James Frederick Lawton papers, 1908-1969

Summary

Creator:

Lawton, James Frederick, 1888-1969

Abstract:

Berkley, Michigan insurance executive, poet and composer, and active alumnus of the University of Michigan; contain papers relating to activities of the class of 1911, to his involvement in the University of Michigan Club of Detroit, and to his interest in Michigan football, especially the career of coach Fielding H. Yost; also scrapbooks, and manuscripts of poetry and song lyrics.

Extent:

2.5 linear feet
3 oversize volumes
1 oversize folder
2 sound recording tapes
4.3 GB (online)

Language:

English

Call Number:

851732 Aa 2; AC; Ac

Authors:

Finding aid created by Michigan Historical Collections staff

Background

Scope and Content:

The papers of J. Fred Lawton contain material relating to activities of the class of 1911, to his involvement in the University of Michigan Club of Detroit, and to his interest in Michigan football, especially the career of coach Fielding H. Yost; also scrapbooks, and manuscripts of poetry and song lyrics. The collection has been arranged into the following series: Correspondence; Poetry, musical compositions, and other writings; University of Michigan Class of 1911; University of Michigan Club of Detroit; Topical files; Photographs; Scrapbooks; and Sound Recordings.

Biographical / Historical:

James Frederick Lawton graduated from the University of Michigan with an A.B. degree in 1911. While at the University, Lawton played end on football team coached by Fielding H. Yost. Lawton had a deep affection for Yost and for the University, and though his career was spent as an insurance executive, he maintained ties with the U-M through his poetry and musical compositions and through his activities as a loyal alumnus. In 1911, later in the year of his graduation, Lawton with Earl V. Moore composed the words and music to "Varsity" a song that became traditional to the U-M Marching Band.

Acquisition Information:

The collection was the gift of J. Fred Lawton (donor no. 4107 ).

Accruals:

Periodic additions to the records are not expected.

Rules or Conventions:

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

Related

Alternative Form Available:

Digitization: The Library has undertaken the digitization of a number of sound recordings within this collection. The resulting audio files are available for playback only in the Bentley Library Reading Room. Links to item images and additional information are available within this finding aid. Original sound recordings are only available for staff use.

Subjects

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Subjects:

Buildings -- Michigan -- Detroit.
Michigan daily.
Streets -- Michigan -- Detroit.
World War, 1914-1918.
War bonds and funds.

Formats:

Photographs.
Posters.
Sound recordings.

Names:

University of Michigan -- Alumni and alumnae.
University of Michigan Club of Detroit.
University of Michigan. Class of 1911.
University of Michigan -- Football.
University of Michigan -- Songs and music.
Central High School (Detroit, Mich.)
Michigan Union Opera.
Michigamua.
Sphinx (Fraternity : University of Michigan)
Trigon (Fraternity : University of Michigan)
University of Michigan -- Students -- Social life and customs -- 1911-1920.
University of Michigan -- Track and field.
University of Michigan -- History.
Lawton family.
Lawton, James Frederick, 1888-1969.
Yost, Fielding Harris, 1871-1946.
Murphy, Frank, 1890-1949.
Brucker, Wilber Marion, 1894-1968.
Cooley, Mortimer E. (Mortimer Elwyn), 1855-1944.
Couzens, James, 1872-1936.
Dewey, Thomas E. (Thomas Edmund), 1902-1971.
Dondero, George Anthony, 1883-1968.
Elbel, Louis.
Guest, Edgar A. (Edgar Albert), 1881-1959.
Hatcher, Harlan, 1898-1998.
Hill, Norman Hingston, 1887-1971.
Humphrey, George M. (George Magoffin), 1890-
Johnson, Hugh S. (Hugh Samuel), 1882-1942.
Mack, Connie, 1862-1956.
Mattern, David Earl, 1890-1959.
Moore, Earl Vincent, 1890-1987.
Murfin, James Orin, 1875-1940.
Norton, William J. (William John), 1883-1975.
Ruthven, Alexander Grant, 1882-1971.
Vandenberg, Arthur H. (Arthur Hendrick), 1884-1951.
Zeder, Fred, 1886-

Places:

Berkley (Mich.)
Detroit (Mich.) -- Buildings.
Detroit (Mich.) -- Streets.