John M. Munson papers

Collection

Identifier: 02.JM

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

John M. Munson was the thirteenth president of Michigan State Normal College, serving from 1933 through 1948. His papers include both personal materials, as well as files from the Office of the President, from approximately 1904 through 1950.

The John M. Munson papers have been divided into the following series: Correspondence, Subject Files, Publishing and Writing, and Personal Materials. The Correspondence series has been subdivided into subseries that reflect arrangement, by date and by subject and/or correspondent. The Subject Files series have been arranged alphabetically. Publishing and Writing includes books, articles, and course notes. The Personal Materials series is composed largely of materials donated separately from the Office of the President files, including clippings, awards and honors, coursework, and biographical materials.

Dates

1904 - 1950

Creator

Munson, John M. (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

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

Biographical Note

John Maurice Munson was born on February 19, 1878 in Kane, Pennsylvania. At age 13, Munson left home for Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where he worked as a millhand and lumberjack; he also attended night school and eventually taught in village schools. Munson attended the Ferris Institute in Big Rapids, Michigan, and received his B.A. from Michigan State Normal College in 1903. He received his Ph.B. from the University of Chicago via correspondence, completing his degree in 1911.

Between 1903 and 1933, Munson served as a public school teacher, public school superintendent, Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction, Director of the Training School of the Central Michigan State Normal College in Mount Pleasant (1919-1923), and President of the Northern Michigan State Normal College in Marquette (1923-1933). While a student at the Ferris Institute, he drew the attention of W.N. Ferris, later the Governor of Michigan, who nominated Munson for many of these appointments and supported him throughout his career.

On May 8, 1933, Munson was named president of Michigan State Normal College by the State Board of Education, a position he held for fifteen years until 1948. Munson died on June 22, 1950.

Extent

8.4 Linear Feet (8 record center cartons, 1 archive box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

John M. Munson was the thirteenth president of Michigan State Normal College, serving from 1933 through 1948. The John M. Munson papers include both personal materials, as well as files from the Office of the President, from approximately 1904 through 1950.

Related Materials

For more information on John M. Munson, please see the Biographical and Photograph files in the University Archives; see also the Presidential Correspondence records [02.PC]: https://aspace.emich.edu/repositories/2/resources/597