William Henry Fouse Collection

William Henry Fouse (1868-1944) was Otterbein’s first African-American graduate. Fouse was a renowned educator who, according to Otterbein historian Dr. Harold Hancock, “taught school in Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, serving as principal of Dunbar School in Lexington, Kentucky, for twenty-four years. In Kentucky, he organized the Bluegrass Oratorical Association and Bluegrass Athletic Association, instituted the Penny Saving Bank Plan in schools, and guided the development of Dunbar School into a modern school. He became president of the Kentucky National Education Association [in 1937]. Just before he retired in 1937, he received an M.A. from the University of Cincinnati.” Fouse graduated from Otterbein in 1893. In his own words, “I worked my way through college blacking boots, off bearing tiles for a great man Mr. John Everal[,] waiting table in Columbus and elsewhere. But I must say that I am glad I did so since it prepared me to be of some little service to my own people and to the community in which I live…” In 1937, Otterbein awarded him an honorary PedD (Doctor of Pedagogy) for his many services to his people and community. This collection includes examples of his written works, articles about him, and related documents and photos.

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The William Henry Fouse Black Studies Festival : "Music Among Us"

Archives

Pamphlet for the week of events occurring during the Black Studies Festival.
Faculty and Staff Announcement for William Henry Fouse Black Studies Festival

Archives

Announcement given to faculty and staff at Otterbein University prior to the William Henry Fouse Black Studies Festival. The announcement explains how those on campus can get involved in the festival.
The William Henry Fouse Black Studies Festival Presentation Application

Archives

Application for faculty and staff to present during the Black Studies Festival at Otterbein.
Otterbein Press Release: Department of Aging Honors Otterbein's First Black Graduate

Archives

Press release from Otterbein recognizing William Henry Fouse's induction for the Department of Aging's Senior Citizens Hall of Fame, the first black graduate of Otterbein College.. The press release mentions many of Fouse's achievements through his career.
September 1944 Towers Death Announcement Including Fouse

Archives

Births and Deaths page of Towers magazine from September 1944. William Henry Fouse's death is mentioned on the page.
July 19, 1944 Letter From J. Ruskin Howe to Mrs. Fouse

John Ruskin Howe and Archives

Transcript of letter from J. Ruskin Howe to Mrs. Fouse following the death of William Henry Fouse. Howe was the President of Otterbein at the time. He informs her that his funeral program will be filed in the archives, and also wishes her the best.
William Henry Fouse Funeral Pamphlet

Archives

Pamphlet from William Henry Fouse's funeral service in Lexington, Kentucky. The pamphlet includes an editorial piece about Fouse, as well as a program for the funeral.
June 7, 1937 Letter Response From President Clippinger to Dr. Shank

Walter Gillan Clippinger and Archives

Transcript of letter from President Clippinger to Spencer Shank. Discusses the commencement in which William Henry Fouse was to receive his honorary doctorate degree. This letter was written on June 7, 1937.
June 4, 1937 Letter From Spencer Shank to President Clippinger

Archives and Spencer Shank

Transcript of letter from Spencer Shank, Assistant Dean at the University of Cincinnati, written to President Clippinger. Shank writes about how he sees Fouse as a great candidate to receive the honorary doctorate. This letter was written June 4th, 1937.
June 3, 1937 Letter From Fouse to President Clippinger

Fouse Henry Fouse and Archives

Transcript of letter from William Henry Fouse to President Clippinger. The letter is Fouse finalizing information about being awarded his honorary doctorate. The letter was written June 3rd, 1937.
May 1937 Correspondence Between Fouse and President Clippinger

Walter Gillan Clippinger, William Henry Fouse, and Archives

Personal correspondence between President Clippinger and William Henry Fouse. The letters are regarding William Henry Fouse's honorary doctorate of Pedagogy diploma. Written during May, 1937.
The Law of Averages and Insurances: A High School Project

William Henry Fouse

Written by William Henry Fouse: The writing of these pages is the outgrowth of attempts made by the author in trying to solve real, puzzling problems that confronted him in the schools room. The first part of this little work is a record of the attempt to reduce the drudgery involved m finding averages. Part two is the outgrowth of attempts to keep down the breakage of window glass in our school building. It is hoped that the reading of these pages will be of enough interest -to some teacher to urge him to make a far more reaching contribution to the teaching craft than has the feeble efforts represented -by this pamphlet.
Otterbein Aegis September, 1904 Alumnal Excerpt

Archives

Otterbein Aegis Alumnal column mentioning William Henry Fouse. It references his move from being principal in Corydon, Indiana to a principal in Gallipolis, Ohio.
Otterbein Aegis September, 1898 Fouse Wedding Announcement

Archives

Otterbein Aegis Wedding Bells section mentioning William Henry Fouse's marriage to Elizabeth B. Cooke