Richards/McKinney Family Papers, ca. 1900-1997 | Eastern Kentucky University - Special Collections and Archives

By Alisha Rhymer

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Collection Overview

Title: Richards/McKinney Family Papers, ca. 1900-1997

Primary Creator: Mary Frances Richards (1900-1987)

Extent: 18.43 Cubic Feet

Date Acquired: 09/27/1989

Subjects: Eastern Kentucky University, Eastern Kentucky University--Alumni and alumnae., Eastern Kentucky University--Faculty and staff., Education--Kentucky., Family history., Great Depression., Kentucky--Genealogy., West (U.S.)--Description and travel., World War, 1939-1945., YMCA, YWCA

Abstract

The Richards/McKinney Family Papers contains correspondence, photographs, genaology, legan and financial documents, and documents related to EKU. The collection follows Mary Frances McKinney Richards (1900-1987) and Rollin Rhoten Richards aka "Dick" (1898 - 1997). Both Mary Frances and Dick were faculty at Eastern for the length of their careers, and remained involved in Alumni affairs until their deaths. Many items in the collection relate to Mary Frances.

Scope and Contents of the Materials

The Richards Family Papers contains correspondence, photographs, genaology, legal documents, financial documents, and documents related to EKU. The collection follows Mary Frances McKinney Richards and R.R. "Dick" Richards for the length of their careers at Eastern Kentucky University. Dick began teaching at Eastern in 1929, while Mary Frances began teaching in 1924. Records indicate that they both retired from teaching in the summer of 1966, but they remained deeply involved in Alumni affairs until their deaths. Mary Frances and Dick stayed in contact with many of their students throughout the years, which is displayed in the large correspondence selection. Additionally, the McKinneys rented out rooms in their home to local boys attending Eastern, and Mary Frances remained close with many of them for years after. Although Mary Frances and Dick never had children of their own, they treated many of these students as their own. The Richards Family enjoyed traveling the globe, taking many interesting and beautiful photos which are represented in the collection. This collection contains a host of genealogical materials from many Madison and Clark County families, which reflects the interest that Mary Frances had in researching her family history. Mary Frances maintained very organized genealogical records, complete with identification numbers and photos. In addition to those records, Mary Frances documented her own family history through written stories. Mary Frances and Dick were also members of the First United Methodist Church in Richmond, Kentucky, so there are many documents related to the church itself as well as the history of the church.

It is important to note that most of the documents in this collection are related to Mary Frances rather than Dick. Born in 1900 to Leatha Griggs McKinney and David B. McKinney, Mary Frances remained unmarried until her early fifties. Therefore, much of the collection highlights her life prior to her marriage to Dick. The collection contains Mary Frances' diaries, beginning as early as 1917, and a variety of early correspondence only addressed to Mary Frances. Additionally, Mary Frances was involved in multiple organizations which are reflected in the collection. For example, Mary Frances' work with the Danforth Foundation in student outreach is represented in this collection, as is her involvement with YWCA and Alumni Affairs. While working as the Alumni secretary, Mary Frances appears in correspondence as opinionated on Eastern's affairs, as well as intelligent in her knowledge of campus politics. From Mary Frances' perspective, this collection also depicts WWII and the impact that the war had on Eastern and its student population.

Finally, due to their life-long involvement with Eastern, this collection illustrates the Eastern experience from the perspective of the Richards Family. Their perspective offers not only experience as faculty, but students as well. Included in this collection are many pieces of ephemera and memorbilia from Mary Frances and Dick's time at Eastern. Additionally, the collection contains many photos of Eastern through the years, including early photos from their time as students and expanding through the many homecoming events at Eastern. The Richardses lived near campus, on Lancaster, and their home at Lancaster is represented in the collection through photos as well.

Collection Historical Note

Mary Frances McKinney was born in 1900 to Leatha Griggs McKinney and David B. McKinney in Richmond, KY, where she lived until her death in 1987. Rollin Rhoten Richards (R.R. Richards) aka "Dick" was born in 1898 in Russell County, KY, to William A. Richards and Lillie Richards. He died in 1997. Mary Frances and Dick were married in 1953. After Mary Frances' death, Dick remarried to Dorothy N. Fields in 1989. Mary Frances had two siblings, Ethel "Walker" McKinney Swofford and David H. McKinney who appear in the collection in correspondence and photographs. Mary Frances and Dick had no children.

