LeRoy Satrom, May 2, 1970
25. Official Statement to the Citizens of Kent by LeRoy Satrom, May 8, 1970
26. Statement on Kent State University Dormitory Search, May 13, 1970
27. Unidentified Speech Regarding University and City Relations, July 27, 1970
28. Proclamation of Resignation of Robert I. White, February 19, 1971
29. Draft of Speech Regarding Reopening of Kent State University, [no date]
30. Draft of Speech Regarding Food Stamps, [no date]
31. Draft of Speech Regarding University and City Security, [no date]
32. Welcome Letter by LeRoy Satrom, [no date]
33. Personal Notes of LeRoy Satrom, 1969
34. Personal Notes of LeRoy Satrom, 1970
35. Personal Notes of LeRoy Satrom, 1971
36. Personal Notes of LeRoy Satrom, 1972
37. Personal Notes of LeRoy Satrom, [no dates]
38. Office Messages and Memos to LeRoy Satrom, 1970-1972
39. Miscellaneous Mayoral Documents of LeRoy Satrom, 1969-1972
40. Miscellaneous Personal Documents of LeRoy Satrom, 1957-1970

Series 4: Documents Regarding Kent State Shootings and Emergency Response, 1969-1972

Subseries 1: Demands, Petitions, Recommendations to LeRoy Satrom, 1970-1971

41. From the Executive Committee of the Kent Area Chamber of Congress, May 7, 1970
42. From Hiram College, May 9, 1970
43. From the City of Kent, May 13, 1970
44. From the Committee of Kent State Massacre Witnesses, May 13, 1970
45. From the Student Senate of State Community College of East St. Louis, Illinois, May 22, 1970
46. From The Navigators, Campus Crusade for Christ, and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, May 23, 1970
47. From "Citizens of Kent," May 26, 1970
48. From Miscellaneous Citizens, May 14-26, 1970
49. From "Group of Undergraduate Students," June 15, 1970
50. From the City-University Liason Committee, June 18, 1970
51. From Group at Twin Lakes Country Club, July 25, 1970
52. From Committee for Non-Violence, May - September, 1970
53. From the Kent State University Community Relations Committee, 1970-1971

Series 4: Documents Regarding Kent State Shootings and Emergency Response, 1969-1972

Subseries 2: Documents Regarding City and University Emergency Response, 1969-1972

54. Ohio Appendix of Guidance to Civil Authorities, August 15, 1969
55. Kent State University Personnel Cleared for Access during Curfew, May 2, 1970
56. Kent State University Interdepartmental Correspondence, May 2, 1970
57. Ohio National Guard Authorization Forms, May 4, 1970
58. Kent State University On Duty in Academic Division, May 5, 1970
59. Guideline for Disorders and Disruptions, May 25, 1970
60. Kent State University Emergency Procedure, August 1, 1970
61. Obtaining Aerial Type Trucks in Case of Emergency, September 25, 1970
62. Area Fire Departments, September 25, 1970
63. Amended Guideline for Disorders and Disruptions, October 9, 1970
64. Kent State University Procedures for Emergency and Evacuation, October 15, 1970
65. Kent State University Procedures for Disorders and Disruptions, October 22, 1970
66. Last Enacted Section Concerning Campus Riots, November 4, 1970
67. Revised Kent State University Procedures for Emergency and Evacuation, March 26, 1971
68. Provisions for a State of Emergency, Emergency Passes, and Regulations, April 29, 1971
69. Correspondence from Kent Public Schools, April 30, 1971
70. Guidelines for Civil Disturbance Control, February 16, 1972
71. Amended House Bill and Correspondence from John Gilligan, February 23, 1972
72. University Governance and Guidelines, May 10, 1972
73. Contact Information of Kent Employees, Police, and University Administration, 1970-1972
74. "White Book," Kent State University Emergency Handbook, [no date]
75. Emergency Identification Cards, [no dates]
76. Personnel Assignments in Civil Emergency, [no date]
77. Crimes and Criminal Procedure: Riots, [no date]
78. Miscellaneous Ohio Statutes and Jurisdiction, [no dates]

Series 4: Documents Regarding Kent State Shootings and Emergency Response, 1969-1972

