Biography

Collection

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Collection

The John S. Knight papers (1894-1981) consist primarily of material relating to his life as a newspaper editor and publisher. The collection includes correspondence, speeches, scrapbooks, "Editor's Notebooks," newspaper clippings, photographs, audiotapes, and memorabilia, plus a variety of other materials which document the significant events of Knight's life and legacy.

This collection would be of interest to scholars researching the history of journalism, various philosophies of journalism, newspaper chains, the press and world events, biographical information on Knight or family members, and reader reaction to important issues of the day.

The material is divided into 10 groups or series. Series A (1 cubic foot) is composed of biographical information chronicling Knight's private affairs. Correspondence, articles in tribute, and obituaries are arranged chronologically within each folder. Of significant interest are the various articles written about Knight from 1945 to 1981. Also included in this series are subseries on Knight's parents, as well as his wives and children.

Correspondence is divided into four series, with original order maintained wherever possible.

Series B (9 cubic feet) comprises personal correspondence and is arranged alphabetically. Specific files covering Knight's association with the Associated Press, newspapers, United States Senators, Congressmen and Presidents, the tire companies, and universities can be found within this series.

General correspondence is located in Series C (16 cubic feet), which primarily deals with readers' responses to Knight's editorials. Reader reaction to historic topics includes John F. Kennedy's assassination, the Vietnam War, the Kent State shootings, and Watergate. Folders are arranged alphabetically within each year and then chronologically within each file.

Series D is comprised of miscellaneous correspondence, including a wide variety of correspondents such as readers, businessmen, and other journalists. The series is arranged alphabetically.

Series E is selected correspondence with family members, business associates, staff, colleges and universities, awards' sponsors, clubs, and other organizations. This series includes materials selected by the members of Knight-Ridder newspapers or the Knight Foundation.

Series F (12 cubic feet) comprises Knight's trademark, the "Editor's Notebooks," the weekly column he wrote for nearly 40 years, expressing his viewpoints and opinions. In addition to every notebook there is correspondence relating to the editorials and an index spanning 26 years of the column. Also included within this series are all the Akron Beacon Journal editorial pages from 1950 to 1964.

Information about the numerous awards and honors bestowed upon Knight throughout his life can be found in Series G (3 cubic feet). Acceptance speeches and accompanying memorabilia are arranged chronologically.

Series H (1 cubic foot) includes correspondence, pamphlets, maps and other materials relating to Knight's involvement with World War II and the Vietnam War.

Knight's outside activities can be found in the leisure/hobbies series designated as I (0.3 cubic feet). Horse racing and golfing were especially characteristic after Knight retired as working editor and publisher of the Akron Beacon Journal.

Series J (3 cubic feet) includes newsclippings and scrapbooks collected by Knight. The scrapbooks span 1921-1936 and provide biographical information on C. L. Knight. The newsclippings cover 1927-1981 and pertain to Knight and his various newspapers.

Series K (5 cubic feet) consists of photographs relating to various aspects of Knight's life, as well as photographs of other family members.

Tapes, albums and films pertaining to Knight are located in Series L (1 cubic feet). Included here are Knight's speech at the 50th Anniversary of the Akron Chamber of Commerce, a WJR Detroit interview with Knight about his trip to Vietnam and Knight's question and answer session before the Poor Richard Club in 1972.

Artifacts, some of which are exhibited in the John S. Knight reading room (in Bierce Library), comprise series M.

Series N, miscellanea, includes club membership books in which Knight is listed.