Subject/Index Terms

Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University--Alumni and alumnae.
Eastern Kentucky University--Faculty and staff.
Education--Kentucky.
Family history.
Great Depression.
Kentucky--Genealogy.
West (U.S.)--Description and travel.
World War, 1939-1945.
YMCA
YWCA

Administrative Information

Repository: Eastern Kentucky University - Special Collections and Archives

Acquisition Source: Richards, Mary F.

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Series:

[Series 1: Correspondence],
[Series 2: First United Methodist Church Series],
[Series 3: Genealogy Series],
[Series 4: Newspaper Series],
[Series 5: Photograph Series],
[Series 6: Subject Series],
[All]

Series 6: Subject Series

Sub-Series 1: Danforth Foundation

Box 35

UnitID: 3 1234 01392404 6

Folder 1: American Youth Foundation Correspondence, January 1, 1945 - February 16, 1951: Correspondence between Mary Frances and various Danforth Foundation members regarding admittance and recommendation for training camps at Camp Miniwanca
Folder 2: Danforth Foundation Correspondence, February 20, 1941 - December 30, 1942: Correspondence between Mary Frances and various Danforth Foundation members, as Mary Frances is named a Danforth Associate. Correspondence follows Mary Frances' activities as an associate. Topic of interest: Danforth Foundation annual conference and topics
Folder 3: Danforth Foundation Correspondence, January 1, 1943 - December 31, 1944: Correspondence between Mary Frances and various Danforth Foundation members. Mary Frances continues to write as her role as Danforth Associate. Of interest are Mary Frances' descriptions of her interactions with students and her efforts to support them, especially the soldiers. Includes mid-year and annual report by Mary Frances regarding use of Danforth Foundation funds.
Folder 4: Danforth Foundation Correspondence, January 1, 1945 - October 4, 1946: Correspondence between Mary Frances and various Danforth Foundation members, while Mary Frances worked as a Danforth Associate at Eastern.
Folder 5: Danforth Foundation Correspondence, February 28, 1947 - September 20, 1951: Correspondence between Mary Frances and various Danforth Foundation members, while Mary Frances worked as a Danforth Associate at Eastern. Includes additional pamphlets for conferences and invitations.
Folder 6: Danforth Foundation Materials, Undated: Contains applications for Camps under the direction of the Danforth Foundation and American Youth Foundation. Additionally, contains documents and information from Danforth Christian Conferences
Folder 7: Danforth Foundation Materials, Undated: Contains lists of attendees to the Danforth Christian Conference, as well as some itineraries for those conferences
Folder 8: Danforth Foundation Publications and Programs, Undated: Publications and Programs distributed by the Danforth Foundation, as well as some maps and song books.
Folder 9: State List of Associates, 1956-1958: Contains full lists divided by state for Danforth Associates from the years 1956-1958

Sub-Series 2: Eastern Kentucky University

Box 36

UnitID: 3 1234 01392405 3

Folder 1: Eastern Kentucky University Miscellaneous, Undated: Includes lists of individuals for the Alumni association and an interview of Mary Frances in which she discusses her experience of the Great Depression
Folder 2: Eastern/Alumni Association Correspondence, 1942-1969: Alumni Association Correspondence while Mary Frances was involved with the association. Of interest: Letters to and from Mary Frances in this folder indicate Mary Frances' disapproval of Eastern leadership
Folder 3: Eastern/Alumni Association Correspondence, 1970-N.D.: Continued correspondence for the Alumni Association between Mary Frances and various individuals involved with Eastern affairs
Folder 4: Eastern Alumni Association - Miscellaneous, 1956-1987: Includes photos, lists of Alumni and presidents, letters, and Alumni Association financial reports
Folder 5: Eastern Class Rosters - Alumni Association, 1924-1979: Class rosters for use by the Alumni Association
Folder 6: Eastern Memorabilia, 1927-1931: Various memorabilia for Eastern. Includes some photos, invitations, flyers, and name tags
Folder 7: Mixed Publications, 1941-1986: Mixed publications: Modern Business Education, Hunt School History, Peabody Views, The Bulletin of the Kentucky Historical Society, "The Echo" publication of the Madison County Retired Teachers Association, and a copy of Bank Notes for the 200th year of Madison County

