Frederick Coykendall papers, 1923-1956
Collection context
- Creator:
- Coykendall, Frederick, 1872-1954
- Extent:
- 2.92 linear feet (7 document boxes)
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
-
Correspondence, memoranda, manuscripts, documents, photographs and printed materials relating primarily to Coykendall's various involvements with Columbia University, including the Trustees, University Patents, the Columbia University Press, alumni affairs, and the searches for successors to Presidents Butler and Eisenhower. Also, material relating to his membership in the New York State Historical Association. Among the major correspondents are Nicholas Murray Butler, Marcellus Hartley Dodge, Dwight David Eisenhower, Hellmut Lehmann-Haupt, Arthur Hays Sulzberger, Mark Van Doren, and Thomas J. Watson. Also, memorabilia relating to Coykendall's association with the University and the Press.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Frederick Coykendall was born in Kingston, New York in 1872. He entered Columbia College in 1891, received a BA in 1895, and a CE and MA in 1897. After serving as Alumni Trustee from 1917 to 1922, he was elected as a Life Trustee in 1922 and became Chair in 1933. As Chair, he was instrumental in two presidential appointments: finding a successor to Nicholas Murray Butler and to Dwight D. Eisenhower. He is also credited with facilitating the merger between Columbia and the Presbyterian Hospital. A long-time trustee to the Columbia University Press, he was president of the Press from 1946 to 1953. Coykendall died unexpectedly in November 1954. The sad news was featured on the front page of the student newspaper, the Spectator, and classes were suspended so that the community could attend a service in his memory at St. Paul's Chapel. Coykendall was awarded the Alexander Hamilton medal posthumously.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
This collection is located on-site.
This collection has no restrictions.
- Terms of access:
-
Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.
- Preferred citation:
-
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Frederick Coykendall papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.
- Location of this collection:
- Before you visit:
- Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
- Contact:
- rbml@library.columbia.edu