Fletcher P. Homan, 1905-1923, bulk: 1908-1914

Record Group

Identifier: Record Group V

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The primary portion of the collection documents Reverend Fletcher Homan’s tenure as President of Willamette University from 1908 to 1914. The correspondence in the collection includes materials dated 1902 to 1923. The records consist of incoming and outgoing correspondence, financial records, Board of Trustee meeting minutes, newspaper articles, a copy of Willamette University’s original charter and the original specifications for Eaton Hall. Folders contain both typed and handwritten letters as well as carbon copies. The folder list below provides specific details of the contents of the folders.

Topics addressed in this collection include faculty salaries, commencement exercises, details about operation of the Board of Trustees and university financial matters that provide insight into Homan’s role as administrator and fund raiser. Details about the endowment campaign and the construction of Eaton Hall can also be found in the collection.

Dates

1905-1923
Majority of material found within 1908-1914

Language of Materials

From the Collection:

Materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

Smith, Hudson, and Pelton's records are currently closed to researchers. All other records are open.

Biographical / Historical

Reverend Fletcher Homan, D.D. was the eleventh president of Willamette University, serving from 1908 to 1914. He was born in Iowa in 1868 and received both his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. He later earned a Bachelor of Sacred Theology from the Garrett Biblical Institute in Evanston, Illinois. Before becoming a Methodist minister in 1898, Homan spent several years in the mercantile business. When offered the position at Willamette, he was acting as the Vice President of Simpson College, his alma mater, and his primary responsibilities were financial affairs. Homan’s predecessor at Willamette University, J.H. Coleman initiated an endowment campaign to ensure that, for the first time, the university would have a solid financial backing. Under Homan’s guidance, the endowment reached its $500,000 goal. In addition to the completion of the endowment campaign, Homan’s tenure saw the construction of Eaton Hall, the liberal arts building funded by a donation from A.E. Eaton, proprietor of the Union Woolen Mills and a prominent Methodist in Oregon. Despite Homan’s accomplishments for the university, his approach to running its daily operations caused friction between himself and the students and faculty. He resigned his position as university president in June of 1914 and was offered a one-year, paid leave of absence.