Sub-Series 3: Legal/Financial Records

Box 36

Folder 8: McKinney Family - Legal, 1906-1920: Includes Life insurance claims and property lease
Folder 9: Rice & Arnold Monthly Report, 1931: Monthly report for Rice & Arnold. Dated April 10, 1931. Includes the accounts and balances of customers in 1931
Folder 10: Lucian Griggs Ledger, 1894: Ledger belonging to Lucian Griggs of College Hill, KY.
Folder 11: Mary Frances Richards Ledger: Ledger belonging to Mary Frances, including rent income as she rented out rooms to college boys. Also includes a list of rules and expectations for boys wishing to rent from her.

Box 37

UnitID: 3 1234 01392406 1

Folder 1: Bank Books, 1914-1925: Includes two bank books for the accounts of D.B. McKinney, and McKinney & Deatherage
Folder 2: McKinney Family Store Ledger, 1923-1925: Ledger for the McKinney Family Store, which belonged to Mary Frances' father, D.B. McKinney
Folder 3: May C. Hansen Estate, 1951-1959: May C. Hansen, former faculty at Eastern, passed away after being hit by a car. Mary Frances was named executor of her state. Folder includes legal documents naming Mary Frances as executor, tax documents, correspondence, death records, and bank statements
Folder 4: May C. Hansen Sympathy Correspondence, 1957-1958: Contains cards and letters from mutual friends and loved ones after learning of May's accident from Mary Frances. The letters reflect on the relationship between May and her friends, and thank Mary Frances for the work she did with Hansen's estate.
Folder 5: May C. Hansen Newspapers, 1957-1969: Contains newspapers and clippings regarding the accidental death of May C. Hansen, as well as the proceedings following the young man who was driving the car, Richard Click.
Folder 6: May C. Hansen Dedication Speeches, 1961: Includes copies of a dedication speech made by President O'Donnell of Eastern while dedicating the May C. Hansen Library in the Donovan Laboratory School Building.
Folder 7: May C. Hansen/Maude Gibson Correspondence, 1916-1919: Correspondence: May C. Hansen and Maude Gibson
Folder 8: May C. Hansen/Estelle Heald Correspondence, 1916: Correspondence: May C. Hansen and Estelle Heald
Folder 9: May C. Hansen/James Sizemore Correspondence, 1939-1940: Correspondence: May C. Hansen and James Sizemore
Folder 10: Miscellaneous May C. Hansen Correspondence, 1914-1974: Miscellaneous correspondence to May C. Hansen, retrieved by Mary Frances after May Hanson's death.
Folder 11: Various Wills, 1941-1980: Various last will and testaments: George D. Smith, E.M. Norton, Robert Sory, Grace Law.
Folder 12: R. R. Richards Personal Documents, 1918-1922: Documents of induction into military service for R.R. Richards
Folder 13: Sewell Family Tax Returns, 1935-1947: Tax returns fromt he 1935-1947 for members of the Sewell family
Folder 14: Fanny D. McKinney Sewell Estate, 1961-1976: Income and tax documents for the Fanny D. Sewell Estate, over which Mary Frances was named executor
Folder 15: Fanny D. McKinney Sewell Sympathy Correspondence, 1960: Sympathy notes/cards for the passing of Fanny D. McKinney Sewell
Folder 16: J.S. Sewell Estate, 1959-1961: Documents from the estate of J.S. Sewell, with Mary Frances named executor. Includes life insurance documents, death verification, last will and testament, tax examinations, final settlement document, and inventory papers
Folder 17: J.S Sewell Contracts, 1924-1945: Various contracts of sale and purchase entered into by J.S. Sewell, and often also by his wife, Fanny Sewell
Folder 18: J.S. Sewell Sympathy Correspondence, 1958-1959: Sympathy notes/cards for the passing of J.S. Sewell

Box 38

UnitID: 3 1234 01392407 9

Folder 1: Richards Insurance, 1942-1969: Contains a life insurance document for R.R. Richards, with Mary Frances as a beneficiary. Also contains a piece of correspondence from the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company to Mary Frances regarding insurance annuities
Folder 2: Deeds, Undated: Contains various deeds involving the Richards.
Folder 3: R.R. Richards and Dorothy Richards, 1994: Legal documents - wills, trusts, power of attorney - for R.R. Richards and Dorothy N. Richards. Dick married Dorothy after Mary Frances' death.

