Dr. Jo Ann Rayfield University Archives
The Dr. Jo Ann Rayfield University Archives at Illinois State University is the official repository for selected materials that document the history of the University and all aspects of campus life. Archives collects preserves and makes accessible these materials to support Milner Library and the ISU community’s research and teaching goals.
Collected materials include official records from governing boards, campus offices, faculty and student governance bodies, committees, colleges, departments, and faculty and student organizations. In addition, Archives collects the professional and personal papers of faculty, administrative staff, and alumni. Archives also collects materials on Illinois educational organizations pertaining to the University and local manuscripts or archival materials of individuals, clubs, or business relating to the University.
In 2011, Archives began collecting materials related to the teaching style known as Herbartianism. These materials include records of organizations and groups dedicated to the awareness and education of the Herbartian teaching style as well as the personal papers of individuals who taught, administered, or educated in the Herbartian method. Archives also collects monographs, ephemera, memorabilia, and other materials related to the teaching, administering, or education of the Herbartian method.
I.S.N.U. football team, 1907
Redbird riding with the Victory Bell during the Homecoming parade, 1976.
Thumbs-up Reggie pennant circa 1984.
Illinois State University Redbird mascot, circa 1976.
Collections and Projects
Institutional History
Founded in 1857 as Illinois’ first public institution of higher education, Illinois State Normal University (ISNU) quickly became known for its innovative pedagogies and dedicated teaching faculty. Established as a normal school, the institution committed itself to training teachers for classrooms across the state of Illinois. ISNU is the ninth publicly funded normal school founded in the United States and the second located to the west of the Appalachian Mountains.
On February 18, 1857, Gov. William H. Bissell signed into law an act to create the governing body for the new normal university. The Board of Education of the State of Illinois chose North Bloomington as the location for the new university and recommended Charles Edward Hovey as its first leader. As the first president of the University, it was Hovey’s responsibility to launch the new institution by recruiting faculty, enrolling students, and overseeing the construction of the University’s first campus administrative building. However, campus construction slowed due to the Panic of 1857. Thus, the first classes at Illinois State Normal University were held at Majors Hall in downtown Bloomington on October 5, 1857. By June 1860, the first graduating class of ISNU held commencement ceremonies in the new administration building on the institution’s North Bloomington campus.
President Hovey led the Illinois State Normal University for four years until the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861. In the early months of the conflict, Hovey observed several of the institution’s men performing marching drills on the Quad. Hovey learned that several of the University’s students and faculty planned to leave the institution, studies incomplete, to join the war effort. Hovey convinced the men to stay and with the help of the University’s founder, Jesse Fell, traveled to Washington D.C., to meet with their colleague and friend, Abraham Lincoln. With Lincoln’s approval, Hovey established the Thirty Third Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment, also known as the Teacher’s Regiment. Hovey asked the institution’s men to wait to join until after they finished their studies. If they did, Hovey would join with them together. The men agreed, and the Thirty Third was founded.
Charles Hovey, November 1880, age 53, from the Charles Edward Hovey Presidential Papers.
Many of Archives oldest artifacts and documents are housed in the Charles Edward Hovey Presidential Papers. Along with original correspondence, family photographs, memorabilia, and other historic Hovey records, the Archives holds Charles Hovey’s Civil War-era swords. These swords are vital tools in the outreach and education efforts regularly performed by the Archives. Aside from the wow factor, the swords provide an opportunity for archivists to discuss the history of ISU with interested students and researchers. Once a student has held history, they feel a deeper connection with the object and their institution. These hands-on experiences also allow for discussions about the importance of access and preservation of historic materials.
Hovey’s battle sword is a saber-style sword likely purchased by Hovey or a close relation before entering Civil War service. The sword was crafted by one of the largest military goods suppliers in the nation, W. H. Horstmann & Sons. The blade was likely imported from Germany, and the handle was made of shark skin.
Hovey’s ceremonial sword typically accompanies regalia worn to special occasions or events. Like its sister sword, Hovey’s ceremonial sword likely was purchased by Hovey or a close relation after his exit from military service. Hovey would have worn the sword with his dress uniform for parades, parties, and other ceremonial or special events.
Both of Hovey’s swords returned to ISNU in February 1913 for the University’s first continual observance of Founders Day. Donated by Hovey’s widow, Harriette, the gesture highlighted Hovey’s love for the University and the sacrifice students and faculty made to serve under his leadership in the war. The swords are now a treasured part of the Rayfield Archives and help connect current-day students to the University’s rich history.
