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John W. King Slides and Memorabilia from a 1959 trip to the Soviet Union

 Collection
Identifier: MS-111

Scope and Contents

This collection includes slides and materials that John King gathered on his trip to the Soviet Union in 1959, as well as notes and writings about the experience that he created after returning. He likely used the materials to make presentations to friends and colleagues in Oregon. A note in the collection that was written on behalf of his travel group summed up the experience after their return:

"True, we were amazed at the dedication, confidence and sense of security of the Soviets as they enthusiastically prepare and work toward their well planned objectives. We believe there are features of their education program that we might carefully study and possibly adopt. However, as a package deal, we have to completely reject their program. It is designed to serve an entirely different purpose. If we were to adopt it in its entirety, it would destroy our way of life."

This collection was donated to Pacific University by John King's son, Michael King.

Dates

  • Creation: 1955-1962

Language of Materials

Materials are in English and in Russian.

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Pacific University owns the copyright to some, but not all, of the materials housed in its archives. Copyright for materials authored or otherwise produced as official business of Pacific University is retained by Pacific University and requires its permission for publication. Copyright status for other collection materials varies. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.

Biographical Notes

James William Self King (1905-1970) was the superintendent of schools in Lebanon, Oregon for 25 years. He and his wife, Bessie Hawes King, had attended Pacific University in the 1920s. Near the height of the Cold War in 1959, he traveled to the Soviet Union with a national group of approximately 50 educators. He brought back a set of slides, notes and memorabilia to share with others.

Extent

1 Cubic Feet (1 box)

Accruals

No accruals are expected.

Title
Guide to the John W. King Slides and Memorabilia from a 1959 trip to the Soviet Union
Status
In Progress
Author
Eva Guggemos
Date
2014
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.
Sponsor
Sponsored by a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission

Repository Details

Part of the Pacific University Archives Repository

Contact:
2043 College Way
Forest Grove OR 97116 United States