Sub-Series 4: Diaries/Personal Writings

Box 38

Folder 4: Diaries, 1917-1918: Two diaries belonging to Mary Frances when she was a teenager. Includes discussion of friends, her daily activities, and some brief discussion of schooling
Folder 5: Diaries, 1928-1961: Two diaries belonging to Mary Frances. The 1928 diary is a bank book, filled only through January. The 1961 diary is a desk diary filled until approximately August of that year. Includes notes on daily activities and teaching.
Folder 6: Hospital Diary, 1975: Diary kept by Mary Frances during a hospital stay in 1975. Contains her daily activities as well as a list of visitors and callers
Folder 7: Diary/Agenda, 1982: A Netherlands agenda for 1982 which Mary Frances used as a diary instead. Contains daily activities and notes through most of the year.
Folder 8: Richards Address Books, Undated: Address book and Phone address book, filled partially.

Sub-Series 5: Miscellaneous

Box 38

Folder 9: Yearbooks, 1927-1928: Two yearbooks from 1927-1928. 1927 yearbook is "The Pinnacle" for Berea College in KY. 1928 yearbook is "The Benham 'Hi'" for Benham High School in Benham, KY.
Folder 10: Kentucky Tourism, 1983: Tourism pamphlets for various activities in Kentucky.

Box 39

UnitID: 3 1234 01392408 7

Folder 1: Through the Years, 1978: Written by Ray Somers, friend to the Richards family. Inside front has a written dedication to both Mary Frances and Dick. Marked sections in the rear of the book include stories and notes about the Richards.
Folder 2: Certificates, 1929-1994: Various certificates awarded to Dick and Mary Frances over the years. Most of the certificates are related to educational accomplishments.
Folder 3: Eulogy, 1977: Eulogy for William Nelson Gordon, given by J.W. Thurman at Richmond Cemetery in Richmond, KY. Printed in text by Mary Frances.
Folder 4: Gardening Info, Undated: Various pamphlets and papers related to gardening, a favorite hobby of R.R. Richards.
Folder 5: Kentucky Retired Teachers Association, 1986-1987: Contains Kentucky Retired Teachers Association (KRTA) constitution of 1986, as well as a schedule of workshops for 1987
Folder 6: Miscellaneous Pamphlets and Calendar, Undated: Various pamphlets for Madison County, KY. Includes a booklet of info on the Blue Grass Army Depot in Richmond, KY, as well as info about the Spindletop Mansion, info about traffic safety and alcohol, and U.S. Savings bonds. Also included in this folder is a 1985 calendar containing historical photos of Russell County, KY, where R.R. Richards is from
Folder 7: Miscellaneous R.R. Richards Education, ca.1933: Contains banquet booklets from events attended by R.R. Richards. Also contains 1933 Boston University degree for R. R. in his Masters of Business Administration
Folder 8: Notebooks, Undated: Contains two notebooks. One notebook appears to have been used when someone was unable to speak/was hospitalized. That notebook contains conversational notes regarding school, visitors, and how the individual was feeling. The other notebook in this folder contains a list of visitors to Curtis McKinney, noting food or gifts that visitors brought.
Folder 9: Assorted poems and writings, 1950-1956: Contains poems written by Mabel Kunkel, writings about Eastern by Mary Frances, and poems by Walter Richards.
Folder 10: David H. McKinney documents, 1927-1941: Includes documents belonging to David H. McKinney, Mary Frances' brother. Includes metal name plate, commencement exercise programs, publications of the "Cropper Hi Points", a football notebook, and floor plans for his home.
Folder 11: Teacher Record Books, 1918-1919: Contains three teacher record books belonging to Mary Frances during her time at the Hunt school. The books contain lists of students and attendance records. In the 1918 book, some classes appear to be closed for influenza. In the 1919 book, attendance is not filled and instead notes that the school was closed for scarlet fever.
Folder 12: Early Teaching Documents, 1928-1941: Includes various documents relating to Mary Frances' early career. Includes early transcript of grades, some newspaper clippings, and a booklet for the Hunt school.

