Donald E. Adams papers, 1930-1998 (majority within 1930-1980)

Summary

Creator:

Adams, Donald Earl, 1912-

Abstract:

Chairman of the board of the Oakland County Community Mental Health Services Board and Oakland County Judge of Probate. The collection includes files accumulated from his work as member and chairman of the Board. The Board was established in the 1960s to implement the new Michigan mental health code whose intent was to involve local communities in mental health care services. Also included personal correspondence with wife Elizabeth Sparks Adams, as well as diaries, family materials, and photographs, and materials relating to Adams' career as a judge.

Extent:

6 linear feet

Language:

English

Call Number:

9931 Aa 2

Authors:

Finding aid created by Courtney Egan, March 2008

Background

Scope and Content:

This collection documents various aspects of Donald Adams' personal and professional life. The majority of records relate to his time on the Oakland County Community Mental Health Services Board. Also included here are family correspondence (in particualar, correspondence with his wife Elizabeth Adams), materials about his career as a judge, and about his family.

Biographical / Historical:

Donald E. Adams was born in Waterford, Michigan. He attended Waterford and Pontiac public schools, then received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan in 1934 and his Juris Doctor degree in 1936. Adams began his career in public service in 1937 as a Justice of the Peace in Waterford Township. In 1961 he was elected to serve as Probate Judge in Oakland County and held that post until his retirement in 1977. Throughout his career, Adams also served on the boards of various public service organizations, including the Oakland County Community Mental Health Services Board.

Acquisition Information:

This collection was given by Donald E. Adams and his wife Elizabeth Adams (donor no. 857 ).

Arrangement:

The collection is divided into four series: Oakland County Community Mental Health Services Board, Personal, Professional, and Compiled Information.

Accruals:

No further additions to the papers are expected.

Physical Location:

Portions located in offsite storage; prior notification required for access.

Rules or Conventions:

Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Subjects

Click on terms below to find any related finding aids on this site.

Subjects:

Judges -- Michigan.
Mental health -- Michigan -- Oakland County.

Formats:

Diaries.
Photographs.

Names:

Oakland County Community Mental Health Services Board.
Adams, Donald Earl, 1912-
Adams, Elizabeth S.