Dan Poling Papers, 1956-1966

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Poling, Dan Williams.
Title
Dan Poling Papers
Dates
1956-1966 (inclusive)
Quantity
0.35 cubic foot, (1 box)
Collection Number
MSS Poling
Summary
The Dan Poling Papers consist of Poling's dissertation on Adair Village as well as a history of the Blue Key National Fraternity prepared by him. Poling earned a BS in Commerce from Oregon Agricultural College in 1928 and served as Dean of Men at Oregon State from 1947 until the early 1970s.
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
Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

Languages
English

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

Daniel Williams Poling earned a BS in Commerce from Oregon Agricultural College in 1928; he returned to Oregon State College in 1937 to teach political science and serve as Assistant Dean of Men. Poling was promoted to Dean of Men in 1947, a position he held until the position became Associate Dean of Students in the early 1970s. Poling retired from Oregon State University in 1972, but "Dean Dan" maintained an active connection with the University until his death in 1998.

Housing for married students, student veterans, and Oregon State faculty was established by Oregon State College, in agreement with the Federal Public Housing Authority, at the former Camp Adair location north of Corvallis in 1946. Adair Village housed more than 1500 residents at its peak.

The Blue Key Honor Society was founded at the University of Florida in 1924. The Oregon State chapter was established in 1934 to recognize male students with a strong academic background and who demonstrated "superior leadership and unselfish commitment to others".

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The Dan Poling Papers consist of Poling's dissertation on Adair Village and a history of the Blue Key National Fraternity. Poling's paper, Adair Village: A Post-War Project in Community Living for Married Students of Oregon State College, was completed in 1956 for his Doctor of Education degree at the University of Oregon. Poling describes the housing needs of students following World War II; the history of Adair Village; the physical plant, management, and services provided at Adair Village; and community life activities. The collection includes two copies.

A History of Blue Key National Honor Fraternity 1942-1966 was prepared by Poling and provides information on Bert Clair Riley, the founder of Blue Key; the development of the organization; chapter membership; and conventions and programs. The papers also include minutes of Blue Key National Council meetings in 1966.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Preferred Citation

Dan Poling Papers (MSS Poling), Oregon State University Special Collections & Archives Research Center, Corvallis, Oregon.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Acquisition Information

The materials were transferred to the University Archives in 1994 and 1998 by Dan Poling.

Related Materials

The Dean of Men Records (RG 134) document various programs and activities for male students at Oregon State during the time that Poling was Dean of Men as well as materials pertaining to the history of housing at Oregon State assembled by Poling. The Blue Key Fraternity Records (MSS BlueKey) pertain to the membership and activities of the Oregon State chapter. The Facilities Services Records (RG 193) include architectural drawings and plans for structures at Camp Adair and Adair Village. Additional information about student housing at Adair Village is available in the Memorabilia Collection (MC-Adair Village). The Oregon State University Dames Club Records (MSS Dames) provide information about activities for wives of Oregon State students.

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • College students--Oregon--Corvallis.
  • Married students--Oregon--Corvallis.
  • Student activities--Oregon--Corvallis.
  • Student housing--Oregon--Corvallis.

Personal Names

  • Riley, B. C. (Bert Clair), 1891-1962.

Corporate Names

  • Blue Key (Fraternity)
  • Oregon State College--Students.

Geographical Names

  • Adair Village (Or.)
  • Camp Adair (Or.)

Other Creators

  • Corporate Names
    • Blue Key (Fraternity) (creator)