John V. Shankweiler Papers, 1920-1973

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: M.C.-MSS-N-Shankweiler

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains two photograph albums, three scrapbooks, and correspondence between Shankweiler and Presidents Levering Tyson and J. Conrad Seegers.

Dates

Majority of material found within 1915-1975

Creator

Shankweiler, John V., 1894-1980 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research; access by appointment.

Conditions Governing Use

Some items in this collection remain under copyright. Copyright for this material remains with the publishers [author; creator, etc.]. It is the sole responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy any claims of copyright before making use of reproductions beyond the conditions of fair use, as described by the United States Copyright Law. Contact Trexler Library archives staff for additional information.

Biographical / Historical

Dr. John V. Shankweiler (1894-1980) was a member of Muhlenberg’s Class of 1921. “Doc” joined the faculty in 1921, and obtained his master’s and doctoral degrees from Cornell University, finishing in 1931. He served as chair of the biology department until 1962. Shankweiler was responsible for organizing the pre-medical club in 1931. He assembled and cataloged Muhlenberg’s ornithological collection (known originally as the John V. Shankweiler Biological Museum), and was responsible for introducing photography courses at the College. His personal enthusiasm for cameras and film, coupled with his involvement in Muhlenberg athletics (he served as tennis coach for over 20 years), led him to begin filming football games as early as 1937, for the benefit of legendary coach “Doggie” Julian. It is thanks to Dr. Shankweiler that the archives is in possession of over two hours of film footage of life at Muhlenberg during the 1940s, including sporting events, Eleanor Roosevelt’s 1942 visit, the Navy V-12 and V-5 programs, the christening of the U.S.S. Muhlenberg Victory, informal student parties, and of course, classroom science experiments.

“Doc” retired in 1964, and in 1970, the John V. Shankweiler Biology Building was completed; at the dedication, Dr. W. Clark Wescoe ‘41 paid tribute to the “undying and unquenchable spirit of a superlative teacher, single-minded in his purpose, successfully achieved, to do his best in a life earnestly given in service to students, to science, and to his adopted college, each enriched beyond measure by what he gave.”