E. B. Lemon Papers, ca. 1910-1979

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Lemon, E. B. (Erwin Bertran), 1889-1979
Title
E. B. Lemon Papers
Dates
ca. 1910-1979 (inclusive)
Quantity
0.6 cubic feet
Collection Number
Consult repository.
Summary
These papers were generated and collected by E.B. Lemon during his years at Oregon State University as Registrar and Dean of Administration. They document his role in professional and civic organizations along with his work for the Alumni Association and OSU Foundation.
Repository
Oregon State University Libraries, Special Collections and Archives Research Center
Special Collections and Archives Research Center
121 The Valley Library
Oregon State University
Corvallis OR
97331-4501
Telephone: 5417372075
Fax: 5417378674
scarc@oregonstate.edu
Languages
English
Sponsor
Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

Born in Sherman County, Oregon, in 1889, Erwin Bertran Lemon graduated with a degree in Business from OAC in 1911. That same year, Lemon's longtime association with the University continued with his appointment as a part-time instructor of accounting. Teaching for the School of Commerce until 1943, Lemon also held the post of University Registrar for 21 years (1922 to 1943) during this period. From 1943 until his retirement from the University in 1959, Lemon served as Dean of Administration. Outside the University, Lemon assumed leadership roles in several professional organizations including the American Association of Registrars and the Pacific Coast Registrar's Association. After retiring in 1959, Lemon remained active on behalf of the University through involvement in the OSU Alumni Association and the OSU Foundation (serving on the Board of Trustees from 1965 to 1978). Lemon was also active in Corvallis civic affairs, including involvement in the Corvallis Area Chamber of Commerce, the Corvallis School Board, and the local chapter of the Rotary Club. For his service to OSU and the community, Lemon was honored with a Distinguished Service Award from the University in 1968 and was named "First Citizen of Benton County " in 1959. Lemon died in 1979.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

Series I consists of correspondence regarding Lemon's involvement in the Corvallis Area Chamber of Commerce, the OSU Foundation, and the State Scholarship Commission. Also addressed in the correspondence are a recognition ceremony given in honor of Lemon's retirement and the gift of a replica of the National Capitol building to the University. Series II contains materials pertaining to the OSU Foundation and includes directories and minutes from the Board of Trustees, the Deferred Gifts Committee, Executive Committee, and the Nominations Committee. This series also contains materials relating to a proposed development of a performing arts center on campus (the Great Hall).

Series III are newspaper clippings relating to Lemon's appointment to the State Scholarship Commission, recognition ceremonies and celebrations honoring Lemon's retirement and 50th and 60th wedding anniversaries, and the awarding of "First Citizen of Benton County" honor to Lemon. Series IV consists of certificates and awards dating from 1924 to 1971. In addition to correspondence and brochures relating to the OSU Centennial Award presented to Lemon in 1968, this series includes certificates from the Pacific Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and the OSU Chapter of Phi Kappa Phi. Series V is photographs featuring portraits of Lemon, a view of Lemon on campus in his Cauthorn Hall dorm room and the building itself, and reunions of the graduating class of 1911.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Preferred Citation

E. B. Lemon Papers, Oregon State University Archives, Corvallis, Oregon.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Arrangement

Organized into five series, most of which are arranged alphabetically.

Related Materials

Documentation of Lemon's service to OSU as a longtime employee can be found in the institutional records of several University departments and offices, including the College of Business (RG 122), Registrar's Office (RG 53), and the Office of Finance and Administration (RG 131). The records of the OSU Alumni Association (RG 35) is another institutional records group documenting Lemon's work with the University. Lemon's involvement as a charter member and President of the local chapter of Phi Kappa Phi can be found in the papers of the OSU Chapter. Papers from the wife of E. B. Lemon, Lora, can also be found in the Archives.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Series I:  Correspondence, 1911-1979Return to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box
1
General
1911-1979
1
Corvallis Area Chamber of Commerce
1965-1975
1
National Capitol Building Replica Model
1964-1965
1
OSU Foundation
1968-1977
1
Retirement/Recognition Dinner
1955, 1959
1
State Scholarship Commission
1959-1969

Series II:  OSU Foundation, 1965-1979Return to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box
1
Directories
1970/1971-1978/1979
1
Minutes, Board of Trustees
1965-1978
2
Minutes, Deferred Gifts Committee
1968-1970
2
Minutes, Executive Committee
1976
2
Minutes, Nominations Committee
1974-1979
2
Proposal: Great Hall Performing Arts Center
1975-1978

Series III:  Newspaper Clippings, 1911-1979Return to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box
2
First Citizen of Benton County Honor
1959
2
General
1911-1973
2
Obituaries
Enclosed is a copy of Lemon's will, dated 1969.
1979
2
Retirement/Recognition Dinner
1959
2
State Scholarship Commission
1959-1961
2
Wedding Anniversary Celebrations
1961, 1971

Series IV:  Awards/Certificates, 1924-1971Return to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box
2
OSU Centennial Award
1968
2
Pacific Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers
1971
2
Phi Kappa Phi
1924-1969

Series V:  Photographs, ca. 1910-1961Return to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box
3
Class Reunions
ca. 1930-1961
3
Lemon at OAC
Shot of Lemon in Cauthorn (now Fairbanks) Hall dorm with roommate, Maurice Smead and exterior view of the hall.
ca. 1910
3
Portraits of Lemon
ca. 1910-1955

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Endowments--Oregon.

Personal Names

  • Lemon, E. B. (Erwin Bertran), 1889-1979

Corporate Names

  • Corvallis Area Chamber of Commerce (Or.)
  • Oregon State Scholarship Commission.
  • Oregon State University. Foundation.