Robert J. Dodge collection

Collection – Multiple Containers

Identifier: MS-0157

Staff Only

Collection Overview

Abstract

The Robert J. Dodge collection dates from 1887 to 1982 and includes correspondence, personal papers, literary productions, news clippings, maps, printed materials, and photographs focusing on Put-in-Bay and South Bass Island, Ohio.

Dates

Creation: 1887-1982

Extent

5.06 Cubic Feet (11 legal boxes)

Creator

Dodge, Robert J. (Person)

Scope and Contents

The Robert J. Dodge collection consists of correspondence, selected personal papers from Elliot J. And Gordon A. Dodge, literary productions, research notes, newspaper clippings, maps, pamphlets, brochures, programs, photographs and negatives. The collection was amassed over Dodge's lifetime and culminated in his manuscript, "Isolated Splendor." Although some of the material is from the nineteenth century, most of the items cover the period from the late 1940s through the mid 1960s. The collection does not provide material for an in-depth academic study of Put-in-Bay and South Bass Island, nor of particular aspects of island life. However, it can be used as a starting point for general study and information, especially in the area of popular history.

A major portion of the general correspondence is comprised of responses by persons inquiring about or providing information for "Isolated Splendor." Other letters include arranging speaking engagements or lectures given by Robert Dodge.

Elliot J. and Gordon A. Dodge, grandfather and father of the collector, respectively, were engaged in the shipping industry of Put-in-Bay and the personal papers section of the collection reflects this involvement.

Research notes, bibliography cards, and manuscript proof sheets document the writing of the manuscript, "Isolated Splendor."

Newspaper clippings, maps, pamphlets, brochures, and programs supply data about various businesses, organizations, and events on South Bass Island and other areas of general interest.

The strength of the collection is contained in its photographic materials. Over 100 samples of photographs depicting scenes of the Island's transportation services, ice fishing, the regatta, Perry's Victory Monument, Put-in-Bay, the sports car races, vineyards, and grape festivals are included. An extensive grouping of approximately 1100 negatives complements the prints and expands the collection by providing an excellent picture of life on South Bass Island during the 1950s as seen through the eyes of Robert J. Dodge.

Biographical / Historical

Robert J. Dodge (1920- ) was employed as a local records archivist for the Ohio Historical Society at Kent State University. Although he was born in Toledo, Ohio, Dodge is a third generation South Bass Islander. After serving in Patton's Third Army during World War II, Dodge returned to Ohio State University and completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1946. He received another bachelor's degree in 1958 and a masters in 1961. From 1958 to 1965, he taught history and geography to fifth and sixth graders at Longfellow Elementary School in Fostoria, Ohio. During the summers from 1955 to 1970, Dodge served as the ranger-historian at the Perry's Victory Monument near Put-in-Bay, Ohio. While working on his doctorate, he was an instructor of history at two branches of Kent State, East Liverpool and Salem. He received his Ph.D. from Kent State in 1975. Shortly afterwards, he was hired for his position with OHS because of his expertise in preserving local records.

Dodge's other expertise lied in the area of the Erie Islands with a special focus on Put-in-Bay. His thesis, "The Struggle for Control of Lake Erie," was published for the National Park Service as a handbook under the name The Battle of Lake Erie (1962). In 1964, The Northwest Quarterly printed Dodge's article, "A Short History of Perry's Monument." Dodge corrected an error in the Encyclopedia Britannica with his article "Oliver Hazard Perry" (1966), an account of Commodore Perry's victory during the battle for Lake Erie. His dissertation was a slight variation from his earlier works, since it not only included the battle of Lake Erie but also the history of Put-in-Bay and South Bass Island. It was published in 1975, under its original title, Isolated Splendor: Put-in-Bay and South Bass Island.

Robert Dodge came by his appreciation for the islands and Lake Erie from his grandfather, Elliot J. Dodge, and father, Gordon A. Dodge. After moving his family to Put-in-Bay from Wisconsin, E. J. Dodge began a hauling and transportation business on the island. In 1906, he purchased a steam yacht called Wayward which he used to transport passengers between the mainland and the islands. In 1909, he commissioned the building of Tourist, which he used primarily for hauling. From 1912 to 1915, E. J. Dodge was contracted to haul the stones used in building the Perry's Victory Monument. Gordon helped his father and ran the business after Elliot's death in 1935, until his own retirement in 1954. Gordon Dodge died in 1960.

Conditions Governing Access

No known access restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers using this collection assume full responsibility for conforming to the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright, and are responsible for securing permissions necessary for publication or reproduction.