Box 40

UnitID: 3 1234 01392409 5

Folder 1: Events/Invitations, 1923-1955: Invitations and programs from events. Topics of interest: Alumni dinner, commencements, marriages, Owen Family Reunion, George Peabody College
Folder 2: Events/Invitations, 1956-1973: Invitations and programs from events. Topics of interest: Commencements, marriages, Madison County Bicentennial, Earl Combs recognition dinner, Opening of Telford hall, Opening of Meditation Chapel at Eastern, Dedication of Powell building, Swofford 50th anniversary
Folder 3: Events/Invitations, 1974-1994: Invitations and programs from events. Topics of interest: Marriages and commencements, publication of the Public Papers of Keen Johnson event, 26th season of the Stephen Foster story, Alumni dinners, 200 years of fashion event.
Folder 4: Hanging of the Greens, 1942-1987: Programs for the Hanging of the Greens event at Eastern.
Folder 5: H.L. Donovan, 1956: Commencement address delivered by H.L. Donovan while he was president at University of Kentucky. In the front of the address is a letter to R.R. Richards from Donovan
Folder 6: Dance Invitations, 1928-1934: Includes dance invitations, belonging to both Mary Frances and R.R. Richards
Folder 7: Society of Boonesborough, 1975-1993: Contains two yearbooks and publications of the "Boonesborough Post"
Folder 8: S.S. United States, 1965: Includes ephemera from the S.S. United States cruise. The Richards took the cruise in 1965
Folder 9: Miscellaneous Memorabilia and Ephemera, Undated: Includes: Booklet describing bird song, a nametag for Dorothy Richards, a comedy book titled "Get Well Soon", a book of prayer, a handmade book "My Dutch Supper Menus" by Mary Frances, and a small book titled "The Beauty of Sounds"

Box 41

UnitID: 3 1234 01392410 3

Folder 1: Memorial Record Books, 1945-1978: Memorial books for D.B. McKinney, Allison T. Ayres, and Oscar Swofford
Folder 2: Memorial Record Books, 1961: Memorial book for Leatha May Griggs McKinney, Mary Frances' mother
Folder 3: Memorial Record Books, 1961: Memorial book for James S. Sewell
Folder 4: Memorial Record Books, 1980: Memorial book for Ethel Walker McKinney Swofford, Mary Frances' sister
Folder 5: Memorial Record Books, 1981: Memorial book for Mary Curtis McKinney
Folder 6: Memorial Record Books, 1987: Memorial book for Mary Frances McKinney Richards

Sub-Series 6: Y.M.C.A/Sam Beckley

Box 42

UnitID: 3 1234 0139211 1

Folder 1: Global Organization Publications, 1930-1932: Publications: The Intercollegian, The International Student, Young Men, and The World Tomorrow. A few of the publications are marked with notes and signature of Sam Beckley, a young man who rented a room from Mary Frances. Sam Beckley was president of the YMCA at Eastern while attending the school
Folder 2: Student Organization Publications and Programs, 1933-1939: Student Organization publications. Includes publications regarding alcohol use in college students, civil rights, Armistice Day, Day of Prayer, and student solidarity
Folder 3: Off-Campus Programs and Publications, 1929-1938: Includes: Christian World Education Scrapbook, Southern Student Conference information, Christian leadership, State YMCA conferences, State YMCA training.
Folder 4: Eastern YMCA Publications/Correspondence, 1930-1936: YMCA publications at Eastern, including correspondence between Sam Beckley and other students and other YMCA members.
Folder 5: Eastern YMCA Publications/Correspondence, 1930-1936: Includes programs and publications regarding YMCA events on Eastern's campus. Also includes correspondence between Sam Beckley and other YMCA members, both at Eastern and nationally.
Folder 6: YMCA Publications, Undated: YMCA publications. Includes publications regarding suggested policies for YMCA on campuses, economic news, intercollegiate service, how to advertise the YMCA, and YMCA manual.
Folder 7: Miscellaneous YMCA/YWCA Papers, Undated: Brief history of YMCA on Eastern's campus, as well as some YWCA correspondence and other miscellaneous documents.