Charles Edward Hovey’s ‘battle’ sword, circa 1861. Hovey used this saber and its leather sheath during his yearlong service in the Union Army during the Civil War. The blade was with Hovey as he primarily served in battles associated with the Vicksburg Campaign and the Battle of Arkansas Post. From the Charles Edward Hovey Presidential Papers.
Charles Edward Hovey’s ceremonial sword, circa 1865. Hovey used this ceremonial sword for post-Civil War events such as official military functions, parades, and other functions requiring military regalia. Much like his services sword, Hovey likely purchased this blade himself. From the Charles Edward Hovey Presidential Papers.
Charles Edward Hovey’s ceremonial sword, circa 1865. Hovey used this ceremonial sword for post-Civil War events such as official military functions, parades, and other functions requiring military regalia. Much like his services sword, Hovey likely purchased this blade himself. From the Charles Edward Hovey Presidental Papers.
Presidential Portraits
Archives is home to many of the University’s presidential portraits. While the portraits document a moment in time, the canvases and frames tell entirely different stories.
The artist and creation year of the Charles Edward Hovey portrait is unclear. We know that the portrait was painted early in Hovey’s life, either during his time as the superintendent of Peoria Schools or as president of Illinois State Normal University. The portrait hung in unknown locations around campus, likely in administrative buildings until it was moved to Ewing Manor sometime in the latter half of the 20th century. The portrait sustained damage over the years, including canvas punctures that were poorly repaired, damage to the hand-crafted frame, and general dirt and grime on the canvas. Thanks to financial assistance from the George and Helen Obalil Family Fund, Hovey’s portrait has been restored. Colors once again pop from the canvas, showing the folds in Hovey’s suit, streaks of gray in his hair, and his brilliant blue eyes. Images of Hovey later in life show the ravages of war on his body, from his near-death from malaria to shoulder wounds. This now-restored painting gives viewers a glimpse at the man who once led the creation of Illinois’ first public university.
The presidential portraits show how portraiture art has changed in the last century. Our early presidential portraits are all hand-painted. In many cases, the frames are also hand-crafted in painted plaster. Though the frames became standard, the portrait of David Berlo was a departure from past paintings. Berlo’s portrait is part photograph, part painting. The image of Berlo is a photograph that was carefully cut and later glued to a canvas. An artist later painted over the image, giving the picture a painted look. Later presidential portraits are printed photographs with a clear gloss brushstroke overlay. Current portraits are a mix of digitally enhanced photographs with artistically applied overlays.
Portrait of Charles Hovey, date and artist unknown.
Athletics
1934 I.S.N.U. Athletic Association spring term ticket.
1954 Homecoming football game.
Redbird Athletics history has a home at Archives. From jerseys, banners, flags, pom poms, and all the balls from various sports that you can imagine, Archives preserves the history of all campus athletics events and educators.
Several collections at Archives highlight the teaching and coaching of some of the University’s most beloved educators. The papers of Joe Cogdal explore the early years of football, basketball, and cross country education and training at ISNU. From classroom notes, scorecards, play charts, and handwritten essays, researchers can learn how students at ISNU trained for the big game and learned to teach a sport in the early 20th century. The papers of Phoebe Scott document the educator’s work to remove gender barriers in athletics and eventually help bring about Title IX. Collections like the Women’s Recreation Association and Physical Education Majors document student life and academics through the lens of athletics and physical education.
The history of Reggie Redbird and all his family also lives at Archives! Illinois State Normal University tried a few mascots early on: the Normalites, the Pedagogs, and the Fighting Teachers. In 1923, we settled on Redbirds as our officially unofficial mascot of the University. Called ‘Redbirds’ by news outlets and the campus community, the students largely took on the role of Redbird. Photographs at the Rayfield Archives document student-made mascot uniforms, some of which ‘molted’ during games. With Reggie’s naming in 1981, the University invested in the Redbird wardrobe and dress for our beloved ’Bird to this day.
The Records of the Department of Athletics is a treasure trove of information for researchers of ISU athletics history. From media guides to programs, scorecards to statistics, the Rayfield Archives can help researchers of Redbird athletics trace the history of some of their favorite players and teams.
1907 women’s basketball team.
The Vidette Archive & Digitization
Founded in 1888, The Vidette served both the campus and the local community. A vital source of information, The Vidette reported on national and campus events, changes in faculty, academics, university administration, and relevant news from Normal and Bloomington. For many, The Vidette was the first news source they encountered on their daily commute to classes. Readers could discover the latest news on local causalities during World War I, where to locally buy war bonds during World War II, changes in class schedules, dance and concert reviews, messages from the University president, advertisements for school supplies, and much more.