Subseries 3: Documents Regarding Law Enforcement Reports and Procedures, 1970-1972

79. Information Digest Regarding Seattle Liberation Front, May 2, 1970
80. Special Police Officers Sworn in by LeRoy Satrom, May 4, 1970
81. Kent Police Department Memos, May 12, 1970
82. Parole Officer's Field Report, May 13, 1970
83. Unidentified Police Report, July 24, 1970
84. Court Orders and Instructions Regarding Special Grand Jury, September 14, 1970
85. Kent Arms and Ammunitions Reports, September 29, 1970
86. Report of Jenkins vs. Averett, September 29, 1970
87. Kent City Fire Department Memo, October 1, 1970
88. Intelligence Unit Report per State Arson Bureau, October 2, 1970
89. Cincinnati Postal Department Notice, October 24, 1970
90. Consumer Frauds and Crimes Bulletin, November 1970
91. Report of 1971 Spring Action Calendar, February 10, 1971
92. Portage County Sheriff Memo, February 18, 1971
93. Ohio State Highway Patrol, Summit, Portage Police Departments Meeting Agenda, April 8, 1971
94. Reports from James Bruss on Student Activities and Rallies, April 26-28, 1971
95. Subject File: Kent Ministerial Society Regarding Kent Police Brutality Statements on May 17-22, 1971
96. Memorandum and Correspondence, Kent City Police Chief and Department, March 25-June 4, 1971
97. Kent, Stow, Ravenna Police Departments Intelligence Meeting Notes, September-November, 1971
98. Bowling Green Police Report, May 10, 1972
99. Kent Police Department Daily Patrol, Phone, and Radio Log, June 2-4, 1972
100. Auxiliary Kent Police Sworn in by LeRoy Satrom, June 26, 1972

Series 4: Documents Regarding Kent State Shootings and Emergency Response, 1969-1972

Subseries 4: Documents Regarding Kent State University, 1970-1972

101. Kent State University Campus Map with Notations, February 18, 1970
102. Grade Option Form for Kent State University Graduate Candidates, May 15, 1970
103. Kent State University Community Relations Survey, June 5, 1970
104. Kent State University Spring Commencement Program, June 13, 1970
105. Kent State University Enrollment Statistics, September 25, 1970
106. Subject File: Think Week 1970, September 28-October 3, 1970
107. Extraordinary Expenses Incurred Relative to the May Disturbance, October 15, 1970
108. The Kent State Tragedy: The President's Commission on Campus Unrest, October, 1970
109. Program and Agendas for Memorial to the Slain Students of Kent State University, May 1-4, 1971
110. Kent State University Federation of Teachers, Statement of Concerns, November 1, 1971
111. Kent State University Annual Report: 1971-1972, December 22, 1972
112. Correspondence and Memorandum from Kent State University, 1970-1972
113. Questionnaire Concerning Events of May 1-4, 1970, [no date]
114. Kent State University Information Regarding Student Funds, [no date]

Series 5: Photographs, 1955-1972

115. Thomas Satrom and Unidentified Boy, November 7, 1950
116. LeRoy Satrom and W. L. Havens, December 1954
117. Kent Rotary Club, 1959
118. LeRoy Satrom and Unidentified Group, April 26, 1969
     
