Law School Memorabilia

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Message from Governor Otto Kerner, 1961

Otto Kerner

A letter from Governor Otto Kerner commending Chicago Kent College of Law upon the dedication of the remodeled building at 10 N. Franklin.

Transcript:
April 11, 1961
MESSAGE FROM GOVERNOR KERNER
As Governor of Illinois, I am happy to send my greetings and best wishes to Chicago Kent College of Law on the occasion of dedication day for its newly remodeled building.
I am certain I join with Chicago Kent's more than 5,000 graduates, its many friends and benefactors in wishing the school faculty continued success in providing a major share of Chicago lawyers, members of our judiciary and leaders in state and city bar associations and civic organizations.
We also commend Chicago Kent for selecting two outstanding representatives of the legal profession, Weymouth Kirkland, distinguished alumnus and member of the class of 1901 and Chief Justice Walter V. Schaefer, of the Illinois Supreme Court, as recipients of its first honorary degrees.
We join with citizens throughout Illinois today to wish Chicago Kent College of Law a bright future as it continues to provide a legal education for mature, serious student of the law in its handsome quarters.
Sincerely,
Otto Kerner
Governor
Kappa Beta Pi Articles of Incorporation Letter, 1928

Kappa Beta Pi, IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law

Official letter accompanying the original Articles of Incorporation, presented to the Kappa Beta Pi Legal Sorority in 1928 by the sorority's founders.

Transcript:

We, the founders, have the honor of presenting to Kappa Beta Pi Legal Sorority on this, its twentieth birthday, the original Articles of Incorporation, issued to us by the State of Illinois on the fifteenth day of December, A.D. 1908, with the hope that the ideals of our sisterhood may be maintained, and that the Kappa Beta Pi spirit of unity, loyalty, and good fellowship which has existed unbroken and untarnished, may live through all the years to come.

Sue Brown Hassell
Katharine S. Clark
Charlotte Doolittle White
Alice Craig Edgerton
Claire L. Gleason
Phyllis M. Kelley
Anna Knabjohann Buck
Nettie Rothblum Loew
Mary Sellers Connery

Dated at Chicago, Illinois, this fifteenth day of December, A.D. 1928.
Letter to Dean Webster H. Burke from Chas. W. Groves, 1927

Chas. W. Groves

This letter to Dean Webster H. Burke from Chas. W. Groves includes a card advertising the number of "Male teachers" by state, whose names could be purchased by the school with the hopes that the men would be recruited as law students, to both bolster enrollment and supply the teachers with a vocation more lucrative than teaching.

Transcript:
February 15, 1927
Chicago-Kent College of Law,
Chicago, Ill.
Attention: Mr. Webster H. Burke
Dear Sir:-
In laying plans for Summer School this year have you considered the Male school teachers of the country as possible students?
Most male school teachers would like to get into some line of work which would pay them more than teaching but they are handicapped in not having studied any particular vocation or profession.
Many schools have found in the past that this offers an excellent field for securing enrollments and building up their school.
I can supply you with lists giving the name and address of all Male school teachers of the country. These lists are all up-to-date, having been compiled from the latest official county reports. They are filed by states so that you can cover any section of the country. The price is $12.00 per thousand names, if complete state lists are ordered. The enclosed card shows the approximate number of male teachers by states.
I shall be very glad to hear from you and to have your order for whatever territory you wish to cover.
Sincerely yours,
Chas. W. Groves
Chicago-Kent Law Review - Vol. 1, No. 1

IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law

The first edition of the Chicago-Kent Law Review was published in February of 1923. Conceived by the Class of 1925, its initial purpose was to serve as "the current expression of ideas, the class room work and discussion, the political campaign" for the Chicago-Kent College of Law.

This inaugural edition includes opening statements by Dean Webster H. Burke and Judge Henry Horner, and a message to alumni by Frederick A. Rowe, urging the Alumni Association to re-form after the devastation of World War I. The issue also includes a mention of the Chicago-Kent Bulletin, an earlier student publication discontinued due to the war. Special thanks is extended to its first editor, Edward J. Veasey (class of 1916), killed while fighting in France in 1918. Other sections include class notes, advertisement for The Transcript, and notes on the activities of Phi Delta Phi, Phi Alpha Delta, Delta Chi, and Nu Beta Epsilon. A "Woman's Page" details a short history of Kappa Beta Pi and features brief profiles of female members of the junior class. Activities of the Burke Debating Club and Chicago-Kent's basketball team are included, along with a section of "legal jokes."
Letter to Secretary Guy Guernsey from W.H. Paulsen, 1915

W.H. Paulsen

A letter to Guy Guernsey from W.H. Paulsen at Theo. Hamm Brewing Company, requesting an update on "Howard."