The Vidette Digital Archives preserves this important historical resource and makes it available to researchers and casual readers. Users can browse the newspaper from any web-enabled device or take a deep dive with keyword searches, searching by specific dates and filters. The Vidette Digital Archives is an excellent resource for researchers looking for national topics with local connections, stories about the student experience, and genealogists exploring familial connections.
Alumni
The 1980 ISU Homecoming parade marches east on College Avenue.
1945 photograph of students attending an ISNU football game. Photograph featured on page 10 of the 1945 student yearbook, The Index.
Yearbooks and course catalogs are an invaluable source of information for researchers, genealogists, and even alumni. Sometimes, pulling out an old yearbook to show children and grandchildren your history is easier than telling (and retelling) your stories. In 2010, Milner Library embarked on an ongoing effort to digitize and make available online all the University’s yearbooks, course catalogs, and governance reports. These primary sources are essential in piecing together not only the University’s history but an alumni’s personal educational journey.
The marching band leads the way at the 1954 ISNU Homecoming parade.
Teaching, Special Topics, & Internships
Archives works with faculty to craft unique course sessions and activities that combine archival education with their discipline. A course session can include introductions to archives, exercises on conducting archival research, and discussions about the archival profession. Using physical and digital archival materials, Archives offers students hands-on experiences with rare documents and memorabilia to create various projects for a given class. Students have written research papers on the University’s history, crafted PowerPoint presentations, designed exhibits for campus displays, and created online and social media experiences. While Archives works with various humanities-based disciplines like history, anthropology, sociology, and English, it also regularly partners with faculty in health sciences, communication, and the Wonsook Kim School of Theatre and Dance.
Internships play a vital role in the training of future history, library, and archives professionals. At Archives, we offer internships to students on the processing and preservation of archival materials, describing and researching collections, and exhibiting items via physical exhibits on campus and on social media. Archives typically hosts three to five interns each semester and has guided over 40 internships and volunteer projects since 2018. Read on to see how internships at Archives have helped ISU students find their passion.
Brooke Bowers-Troutman
My time as an intern at the ISU Archives, IRAD, and David Davis Mansion were some of my greatest memories of college. They also had a long-lasting impression on me that has shaped my trajectory and furthered my career.
As a history student not in the education program, I knew I needed to gain some experience for grad school and the job market. I didn’t know that the experiences and people I would meet would shape my understanding of several professions and career choices and send me down an unexpected but immensely rewarding path.
Because of my time as an intern in the history department at ISU, I gained a few mentors who really inspired my love of history, teaching, and outreach. My mentors showed me what it was like to work in libraries, museums, and archives, and they passed their passions on to me. My time as an intern also gave me valuable skills, like public speaking, professional correspondence, and organizational skills.
Since my time as an ISU history intern, I have held positions as a digital archivist, scholarly communications coordinator, social sciences librarian, and research librarian. All of these positions have been at institutions of higher education. They have all helped me gain knowledge and skills and continue down my career path. However, none of my career successes would have been possible without the skills, guidance, relationships, and mentorships I received as a student intern at Illinois State University.
Samantha Wolter
Being able to be hands-on at an archive is one of the most beneficial experiences I have ever had, and finding the profession of archiving and meeting April Anderson-Zorn was definitely by chance. It also set me on the path that I am on today. I registered for April’s Archives and Manuscripts class, not really knowing what it was, and by the end of the first week, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in archives. Being very new to the idea of archiving, I spoke with April and told her that I wanted to volunteer and possibly start a career path with archives. I had no idea what I would do, but she told me a date and a time, and I showed up at the Dr. Jo Ann Rayfield Archives ready to get started. I was given a small collection to research, organize, and create a finding aid for, and once I was finished, I was given another, and my collections and projects just kept growing. Near the end of the year, April and I sat down, and she told me that I should continue on to get my master’s degree in history and that if I was accepted to Illinois State University, I would become a student assistant/archivist. I applied quickly and was accepted to ISU for the history master’s program. I filled the position as the Archives student assistant and started on a list of projects for the next two years. I not only helped at the Dr. Jo Ann Rayfield Archives, but I was also given a project with the Second Presbyterian Church in Bloomington. This project was to organize, preserve, and write a finding aid for their photograph collection, along with creating new administrative and retention documents. It was a challenge, but it gave me the experience and knowledge that I needed and wanted regarding archiving.
One of the biggest events that we had, while I was the student assistant, was at the Crystal Garden at Navy Pier. We were tasked with creating different eras throughout ISU’s history for an alumni event. This was the most nerve-wracking and exhilarating event I have ever done. I was able to spread my wings to design, create, and choose what I wanted in my area. