Michigan State University Archives and Historical Collections
L. Whitney Watkins Papers
UA.10.3.85
Table of Contents
Summary Information
- Repository
- Michigan State University Archives and Historical Collections
- Creator -
- Watkins, L. Whitney, (Lucius Whitney)
- Title
- L. Whitney Watkins papers
- ID
- UA.10.3.85
- Date [inclusive]
- 1890-1891
- Extent
- 0.1 Cubic feet , 4 folders
- Language
- English
Preferred Citation
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: "Item title, Collection title, Collection Identifier, Michigan State University Archives & Historical Collections, East Lansing, Michigan."
Biographical note
Lucius Whitney Watkins was born on August 6, 1873 in Jackson County, Michigan. He graduated from Michigan Agricultural College in 1893. After college, he worked as a farmer and was an active member in the American Ornithologist’s Union, Agassiz Association, Michigan Ornithological Club, and the Michigan Academy of Science. In 1899, Watkins was appointed to the Michigan State Board of Agriculture. As a board member he encouraged the hiring of an athletic coach at Michigan Agriculture College, an act he pushed for while a student at MAC. In 1923, he helped convince the state legislature to loan the college money so that it could build a football stadium. Watkins also played a role in changing the name of the college to Michigan State College in 1925. In appreciation for his work with the college, he was awarded an honorary Ph.D. in agriculture from Michigan State College in 1932.
Scope and Contents note
The L. Whitney Watkins papers contain class notes taken by Watkins during his time as a student at Michigan Agricultural College. His zoology notes contain information about the different classifications of animals and the structures that differentiate the animals. This notebook also appears to contain notes for a political economics class. Another notebook contains his notes for agricultural chemistry, which was taught by R. C. Kedzie. This class included lessons on plant biology and soil composition. He also took organic chemistry, which taught the differences between organic and inorganic chemistry, nomenclature of organic chemistry, and differences in structure between the molecules. Lastly, there is a notebook that has notes from horticulture, taught by Professor Levi R. Taft. There is a brief history of landscaping which includes descriptions of prominent historical gardens. The course also taught students about the basics of landscaping and maintaining a garden.
Administrative Information
Publication Information
Michigan State University Archives and Historical Collections
Conrad Hall888 Wilson Road, Room 101
East Lansing , MI, 48824
517-355-2330
archives@msu.edu
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research.
Legal Status note
Copyright: Michigan State University Property Rights: Michigan State University
Conditions Governing Use
Permission to publish material from this collection must be obtained from University Archives & Historical Collections, Michigan State University.
Controlled Access Headings
Corporate Name(s)
- Michigan State University. Class of 1893.
Genre(s)
- Notebooks
Personal Name(s)
- Kuhn, Madison
Subject(s)
- Agricultural chemistry -- Study and teaching
- Chemistry, Organic -- Study and teaching
- Horticulture -- Study and teaching
- Zoology -- Study and teaching
Collection Inventory
| Drawer | Folder | |||
|
Horticulture Notebook 1890 |
F.D. | 1 | ||
|
Organic Chemistry Notebook 1890 |
F.D. | 2 | ||
|
Agricultural Chemistry Notebook 1891 |
F.D. | 3 | ||
|
Zoology Notebook 1891 |
F.D. | 4 | ||