John C. Whitehead papers

The John C. Whitehead papers include papers from his time before college, while a student at Haverford College, and reflective of his involvement with Haverford in his later life. It also includes visual materials, diplomas, realia, and miscellaneous materials.

The pre-college papers include class materials such as papers, speeches, and notebooks, as well as his senior yearbook and two issues of his high school newspaper. The Haverford student materials include papers written for classes; these are mostly related to economics, Whitehead’s major. There are programs, certificates, and club materials from throughout Whitehead’s time at Haverford, including graduations, the Triangle Society, and athletic events. The majority of this section is correspondence, most of which is written to Whitehead’s parents. These letters record his daily life on campus, including laundry, time spent on class work, extra-curricular activities and club commitments, and thanks for the cookies and other treats his mother sends.

Whitehead continued his involvement with Haverford College after his graduation. He was very involved with the class of 1943, corresponding with other members and attending numerous reunions; materials from these are found in the collection. Also included are materials about events in which Whitehead participated, including the opening of the Whitehead Campus Center, the unveiling of the Whitehead portrait, and several events about Haverford and World War II. The correspondence in this section shows Whitehead’s relationship with several Haverford presidents and advancement officers, and his continued deep involvement in College matters after his term as Chair of the Board of Managers. There is also material about specific issues he was involved in, including the set-up of the Whitehead Circle for major donors, the Whitehead professorship, and his honorary degree. There are also clippings and articles about Whitehead and Haverford. The collection also includes a small amount of materials about cricket at Haverford, and some materials reflecting Whitehead’s participation in the Haverford Corporation.

Visual materials include photographs of Whitehead and his family, both from Haverford and beyond, and of the New Jersey Devils hockey team, as well as drawings of Haverford College by Nan Park. There are also materials which document Whitehead as an art collector, including catalogs for auctions in which he may have participated, the catalog of his collection, and catalogs of the Christie’s sales at which much of his artwork was sold. Several pieces of artwork were removed to the College Art Collection.

Miscellaneous materials include small amounts of materials related to Whitehead’s involvement with the boy scouts and his time in the Navy during World War II. It also includes commemorative WWII stamps, commemorative drawings and poems given to Whitehead, certificates, Christmas cards from the George W. Bush Whitehouse, and "The Times of Your Life" with New York Times articles from Whitehead's life. Diplomas include those from high school, Haverford, and honorary degrees from Haverford College and Amherst College. The Realia section includes a number of awards given to Whitehead by Haverford College.