Sub-Series 7: Oversized and Artifacts

Box 43

UnitID: 3 1234 01392412 9

Item 1: Two Handkerchiefs: Given to Mary Frances by Edith McKinney.
Item 2: History of the First United Methodist Church in Richmond, KY Scrapbook

Box 44

UnitID: 3 1234 01392413 7

Folder 1: Danforth Foundation and Camp Miniwanca Scrapbook

Folder os1: Posters, Certificates and Portraits, Undated

Includes oversized posters from Boston University, various oversized certificates belonging to both of the Richards, a large certificate for R.R. Richards on distinguished faculty for Eastern, an oversized unidentified flag, and a portrait of R.R. Richards sent by former student Wu Kuo-Chou.

Barcode: 31234013924145

Folder os2: Newspapers, 1945

Newspapers from Detroit, MI, covering the end of WWII.

Barcode: 31234013924152

Folder os3: Newspapers, 1945

Newspapers from Dayton, OH, covering the end of WWII.

Barcode: 31234013924160

Item 1: McKinney Photo Album, Undated

McKinney photo album with notes and identification from Mary Frances and Leatha Griggs McKinney

UnitID: 3 1234 01392417 8

Sub-Series 8: Additional Materials

Box 45

Barcode: 31234014260028

Folder 1: Interior Photos of Home, 1950: 36 images. Includes photographs of the interior of the Richards home on Lancaster. Each photo has a detailed description and inventory of furniture and other belongings written by Mary Frances.
Folder 2: Early EKU Athletics, Undated: 18 images, 12 negatives. Includes some photos of men playing football and baseball in Eastern uniforms.
Folder 3: Fair Photos, Undated: 14 images of a fair, likely a fair in Kentucky based on content.
Folder 4: Alesa with Flowers and Hat, Undated: 17 images. Photos of a young woman named Alesa posed with flowers and a hat. Some of the photos also have a young man named Stephen at a dinner table with her.
Folder 5: Cattle Photos, Undated: 56 images, 12 negatives.
Folder 6: Parade Photos, Undated: 26 images. Images of a parade as it passes down Lancaster Ave, in front of the Richards home.
Folder 7: Wolf Creek Dam Groundbreaking, 1941-09-01: 31 images with negatives. Includes photos of the celebration as well as photos of speakers at the event.
Folder 8: Old Russell Springs Fair Film, Undated: 5 negatives.
Folder 9: Kentucky House of Reform at Greendale, ca. 1923-1925: 113 negatives. Includes photos of the grounds, the students, Dick as he taught there, and photos of the KHR baseball team who won the championship in 1924 and 1925
Folder 10: Berea Normal School, ca. 1919-1922: 56 negatives. Photos from when Dick attended Berea Normal School - inside of dorms, students, and sports teams.
Folder 11: Early Miscellaneous Photos, Undated: 79 images, 150 negatives. Includes photos of friends, family, travels, homes, and landscapes.
Folder 12: Unidentified Friends/Family, Undated: 37 images of unidentified people. Includes group photos, photos of Dick and Mary Frances individually, photos of cars and homes, and farm landscape photos.
Folder 13: Postcards, Undated: 38 cards. The postcards range from images from the Western us, New England, and various monuments and landmarks.
Folder 14: Disc Negatives, Undated: 8 Disc Negatives of images shown previously in the collection

Box 46

Barcode: 31234014260036

Item 1: Richards Retirement Album, 1966: This is a photo album/scrapbook to honor the retirement of both Mary F. Richards and Dick Richards. They both retired in 1966. The album has photos, event programs, correspondence, and newsclippings.

Folder OS4: Map Case Oversized

Contains two long group photos from Dick's time in the military. Each photo contains a longer list of each member in the photo, their rank, and their location. Also contains a large colorful poster giving tips on how to better shop using rations from WWII. (Poster ca. 1943).

Barcode: 31234014260044