Butler, Nicholas Murray files, 1890-1948. (38 Folders), 3/1890-4/1934

Containers:

Box 486, Folder 1 to 21

Scope and content:

Correspondence between Nicholas Murray Butler, president of Columbia University from 1902 to 1945 and high level University administrators. Butler was one of the most influential figures at the University from the 1890s throughout the first half of the 20th century -- a critical period of development for the University. Prior to his appointment as president, Butler served as dean of the Faculty of Philosophy. Following his retirement in 1945 he continued to serve as president emeritus and a trustee of the University. As dean of the Faculty of Philosophy during the administration of President Seth Low (1890-1901), Butler was a major force behind the transformation of Columbia College into a University. As president, Butler led the University during one of its greatest periods of growth and change. Butler was intimately involved in numerous details of developing and administering the institution. The correspondence relates to a wide range of subjects involving the development, mission, organization, administration, facilities, finances, faculty, and student body of the University. However, the materials are not a comprehensive record of Butler's presidency. His administration can be understood more fully by also reading the correspondence of the trustees, deans, and other top administrators who held office during Butler's presidency.

The records include: copies of a few of Butler's speeches, pages from his appointment books (1940-1944), and a copy of Academic Freedom and allied Subjects: Being Excerpts from the Annual Reports of President Nicholas Murray Butler, 1905-1935 (filed with records dating from 1948). Also, a file on the furnishings of the President's House (1936-1947), including itemized billing information and correspondence regarding the special fund for the Furnishing and Equipment of the President's house, which was established in 1922. Includes an inventory of furniture dated December 1, 1936.

Correspondence dating from Butler's term as dean of the Faculty of Philosophy (1890-1902) consists mostly of Butler's letters to Seth Low and copies of Low's replies. Includes numerous, detailed letters regarding the Faculty of Philosophy as well as other schools and departments at the University. Specific topics of interest include: the proposed integration of the School of Mines with Columbia College (November 3, 1893); Butler's objections to the creation of a trade school at Columbia (January 6, 1891); the University's affiliation with Teachers College, which Butler helped to establish in 1897 and which aligned with Columbia through agreements in 1893 and 1898 the establishment of a summer session in 1900 and Butler's involvement with organizations and committees outside of the University that dealt with college entrance requirements, secondary school curricula, and other educational issues.

The files dating from Butler's presidency served several purposes and the nature of the files changes over time. Much of the correspondence dating from approximately 1901 to 1918 was sent to University administrators by Butler while he was traveling overseas. Correspondents include Trustee John B. Pine and University secretaries Frederick P. Keppel and Frank D. Fackenthal. Correspondence dating from 1919 to 1930 consists of letters from Butler to Fackenthal and copies of Fackenthal's replies. Records from this period also include substantive correspondence (ca. 1919-1928) with Frederick J. E. Woodbridge, dean of the Graduate Faculties, and correspondence (ca. 1928-1930) with James C. Egbert, director of the University Extension, Columbia's continuing education division. Correspondence dating from 1930 to 1945 consists mostly of directives from Butler to Fackenthal, who served as secretary of the University until 1937 and Provost from 1937 to 1945 and University secretary Philip M. Hayden

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