The following is a small selection of materials you might find interesting at the Principia Archives.
Principia History found at the ArchivesThe history of Principia is found throughout the Archives in photographs, documents, correspondences, administrative records, publications and other materials created by and about Principia. It includes history by and about The Principia founder - Mary Kimball Morgan and her family members, as well as the numerous Christian Science professors, students, and community in not only St. Louis, Missouri and Elsah, Illinois, but Principians from around the world.
For published information about Principia's early history, the Morgan family, those that loved and supported the Principia's development, read:
Maybeck and White Collection (and Website)This collection is a rich history of letters, field reports, photographs, blueprints, vendor files, drawings, pastels, and other material related to the building of The Principia College to and from our favorite California architect, Bernard R. Maybeck. An overview of Maybeck's commission at Principia, including the majority of Bernard Maybeck's pastel drawings, can be viewed on the Maybeck website. For additional historical information about Maybeck and his largest commission, read:
Frederick Oakes Sylvester Collection The Principia cherishes many paintings, artwork, objects, photographs, poetry, books, newspaper articles, event publications, and materials created by and about Frederick Oakes Sylvester. These materials from the artist, family, friends, and donors will help you learn about the artist, poet, art professor, and first Principia Art Director (1901-1915). Framed paintings are on rotating display on both the Principia College campus in Elsah, IL, and Principia School campus in St. Louis, MO.
For published works by and about Principia's beloved art professor and poet, read:
Principia PublicationsCourse catalogs, pamphlets, Principia Alumni Purpose, Principia Progress, Pilot Newspaper/Magazine, and other historical Principia printed materials created for and by students throughout Principia's history are found and available to read at the Archives and online. Visit the Principia Digital Collections and the Principia Books and Pamphlets collection pages for online access to a selection of these materials.
Principia Scrapbook Collection Principia student, faculty, and the occasional School or College event scrapbooks range from the early 1900s at the Principia Park - Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO campus, to the current Principia College, Elsah, IL and Principia School, St. Louis, MO campuses. These scrapbooks are available for research when visiting the Principia Archives.
James L. Green Artwork and Papers A wealth of paintings, drawings, personal photographic scrapbook, and other archival materials about and by Principia College Studio Art professor, James (Jim) Green make up this collection. Selected paintings by Professor Emeritus of Fine Arts James L. Green, rotate on display in buildings and offices at Principia College, Elsah, IL, and Principia School, St. Louis, MO, campuses through the Principia Campus Art Loan program.
Charles B. Hosmer, Jr. PapersThis collection is comprised of faculty research and materials collected by Charles B. Hosmer Jr. during his teaching career, related to the Principia College buildings, Elsah, poet-painter Frederick Oakes Sylvester, and the surrounding community, as well as some student-lead research regarding the geographical area around Elsah, IL. Among his many achievements, Charles B. Hosmer, Jr., Ph.D., was a champion of local historic preservation, a founding member of Historic Elsah Foundation, co-author (with Paul O. Williams) of Elsah: A Historic Guidebook, and Principia College Professor Emeritus of History.
Percival Robertson PapersThe Archives holds the collection of materials gathered in the research and writing of Percival Robertson's book: Gleanings: from my years at Principia. The book describes his unique experiences while at The Principia, starting on the Page Blvd. campus and through his teaching career at Principia College. Percival Robertson, Ph.D., was a Principia College Professor Emeritus of Geology and Chemistry.
Paul O. Williams Papers Williams Papers collection includes drafts, materials, and completed books, relating to the writing of the 1980s science fiction Pelbar series by Paul O. Williams. Among his many achievements, Williams was a founding member of Historic Elsah Foundation, co-author (with Charles B. Hosmer, Jr.) of Elsah: A Historic Guidebook, an award willing writer, haiku poet, and Principia College Professor Emeritus of English. (Read Williams' Wikipedia page to learn more about his many accomplishments).
Edwin S. Leonard, Jr. Papers Leonard's papers include research materials and multiple drafts of the first 50 years of Principia's history written in the book, As the Sowing. Edwin S. Leonard, Jr., Ph.D. was a Dean of the Principia College Emeritus.
This special letter collection is held in Archival storage, and under restricted access.