Harry Downer Papers

Biographical Note:
Harry Downer received his B.A. from Grinnell College in 1882. He lived in Davenport working as a newspaper editor, school principal, member of an opera company, and finally as head worker at Friendly House. He was active in Rotary Club, School Board, Library Board, Scott County Historical Society, and other organizations. He was author of History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, 1910. Grinnell awarded him an honorary degree in 1931.

Provenance:
Mr. Downer’s papers passed to members of his family and came to the Archives from his nephew, Philip S. Rinaldo of Des Moines, September 1991.

Quantity: one small archives box.

Suggested citation: Harry Downer papers, Grinnell College Libraries, Department of Special Collections, Grinnell, Iowa. Ms.01.31.

Contents:
1. Correspondence. 1940s. 6 items
2. “Grinnell Happenings: Memoirs of Grinnell” by Harry Downer. No date (after 1931). Includes typewritten text by Downer, clippings, photographs, round robin class letters. 148 leaves.
3. Class of 1882 Round Robin letters: #2 1942, #3 1942, #4 Summer 1943.
4. “Iowa’s First College” by Hershel Colbert et al. Data furnished by Downer. 19 typed leaves.
5. Miscellaneous.
6. “Speaking of Old Grinnell” 1937. 80 typed leaves.

[Not included in the papers Mr. Rinaldo delivered. A duplicate copy of the manuscript, donated to the Archives preciously, is included here, since it is appropriate to the collection]