Porter Kellam collection, 1804-1991

Summary

Creator:
Kellam, William Porter, 1905-1993
Date:
1804-1991
Extent:
1.75 Linear Feet 3 boxes, 1 half box, 1 oversized folder
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Porter Kellam collection, ms2483, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of two boxes of Porter Kellam's research notes and correspondence relating to Charles McCay, Samuel Boykin, Jabez Young Jackson, and other university of Georgia alumni. Also included is one folder containing the proceedings of the 1991 Kellam Conference, and 1970 plans for the renovation of the UGA Main Library.

Biographical / historical:

"Charles F. McCay [was] Professor of Mathematics at The University of Georgia from 1833-1853, President of the University of South Carolina, and pioneer in the insurance industry."--"McCay Award Guidelines" from the UGA Dept. of Mathematics web site, https://www.math.uga.edu/history-mathematics-uga

William Porter Kellam was born in North Carolina [in 1905]. He attended college at Duke University and Emory University, and he did additional graduate work at the University of Illinois. After a few years in teaching, he moved into library work. Kellam came to the University of Georgia in 1950 as the Director of the Library. His first project was to oversee the construction of the Main Library building, which was to provide a departure from traditional university library practices. All resources of the building were to be focused on bringing students and books together with as little interference as possible. He served as president and chairman of the board of the United States Book Exchange, president of the Southeastern Library Association, president of Phi Kappa Phi and was an active Rotary club member in Athens. He spoke on the radio, television, at seminars and lectures carrying the message of the meaning and importance of books. He also donated a large collection to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in memory of his son, a graduate of UNC, who tragically died at the age of 42. On December 20, 1982, Mr. and Mrs. David F. Bishop established the W. Porter Kellam Library Enrichment Fund to bring scholars and lecturers to the University of Georgia to address issues of interest to the Library faculty.

Access and use restrictions

Preferred citation:

Porter Kellam collection, ms2483, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.