Dr. Charles Barrell papers

The Barrell Papers contain the personal correspondence, publications, and financial papers of Dr. Charles Barrell (1909-1992). Also included in this collection are materials concerning the history of Bowling Green State University and the Department of Political Science as well as the history of the city of Bowling Green during Dr. Barrell's tenure as a City Councilman, 1967-1981.

The heart of the collection is a series of correspondence covering the years 1933 to 1983. This record series contains letters pertaining to the hiring of Dr. Barrell by Bowling Green State University, his service during WWII, his work on campus as chair of the Department of Political Science (1948-1965), his involvement with the campus unrest during the late 1950s and 1960s, and his work as a City Councilman for Bowling Green (1967-1981).

Other important series include files directly concerning his work for city council, especially those relating to the City Charter Commission, a collection of publications concerning his academic work, and files dedicated to his concerns about student rights and political freedom.

One small series of interest is a collection of war propaganda leaflets sent to him by a former student or colleague. The series contains leaflets sent to Japanese soldiers in WWII, and American solders during the Korean War.

A weakness of the collection is the lack of documents relating to Dr. Barrell's involvement with the Democratic Party. His political, as opposed to his governing, activities are only hinted at in the collection's papers.

This collection will be useful as a basis for biographical work as well as for histories of the University and the Department of Political Science. It also contains useful materials for the study of the city of Bowling Green.

Topics include Bowling Green City Politics, faculty and correspondence from the Political Science Department at Bowling Green State University, and personal letters from friends and students.

MANUSCRIPTS BY CHARLES BARRELL; [1929-1989, sc.], undated; arranged alphabetically. These papers include articles (some published) written by Barrell for publication, for class use, and reports written about Bowling Green City government and policies. Most of the topics covered deal with politics and the political system. Several speeches are included, of interest is the introduction of speaker Senator John Kennedy. Also included is a history of the Political Science Department.

MANUSCRIPTS BY OTHER AUTHORS; [1936-1982], undated; arranged alphabetically by name or title. These papers include ones identified by author and ones which are not identified (some of the latter may actually have been written by Barrell). Some are from former students of Dr. Barrell. The papers deal with political issues and the American system of government, as well as principles of academics. Several speeches and addresses are included.

Included are contracts of employment with BGSU, contracts with the Board of Elections and a resolution commending the sesquicentennial commission of Bowling Green.

Included are receipts for declaration of candidacy and pay stubs.

Report card from the University of Virginia, Pay Roll Allotment Authorization card, Bowling Green Council member card, U.S. Senate Chamber pass.

NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS; [1973.]; no arrangement.

MAPS; undated; no arrangement. Two maps of the city of Bowling Green, one identified as Plain (Town 5 North, Range 10 East) and Center (Range 11 East).

PUBLISHED ARTICLES; 1918, 1941-1979; arranged by subject. Articles and publications about government and political issues and documents sent to Barrell by professional colleagues and former students.

NEWS RELEASES; 1951, 1963, 1965, 1980; arranged chronologically. These include certificates of appreciation from the Department of Political Science, the Kiwanis Club, Bowling Green City Council, the Democratic National Committee, and the Medical College of Ohio. Also included are certificates of election and nomination for council positions in Bowling Green and sample ballots.

CERTIFICATES; [1974-1985], [1964-1977]; arranged chronologically. These include certificates of appreciation from the Department of Political Science, the Kiwanis Club, Bowling Green City Council, the Democratic National Committee, and the Medical College of Ohio. Also included are certificates of election and nomination for council positions in Bowling Green.

PAMPHLETS; 1963, 1971-1981; arranged chronologically. Includes political pamphlets and flyers, a bumper sticker from campaign for councilman in Bowling Green.

PROGRAMS; 1940-1946; arranged chronologically. Includes programs from the American Association of University Professors Conference, an Epsilon Chi Chapter program.

Includes:

Minutes, reports and some correspondence are included from the various Bowling Green city committees and boards. Of special interest are the files of the Charter Commission.

STUDENTS AND POLITICAL FREEDOM; 1965, 1967; no arrangement. Includes reports, memos, etc., discussing the outbreak of student demonstrations and university policy toward student rights.

WARTIME PROPOGANDA MATERIALS; 1939-1940, [1956]; no arrangement. Included are propaganda leaflets from WW II from the Psychological Warfare Branch of the U.S. Armed Forces aimed toward the Japanese. Also included are propaganda intended for U.S. Forces during the Korean Conflict.

PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINTS; 1959, 1971-1989, undated; no arrangement. Most photos are unidentified but show Dr. Barrell accepting awards, speaking at functions, and with noted personalities. Of special interest is a photo of then Senator John Kennedy with students during his visit to BGSU in September 1959.

AUDIO RECORDINGS; 1965, undated; no arrangement. Two reel-to-reel tapes, one identified as "Henry Howell" and the other as "The American Political Science Associations 1965 Seminar".

MATERIAL CULTURE; 1955, undated; no arrangement. Three paper weights with the Seal of Bowling Green and one commemorative plate from the 1955 Political Science 490 class, with the names of several students on the back.