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Garrett Kempers Collection, 1926-1983

Collection Overview

Title: Garrett Kempers Collection, 1926-1983

ID: COLL/142

Creator: Garrett Kempers (1898-1987)

Extent: 4.0 Boxes

Arrangement: Folder level description

Abstract

Professor of philosophy at Westmar College. The collection includes correspondence; academic records; articles; dissertation entitled "Anglo-Dutch Relations 1688-1697"; a paper, entitled "History of Plymouth County, Iowa," Westmar College chapel talks, a bound typescript entitled "A History of Westmar College"; various personal memorabilia; subject files on history and education; his memoirs with Garritt Roelofs from their early years up to their graduation from Calvin College in 1921; plus gown, cap, and two hoods.

Biographical Note

Garrett Kempers was born in Iowa on November 1, 1898.  Kempers attended Calvin College for his undergraduate studies. Once he graduated from Calvin, Kempers went on to earn his master’s and doctorate degree in history from the University of Michigan. From 1932 to 1964, Kempers served as a history professor at Westmar College in Le Mars, Iowa. Professor Kempers was awarded with emeritus status once he retired.  Kempers authored several books during his life. He also wrote numerous articles for the Journal of Modern History and for the Foreign Policy Association.

On a personal level, Kempers was involved in the Le Mars Rotary Club and a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Le Mars. Professor Kempers and his wife, Laura, moved to the sunshine state in 1967. They settled down in Sarasota to enjoy their retirement. Kempers became a member of the Church of the Palms Presbyterian Church. He also was a member of the Sarasota Yacht Club and the Sarasota Bay Rotary Club. On November 20, 1987, Dr. Garrett B. Kempers passed away at Memorial Hospital in Sarasota, Florida.

Box and Folder Listing

Series 1: Varia --- 1926-1982
Box 1
Folder 1: Family photographs and letters
Folder 2: Personal correspondence --- 1926-1982
Folder 3: Army recruitment material
Folder 4: Academics: Calvin, University of Michigan, Westmar College
Folder 5: "Memoirs of Garrett Kempers and Garritt E. Roelofs from their early years up to their graduation from Calvin College in 1921", based on tapes recorded --- August 1974
(manuscript form)
Folder 6: Memoirs part 2 --- 1976
Folder 7: "Early Dutch Settlements in Michigan," in University of Michigan radio speeches --- 1931
Folder 8: "Memoirs of Garritt E. Roelofs and Garrett Kempers subsequent to graduation from Calvin College in 1921"
Folder 9: "Memoirs of Garrett Kempers and Garritt E. Roelofs from their early years up to their graduation from Calvin College in 1921," based on tapes recorded --- August 1974
(finished form)
Series 2: Writings and Speeches --- 1932-1964
Box 2
Folder 1: "On Being Educated," address in the Telescope Messenger --- February 15, 1947
Folder 2: Publications of historical papers
Item 1: "History of Westmar College," bound copy --- 1964
Item 2: "Westmar College Chapel Talks," bound copy --- 1938-1964
Item 3: "Anglo-Dutch Relations from 1688-1699," dissertation --- 1932
Series 3: Citations, Certificates, Paperweights --- 1958-1983
Box 3
Folder 1: Certification of Appreciation --- January 1, 1981
Item 1: Paperweight, recognition of meritorious service at Westmar College --- June 2, 1958
Item 2: College bulletin --- January 1966
Item 3: Citations for 31 years of distinguished service as a history professor at Westmar
Item 4: Honorary Doctor of Laws degree conferred --- May 29, 1966
Item 5: Paperweight memento from Westmar upon retirement --- 1964
Item 6: Framed certificate, honorary membership.  Rotary Club, Sarasota, Florida --- December 20, 1983
Item 7: Rotary International plaque --- undated
Item 8: Alumni Professor of the Year --- 1963-1964
Series 4: Artifacts
Box 4
Item 1: Gown
Item 2: Cap
Item 3: Two Hoods