Finding Aid for the George A. Bowman artifacts collection

Author: Amanda Faehnel, July 2011

Descriptive Rules: DACS

Origination: George A. Bowman

Inclusive Dates: 1860-1974

Bulk Dates: 1960-1974

Extent: 9.66 cubic feet (13 boxes = 7 record storage boxes, 1 half-sized record storage box, 3 oversized boxes, 2 "shoebox" containers)

Physical Location: 11th Floor.

Abstract: This collection contains artifacts belonging to George A. Bowman. The bulk of these materials were presented as gifts during Bowman's presidency at Kent State University.

Biography of George A. Bowman: George Arvene Bowman served as Kent State University's fifth president from 1944 to 1963. Born in Galion, Ohio in 1893, Bowman began teaching as soon as he completed high school in Edison, Ohio. He became, successively, a teacher, principal, and superintendent in Edison, and went on to receive his A.B. from Adelbert College in 1917. After serving in World War I in the Navy, he became principal of Zanesville High School and married Edith Fraser Duncan in 1923.

George A. Bowman went on to serve as Superintendent of Chillicothe, Marion, Lakeview, and Youngstown schools in addition to receiving his A.M. from Columbia University. In 1944, Bowman became the fifth President of Kent State University, serving from July 1,1944 to July 1, 1963. Among many other honorary degrees and awards, Bowman was awarded the President's Medal in 1974. He remained in Kent until his death in 1976.

Scope and Content: The materials found in the George A. Bowman artifacts collection were separated from the George A. Bowman papers. The items found here are typically gifts presented to George A. Bowman and his wife, Edith Bowman, with many given during Bowman's presidency at Kent State University.

Statement of Arrangement: The artifacts are arranged by material type and storage needs.

Preferred Citation: George A. Bowman artifacts collection. Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Related Material:These artifacts were originally acquired along with the George A. Bowman papers, now a separate collection. View this collection for more materials relating to George A. Bowman.

Box 1

Folder -- Contents

1. Animal figurine with fur, undated
2. Animal figurine with fur, undated
3. Award of Merit, Kent State University Athletic Department, 1963
4. Award of President's Medal, Kent State University, 1974
5. Book ends, 1955 (gift of two students from Cuba, 1960)
6. Carved elephant, wood with ivory tusks, undated
7. Carved elephant, wood with ivory tusks, undated
8. Carved man with tool, wood, undated
9. Carved plate, wood, Japan, undated
10. Gourd ladle, undated
11. Gourd ladle, undated
12. Paperweight, wood with carved ivory inlay, India, undated
13. Photograph, Nigeria, 1965
14. Small Artifact Box: Badges, pins, tietacks, undated
15. Small Artifact Box: Rubber and wooden signature stamps, undated

Box 2

Folder -- Contents

1. Bookends made by William E. Heasley and students, bricks from Gardner School, Morrow County, 1963
2. Dog ashtray, undated
3. Gavel, Kent Rotary President, 1958
4. Horse sculpture, undated
5. Horseshoe, "The Bowmans' Lucky Horseshoe," 1963
6. Kent State University Presidential Nameplate, undated
7. Pen set, engraved, undated

Box 3

Folder -- Contents

1. Ashtray, Greece, undated
2. Bowl, silver, Cambodia, undated (gift of Prince Norodom Sihanouk)
3. Carved boat, wood, China, undated (two pieces)
4. Carving, wood, water bearer, Korea, undated (gift of Rudy Tosenberger)
5. Cigarette box, silver, 1960 (gift of Kent Chamber of Commerce for Distinguished Service Award)
6. Dagger, Syria, undated (gift of Marzia and Mobina Kouatly)
7. Framed correspondence, George A. Bowman to Richard F. Viering, 1969

Box 4

Folder -- Contents

1. Bowl, silver, undated (gift of Kent State University Board of Trustees)
2. Goblet, sterling silver, undated (gift of "His Gals")
3. President's Medal, Kent State University, 1974
4. Tray, silver, 1963 (gift of the Alumni of Kent State University)
5. Tray, silver, round, Cambodia, undated (gift of Prince Norodom Sihanouk)
6. Tray, silver, oval, Cambodia, undated (gift of Leslie W. Garnett)

Box 5

Folder -- Contents

1. Pen holder, undated
2. Tazza, silver, undated
3. Tazza, silver, undated
4. Tazza, silver, undated
5. Tray, silver, 1934 (gift of the Marion Rotary Club)

Box 6

Folder -- Contents

1. Backgammon board, pearl inlays, undated
2. Bookends, wood, Tanzania, undated
3. Bowman Breakfast plaque, 1968
4. Box with lid, abalone shell inlay, undated
5. Business cards and plate, undated
6. Carved bird, horn, undated
7. Carved bird, horn, undated
8. Carved box, wood, New Zealand
9. Carved head, wood, undated
10. Carved head, wood, undated
11. Gavel and box, 1960 (gift of the Industrial Arts Department, Kent State University)
12. Lamp, brass, Pakistan, undated (gift of Mr. and Mrs. Michaels)
13. Lamp, brass, Pakistan, undated (gift of Mr. and Mrs. Michaels)
14. Pennant, Kent State University, undated
15. Tablet, bronze, Thailand, undated
16. Tablet, bronze, Thailand, undated

Box 7

Folder -- Contents

1. Bust of Abraham Lincoln by Leonard Wells Volk, 1860

Box 8

Folder -- Contents

1. Steuben glass candlestick, undated
2. Steuben glass candlestick, undated

Box 9

Folder -- Contents

1. Engraved nameplate with chain, 1960 (gift of Kent State University faculty and staff)
2. Steuben glass compote, "Sea Centerpiece," undated (two pieces)

Box 10

Folder -- Contents

1. Silver tray, undated

Box 11

Folder -- Contents

1. Silver tray, undated

Box 12

Folder -- Contents

1. Academic robe, undated

Box 13

Folder -- Contents

1. Academic cap, undated
2. Academic cap, undated