Harry Smith papers

Collection

Identifier: 010.HS

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Harry Smith was a Professor and Department head in the Michigan State Normal College/ Eastern Michigan University Department of Physics and Astronomy.

The Harry Smith papers include one series: Gradebooks. Additionally, the collection includes clippings, correspondence, biographical records and forms, photographs, and a copy of Smith's dissertation.

Dates

Creation: 1920 - 1962

Conditions Governing Access

Researchers are asked to request materials 24 hours prior to visiting the the University Archives.

Biographical note

Harry L. Smith was born in Ypsilanti in 1894. He earned his B.Pd. from Michigan State Normal College in 1915, and his B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Before teaching at MSNC, he taught science in Britton and Port Huron high schools. During World War I, he served in the Ordnance Corps. Smith joined the MSNC faculty in 1920, and in 1941 was appointed head of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. He retired in 1962, and in 1966 Harry L. Smith Scholarship was established in his honor and to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Department. This award is still offered to a physics major in high standing every year.

Smith was a member of Sigma Xi, the professional science fraternity, and the American Association of Physics Teachers. He belonged to the Twenty Club, the Ypsilanti Rotary Club, the Emeritus Club of EMU and the First United Methodist Church.

Extent

0.4 Linear Feet (1 archive box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Harry L. Smith was a professor and department head in the Eastern Michigan University Department of Physics and Astronomy from 1920 through 1962. His papers include gradebooks, clippings, and copy of Smith's dissertation.