119. Photographs of LeRoy Satrom for Campaign Advertisements, 1969
120. Albert Caris and LeRoy Satrom, January 1970
121. LeRoy Satrom, Bob Defluiter, and Tony Filomena, February 6, 1970
122. Robert White and LeRoy Satrom, March 1970
123. Robert White and LeRoy and Grace Satrom, March 1970
124. John Davis, Grace Satrom, Fanyerose Cullinan, and Marcus Roberto, March 1970
125. LeRoy Satrom, Armondo Giovangnoli, Fred Miller, and Paul Hershey, March 1970
126. Ed Ross and LeRoy Satrom, April 3, 1970
127. Headshot of LeRoy Satrom, April 2, 1971
128. LeRoy and Grace Satrom with Mr. and Mrs. Bill Nash, December 14, 1972
129. LeRoy Satrom and John Thomas, December 16, 1972
130. Glen White, LeRoy Satrom, and Unidentified Man, December 1972
131. Grace Satrom, [no date]
132. Wedding Photographs of LeRoy and Grace Satrom, [no date]
133. LeRoy Satrom and Unidentified Man in Kent Street Department Truck, [no date]
134. Headshots of LeRoy Satrom, [no dates]
135. Family Portrait: James, Robert, Thomas, Grace, and LeRoy Satrom, [no date]
136. LeRoy and Grace Satrom and Unidentified Couple, [no date]
137. Grace and LeRoy Satrom and Unidentified Couple, [no date]
138. LeRoy Satrom and Unidentified Men with "Case Alumni" Buttons, [no date]
139. Grace Satrom and Unidentified Women, [no date]
140. Unidentified Man with Political Signs, [no dates]
141. Unidentified Man in front of Capital Building, [no date]
142. Unidentified Man, [no date]
143. Unidentified Man and Children, [no date]

May 4 Collection -- Box 9

Series 6: Newsclippings, 1969-1973

Folder -- Contents

1. Newsclippings: January to June, 1969
2. Newsclippings: July to December, 1969
3. Newsclippings: January, 1970
4. Newsclippings: February, 1970
5. Newsclippings: March, 1970
6. Newsclippings: April, 1970
7. Newsclippings: May 1-10, 1970
8. Newsclippings: May 11-20, 1970
9. Newsclippings: May 21-30, 1970
10. Newsclippings: June, 1970
11. Newsclippings: July, 1970
12. Newsclippings: August, 1970
13. Newsclippings: September, 1970
14. Newsclippings: October, 1970
15. Newsclippings: November, 1970
16. Newsclippings: December, 1970
17. Newsclippings: January, 1971
18. Newsclippings: February, 1971
19. Newsclippings: March, 1971
20. Newsclippings: April, 1971
21. Newsclippings: May, 1971
22. Newsclippings: June, 1971
23. Newsclippings: July, 1971
24. Newsclippings: August, 1971
25. Newsclippings: September, 1971
26. Newsclippings: October, 1971
27. Newsclippings: November, 1971
28. Newsclippings: December, 1971
29. Newsclippings: January, 1972
30. Newsclippings: February, 1972
31. Newsclippings: March, 1972
32. Newsclippings: April, 1972
33. Newsclippings: May, 1972
34. Newsclippings: June, 1972
35. Newsclippings: July, 1972
36. Newsclippings: August, 1972
37. Newsclippings: September, 1972
38. Newsclippings: October, 1972
39. Newsclippings: November, 1972
40. Newsclippings: December, 1972
41. Newsclippings: 1973
42. Newsclippings: [no dates]

Series 7: Flyers, Newsletters, Pamphlets, Periodicals, 1957-1974

43. Flyers, Miscellaneous, 1970-1972
44. Newsletters, Miscellaneous, 1957-1972
45. Pamphlets, Miscellaneous, 1970-1971
46. American Opinion, 1974
47. For Your Information, Kent State University, 1970-1971
48. Kent Strike Paper, 1970
49. Newsweek, 1970
50. Official Bulletin, Kent State University, 1970
51. The Reader's Digest, 1971
52. Strike Paper, 1970
53. Time, 1970
54. U. S. News and World Report, 1971

Series 8: Audio Materials, 1970-1972 [in small audio box]

55. Eight-Track Tape: State of the City, December 29, 1970
56. Eight-Track Tape: James Mitchener [Michener], April, 1971 and J. Ahearn [James Ahern], May 3, 1971
57. Eight-Track Tape: Press Conference, June, 1971
58. Eight-Track Tape: Press Conference: State of the City, December 29, 1971
59. Eight-Track Tape: Press Conference, December, 1972
60. Cassette Tape: Civil Service, [no date]
    

May 4 Collection -- Box 10

Series 9: Oversized Periodicals

Folder -- Contents

1. Akron Beacon Journal, 1970-1976
2. American Report, 1971
3. Christian Science Monitor, 1971
4. Daily Kent Stater, 1970-1976
5. Kent, Kent State University, 1968-1972
   
6. Record-Courier, 1970-1976
   
7. SDS: New Left Notes, [no dates]