Transcript:
April 13, 1915.
Guy Guernsey, Sec.,
Kent College of Law,
Lake View Bldg., Chicago, Ill.
My dear Mr. Guernsey:
I am writing you these few lines as I would very much like to know as to how Howard is progressing with his school work. He tells me that he is getting along fine but I would rather hear from you.
You wrote me a letter in January and I am sorry to say that I neglected to answer your letter. I intended at that time to be in Chicago, but on account of business matters, I have been unable to get away.
Thanking you for an early reply, I beg to remain
Yours truly,
W.H. Paulsen
Letter to Dean Webster H. Burke from Geo. E. Allen, 1914

Geo. E. Allen

Letter from George E. Allen, a University of Chicago graduate, to Dean Webster H. Burke, upon his move from Moville to Onawa, IA, advertising his newly vacant position as the only lawyer in Moville, as well as his office fixtures and "unfinished business" to any interested Chicago-Kent student or alumni.

Transcript:
December 22, 1914
Dean of Chicago Kent Law School,
Chicago, Illinois.
Dear Sir:
I am leaving this town of Moville, Iowa, to become the partner of Judge Oliver, at Onawa, Iowa, January 1st. I have been here six months, and have succeeded in starting a nice country practice. It is my first location, and i have seen enough of it to be convinced that it is a good place to locate.
There are 600 people in the town, two banks, two lumber yards, three general stores, three drug stores, four garages, clothing, furniture, milliner, etc. The town controls a large country trade. It is twenty eight miles from the county seat, Sioux City. There is no other lawyer here. The people want a lawyer here.
In my new business, I have had two damage suits in the District court, several J.P. cases, a list of collections, legal papers to draw, etc. And during the last week, I have a will brought to me for probate and a divorce case. I believe there is good business here, and that there should be a lawyer here.
I wish to sell my office fixtures and Iowa Reports and all unfinished business, for $350.00. If you know of a young man who is looking for a location, kindly refer him to me.
Yours very truly,
Geo. E. Allen
Letter to Secretary Guy Guernsey from Jos. R. Lowell, 1914

Jos. R. Lowell

A letter from Joseph Lowell (1912) to Guy Guernsey, including a blank application form to be filled out by Guernsey. Lowell also included a request for a detailed list of books he had read during his education at Chicago-Kent College of Law in order to apply for a license to practice law in Tennessee.

Transcript:
July 18, 1914.
Hon. Guy Guernsey, Secretary,
Chicago-Kent College of Law,
Chicago, Illinois.
Dear Mr. Guernsey:-
Before beginning the mission of this epistle wish to refresh your memory on the fact that I am a member of the illustrious class of '12 which so heartlessly deserted their Alma Mater in a spirit of joy.
I believe the last time I troubled you I was located in Boston - "now look at me." Since that time I have been transferred here to Tennessee, as you can see from the above, and whether permanently or temporarily, it is difficult to say. the supposition is, however, that I am in for life, or until pardoned.
Am making application for license to practice in Tennessee and while attorneys from Illinois are admitted here on motion, it is necessary that I make application showing course of studies I pursued in preperation [sic] for admission in the state from whence I came. Am enclosing a blank, which with the note at the bottom is self explanatory.
In addition to this form I am obliged to file another blank containing the enumeration of the law books from which I studied, and owing to the fact that I have not carried my "Library" with me I am very much at a loss to know what books I really did read. I would, therefore, appreciate it if you would send me a copy of my credentials so that I can fill out my application properly. If there is any expense to this I shall be very glad to remit.
With kindest regards to yourself and sincerely wishing to be remembered to those of the class with whom you may come in contact and further trusting that it will be unnecessary for me to bother you in the matters of applications, I am,
Very Sincerely yours, Jos. R. Lowell
Letter to Guy Guernsey from R.M. Rogers, 1913

R.M. Rogers

This letter from R.M. Rogers of the Rogers Palace Laundry Co. was sent to Guy Guernsey, secretary of Chicago-Kent College of Law, in 1913, in search of a recent graduate for a law partnership.

Transcript:

6/5/13

Mr. Guy Guernsey Sec - Chgo Kent College of Lw Harris Trust Bldg,

Dear Sir,

I would like to talk with one of your this year's grads about a law partnership.

What I want - a young man, husky, fearless, energetic, fertile thinker, of good habits + good character - there are 3 kinds of men, (1) oppressors, (2) oppressees, (3) those with backbone enough not to be a no. 2. + principle enough not to be no. 1.: one who allows no one to prevent him getting what belongs to him - it's a No. 3. I want

Yours truly, RM Rogers
Letter to Secretary Guy Guernsey from Nettie Rothblum, 1913

Nettie Rothblum

Letter to Guy Guernsey, Secretary of Chicago-Kent College of Law, from Nettie Rothblum (1909), in 1913. Nettie Rothblum, one of the original founders of the Kappa Beta Pi Legal Sorority in 1908, was in Sinaloa during the Mexican Revolution, and included a short description of life in Mexico at the time along with payment for her sister Ruth's tuition.

