creator:

Albert Boynton Storms, 1860-1933

title:

Papers

dates:

1902-1983

extent:

2.68 linear feet (4 manuscript boxes)

collection number:

RS 2/6

repository:

Special Collections Department, Iowa State University.

access:

Open for research

publication rights:

Consult Head, Special Collections Department

preferred citation:

Albert Boynton Storms Papers, 1902-1983, RS 2/6, University Archives, Special Collections Department, Iowa State University Library.

Biographical / Historical note

Albert Boynton Storms was born on April 1, 1860 in Lima Center, Michigan.  He received an A.B. (1884) and an M.A. (1893) from the University of Michigan, a Ph.D. in Divinity (1903) from Lawrence University, and a Ph.D. in law (1905) from Drake University.   Storms became a Methodist minister in 1884 and held pastorates in Detroit, Michigan and Madison, Wisconsin before coming to Des Moines in 1900 to be the pastor of the First Methodist Church. 

In 1903, A.B. Storms was appointed as the sixth president of Iowa State College (University).  During his tenure, Iowa State began the Agricultural Extension Service, acquired hundreds of acres of land, developed a plan for campus landscaping and modernization of utilities, and erected eighteen new buildings.  Iowa State also organized academic departments under the direction of deans and increased the number and type of courses and degrees offered.  In addition, the college lifted the ban on fraternities and sororities as well as loosened other policies regarding the students’ social activities.  It was also during this time that the State of Iowa established the State Board of Education.  Storms’ strong opposition to the newly created board led to his resignation from Iowa State in 1910.

After leaving Iowa State College (University), Storms returned to the ministry.  He became a pastor in Indianapolis and in 1915 was appointed superintendent of the Indianapolis District of the Methodist Church. In 1918, he became president of Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio.  He remained there until his death on July 1, 1933.

Collection description

The collection contains reports, addresses, publications, correspondence, biographical information, subject files, information regarding Storms’ inauguration, and family information.  The collection is comprised of seven records series. 

Records Series 2/6/0/2:  Reports, 1903-1909,consists of reports to Storms from the Iowa State College (University) department heads and reports to the Board of Trustees from Storms. 

Records Series 2/6/1:  Addresses and Publications, 1902-1910, contains the speeches and writings of A.B. Storms.  Subjects covered include modern chivalry, moral uses of history, and civic enthusiasm.

Records Series 2/6/2:  Biographical Material, 1903-1933, includes newsclippings, obituaries, memorials, and information regarding Storm’s resignation from Iowa State. 

Records Series 2/6/3:  Correspondence, 1903-1910, contains letters to and from members of the Board of Trustees for the State of Iowa and the faculty, staff, and students of Iowa State College (University) regarding various topics, including finances, faculty appointments, and the campus.  There is also correspondence between Storms and leaders of other institutions throughout the country.

Records Series 2/6/4:  Subject Files, 1904-1910, consist of newsclippings, ephemera, and correspondence relating to a variety of issues, which include the Board of Control, Iowa State College’s (University), and the Higgins theft case that involved a rash of thefts from campus buildings during 1908 and Iowa State’s association with Pinkerton Detectives to solve the case. 

Records Series 2/6/9:  Inauguration Files, 1904, include the invitation, lists of guests, correspondence, and Storms’ inaugural address, “Outlook”.

Records Series 2/6/10:  Family History, 1916-1983, contains information regarding two of his daughters, Lillian Storms and Laura Storms Knapp.

Organization

Collection is arranged according to predetermined records series, then either chronologically or alphabetically.

Container List