UNT Archives

Using Materials in Archival Collections in general:

Students should be aware that most archival collections are room-use only (because the materials are unique and therefore irreplaceable) and that often there are materials in the collections that are not documented in on-line library catalogs. They will need to work with archives’ staff in order to search the various collections. Many archives are in the process of digitizing some of their records but a lot of what’s out there in the archives is not online and not available through interlibrary loan. Students will most likely need to physically go to archives in order to see primary sources on particular topics. It is best to call ahead and tell the archives’ staff what you are researching because often they have materials stored off-site and they will need time to retrieve them for you.

The UNT Archives   

Located in the Willis Library on the 4th floor

The UNT Archives home page https://web2edit.library.unt.edu/archives/university-of-north-texas-archives/ has the following contents:
Archives Collections and Services, Special Collection Websites,
University Records, Historical Manuscripts, Oral History Program,
County Records, Special Collection websites.

The UNT Archives consists of: university records; papers from leaders in politics, business, and industry in the North Texas area; county records for Cooke, Wise, Montague, and Denton counties, and an oral history collection.

The Archives houses over 1400 linear feet of processed university material and manuscript collections. The Archives also holds over 1500 oral history transcripts concerning various historical topics and approximately four hundred ledgers from selected Texas county offices. All of these collections are described under the Archives' four main divisions: University Records, Historical Manuscripts, Oral Histories, and County Records. The Archives is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Access to information in the Archives is governed by federal law, the Texas Public Information Act, and contractual agreement with donors. Material housed in the Archives does not circulate and must be used in the reading room. The Archives may be reached at (940) 565-2766.

Some collections that may be of particular use to students in HIST 5100.004:

The papers of the Karen B. Alexander collection (1968-1974) cover protest movements in the United States. The collection includes articles, booklets, circulars, journals, magazines, newsletters, newspapers, pamphlets, petitions, posters, and questionnaires. 2 boxes.

Virginia Clarke’s papers (1953-1970) regarding her work as the librarian of the Laboratory School at North Texas* contain clipping, photographs, publications, and reports. 2 boxes.

Clippings concerning Denton, Texas from North Texas area newspapers from 1930s to the 1970s. The subject headings are too numerous to include here. Please check with the Archives for help with researching this collection. 37 boxes.

The papers (1926-1969) of Nellie L. Griffith’s career as a professor in the College of Education at the University of North Texas. Included in this collection is a biographical account, correspondence, publications, and research materials. 2 boxes.

The papers (1885-1982) of Lillian Gunter, librarian, and family, including correspondence, financial documents, legal documents, research notes, printed material, photographs, and scrapbook. The collection contains extensive research notes on the history of Cooke County. 8 boxes.

Helen M. Hewitt’s papers (1887-1976) pertain to her career in music as a student and as a teacher of organ and musicology. The collection includes correspondence, photographs, programs, publications, and scrapbooks. 13 boxes

The papers (1869-1983; bulk of collection 1931-1976) of Sarah T. Hughes include biographical material, correspondence, minutes and proceedings, legal and financial documents, printed material, literary productions, scrapbooks, and photographic material relating to Ms. Hughes personal life, organizational activities, political activities, and legal career. Included are materials concerning her terms in the Texas Legislature (1930-1935), her tenure as judge of the 14^th District Court of Texas (1935-1961), and as United States District Judge of the Northern District of Texas (1961-1981). 90 boxes – access is restricted for some material.

A collection of family papers (1827-1922) that documents the activities of Mary Jones after the death of her husband, Anson Jones. The collection includes correspondence, financial documents, and biographical material. The correspondents include her sons, Samuel, Charles, and Cromwell, and her daughter Sallie. Also included is a family estate ledger and publications of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (1901-1921). 5 boxes

The papers (1929-1982, with the bulk of the papers 1928-1958) of Enid Justin and the Nocona Boot Company include correspondence, financial and legal documents, printed material, literary productions, photographic material, and scrapbooks. The collection covers Enid Justin’s career as the founder and president of Nocona Boot Company in Nocona, Texas. A large number of photographs pertaining to the operations of Nocona Boot Company are included in this collection. 16 boxes.

The papers (1941-1979) of Bertha and Herman Rosenzweig concern the glass business and the operation of TexGlass, Inc., in Decatur. They include legal documents, clippings, designs, history, interview, correspondence, notebooks, photographic materials, and literary productions. 1 box.

The papers (1916-1981) of Ruth Salmon cover her career as a rodeo performer and as a rancher in Nocona, Texas. The papers include printed material, literary productions, and photographic material. Salmon is an inductee in the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame and the National Cowboy Hall of Fame. 8 boxes.

The papers (1954-1974) of Hermine Tobolowsky related to her activities as president of the Texas Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs and as a leader in the equal legal rights movement in Texas. Included in this collection are correspondence, printed material, and literary productions. 14 boxes.

The records (1902-1969) of the Mary Arden Club, a literary society including correspondence, financial documents, legal documents, literary productions, minutes, photographs, and printed material. 8 boxes.

Papers (1971-1983) of Edna Whyte concern her career as a pilot and instructor of flight and include articles and clippings.