Transcript:
February 21, 1913.
Dear Mr. Guernsey,
Your cordial letter received and but for the fact that I have been extremely busy, would have answered it before this.
With all the war news that you are getting in Chicago, it hardly behooves me to add anything, excepting the fact that this particular spot is quiet. At least, we expected to be besieged day before yesterday. Everyone was armed, and the home I live in was guarded, because it would be the centre of attack, but the revolutionists stopped at Mochicahui, a little town few miles north, thought better of it when they heard we were prepared to meet them, and didnt [sic] come that day, although we now expect them daily. In fact, their leader was at the house the morning the attack was expected, reconnoitred, and withdrew, and none of us were any the wiser until now.
Inclosed [sic] herewith please find my check to order of Chicago-Kent to pay for Ruth's tuition, the last semester. I have dated it March 4th, which is near enough to the beginning of the new semester, to be acceptable, I think. Please acknowledge receipt direct to my sister, as you did before.
With kindest personal regards, I am,
Sincerely yours,
Nettie Rothblum
Kent College of Law Stock Certificate #11 - Marshall D. Ewell

IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law

This stock certificate, numbered 11 and dated January 11, 1900, signifies the purchase by Marshall D. Ewell of one share of stock "in lieu of no. 2" in the Kent College of Law, which would later become the Chicago-Kent College of Law. The certificate bears the signatures of William F. Momeyer and Marshall D. Ewell, founder of Kent College of Law. The back of the certificate indicates that the stock share was transferred to T.A. Moran (Thomas A. Moran, first dean of the Chicago-Kent College of Law) on June 11, 1900, witnessed by Momeyer and Ewell.
Kent College of Law Stock Certificate #12 - Kent College of Law

IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law

This stock certificate, numbered 12 and dated January 11, 1900, signifies the purchase of 41 shares of stock in the Kent College of Law (issued to Kent College of Law), which would later become the Chicago-Kent College of Law. The certificate bears the signatures of William F. Momeyer and Marshall D. Ewell, founder of Kent College of Law. The back of the certificate indicates that the stock shares were transferred to Thomas A. Moran (first dean of the Chicago-Kent College of Law) in June of 1900, witnessed by Momeyer and Ewell.
Kent College of Law Stock Certificate #9 - Marshall D. Ewell

IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law

This stock certificate, numbered 9 and dated January 11, 1900, signifies the purchase by Marshall D. Ewell of 36 shares of stock "in lieu of no. 1 surrender" in the Kent College of Law, which would later become the Chicago-Kent College of Law. The certificate bears the signatures of William F. Momeyer and Marshall D. Ewell, founder of Kent College of Law. The back of the certificate is signed and witnessed by Momeyer and Ewell, but is otherwise blank.
Athenaeum Law Bulletin - Vol. 11, No. 1

Chicago College of Law

The Athenaeum Law Bulletin was published by the Chicago College of Law at the Law Department of Lake Forest University, the predecessor of Chicago-Kent College of Law. This volume, the 1899 Commencement Number, was published and edited by the law school's secretary, Elmer E. Barrett. It includes portraits of class prize winners, faculty portraits, articles, a list of legal fraternities and class organizations, and a list of graduates receiving Degree of LL.B. in 1899. This issue also includes the text of two speeches delivered at the 1899 Commencement: "The Lawyer, His Duty to the Profession and to the Public," delivered by Hon. Philip T. Van Zile, and a speech recognizing the acceptance of a bronze bust of the late Joseph M. Bailey delivered by Hon. Thomas A. Moran.

This copy was given to Dean Webster H. Burke, "Compliments of Roy S. Gaskill, Class of 1897-1900."
Kent College of Law Stock Certificate #3 - Thomas E.D. Bradley

IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law

This stock certificate, numbered 3 and dated January 2, 1895, signifies the purchase by Thomas E.D. Bradley of one share of stock in the Kent College of Law, which would later become the Chicago-Kent College of Law. The certificate bears the signatures of Milton O. Naramore and Marshall D. Ewell, founder of Kent College of Law. The back of the certificate indicates that the stock share was transferred to J.A. Moran Jr. on June 11, 1900, witnessed by Ewell.
Kent College of Law Stock Certificate #6 - Grant Newell

IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law

This stock certificate, numbered 6 and dated January 2, 1895, signifies the purchase by Grant Newell of one share of stock in the Kent College of Law, which would later become the Chicago-Kent College of Law. The certificate bears the signatures of Milton O. Naramore and Marshall D. Ewell, founder of Kent College of Law. The back of the certificate indicates that the stock share was transferred to John A. Moran on June 11, 1900, witnessed by Ewell.