J. Gordon and Betty M. Browning papers

Collection

Identifier: ACCN 1874

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The J. Gordon and Betty M. Browning papers (1874-1999) are a collection of documents from the Browning, Foulger, and Menick families. The first six boxes are devoted to J. Gordon Browning (1909-1989) and Elizabeth ("Betty") M. Browning (1911-2001). They include personal and business correspondence, as well as documents pertaining to J. Gordon Browning's career in radio. Box 5 is devoted to their years in the Utah Democratic Party. The Brownings were very politically active, and this box includes correspondence from major Utah politicos, as well as invitations to Inaugural events and Governors' balls. Included are signed letters from Senator Frank Moss and Governor Calvin Rampton. There are also color photocopies of autographs from Robert F. Kennedy and Bob Hope. Box 6 contains documentation pertaining to Gordon and Betty's involvement with the University of Utah. The Brownings established the Gordon and Betty Browning Health Sciences Scholarship Fund, and in 1982, the University Hospital dedicated the Browning Plaza and Auditorium to the couple. Correspondence includes communication about the auditorium, as well as copies of certificates and plaques given to the Brownings. J. Gordon Browning was the son of John R. and Betty J. Browning. Box 5 contains correspondence and documentation from John R. Browning, as well as letters from Betty J. Browning. After they divorced in 1915, John R. married Margaret E. Sandall in 1923. Because of this relationship, boxes 8-11 are devoted to Margaret (1888-1969), her daughter, Imogene S. Culbertson, and Margaret's family, the Foulgers. The Foulger papers not only include correspondence, but have business documentation and brochures from their company, the Colville Ice Cream Company. In addition to this, there is a color photocopy of a handwritten and signed note to Margaret's brother, Charles Clifford Foulger, from King George V, during World War I. Box 12 contains the Menick family documents. Held here are baptism records, estate correspondence, and medical notices. There are also the wartime diaries and documents of Frank Prist, Olga Farley's first husband. He worked for General MacArthur during World War II and was killed by a sniper in 1944. Boxes 13 and 14 contain miscellaneous books and documents. Betty Browning's Russian birth certificate is in box 14. The originals of the color photocopies have been placed in the Manuscript Division Reserve collection. They can be accessed with permission from the curator or other authorized persons.

Dates

1874-1999

Creator

Browning, J. Gordon (John Gordon), 1909-1989 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Conditions Governing Use

The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.

Extent

13 Linear Feet (19 boxes and 2 oversize boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The J. Gordon and Betty M. Browning papers (1874-1999) are a collection of documents from the Browning, Foulger, and Menick families. The Brownings were politically active in the Utah Democratic Party. J. Gordon Browning had a career in radio.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of the estate of Betty M. Browning in 2001.

Materials located in boxes 20-21 were transferred back to the Manuscripts Division by the Multimedia Archives. These materials were received from the original 2001 donation.

Related Materials

Forms part of the Aileen H. Clyde 20th Century Women's Legacy Archives.

Separated Materials

Photographs were transferred to the Multimedia Division of Special Collections (P0877).

Processing Information

Processed by Elizabeth Rogers in 2001.

Addendum processed by Betsey Welland in 2017.

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