Carroll University Archives

Personal Papers Collection

Several members of Carroll University staff, faculty and administration have left their personal papers to the college archives.

Rankin, (May Nickell) Papers (1888-1930)

May Nickell Rankin was the eldest daughter of Walter Rankin, second President of Carroll College.  She held the first endowed chair, the Voorhees Chair of Oratory, which she filled from 1895-1930.   May Rankin was instrumental in establishing the Carroll Players in 1896, now recognized to be the oldest student dramatic club in the state.

• Modern Drama: Dramatic Analysis: notes and unfinished dramatic analysis: Volume 1: European Drama, Continental (dated 1930, 2 copies), Volume 2: British and American Drama (dated 1930, 2 copies)
• Dramatic Art Notes: taken from the notebooks of May N. Rankin (dated 1930, 2 copies)
• Dramatic Analyses of Shakespeare's Plays [by] May N. Rankin, Professor of Literary Interpretation and Dramatic Literature (dated 1888-1930, 2 copies)
• Historical Material about May Nickell Rankin, Carroll College, 1888-1930, Professor of Literary Interpretation & Dramatic Literature -- Mary Jane Nickell Rankin (1839-1933), Wife of Dr. W. L. Rankin
  • This bound volume contains many programs, photographs, and newspaper clippings.  Included are pictures of May Rankin's mother, Mary Jane Nickell Rankin, and her sister Adela, also an actress.  Toward the end of the volume is found a family history written after May's death in 1931.  Mrs. Mary Rankin passed away two years later in 1933.

Rankin, (Walter) Papers

The second President of Carroll College.  He served from 1866 until 1904 (with the exception of 1872 and 1880, when the college was closed).

• Historical Material about Walter Lowrie Rankin, A.M., Ph.D., President of Carroll College, 1866-1904. (Contains a typed history and includes photos, newspaper clippings, programs of events)
• Interesting Historical Material concerning:
  • Dr. W. L. Rankin, President of Carroll College, 1866-1904
  • Mrs. W. L. Rankin, wife of Dr. Rankin
  • May N. Rankin, 1888 -- Carroll College -- 1930, Professor of Literary Interpretation and Dramatic Literature
• Lectures on Astronomy, volumes I & II by Walter Lowrie Rankin, A.M., Ph.D., President of Carroll College 1866-1904.  Included are clippings from formally published lectures.  At the back of the volume is a section titled "Appendix: Testimonials & Newspaper Clippings"

Savage, (John Adams) Papers

Founder and first President of the College

Steele, Robert Papers

President of Carroll College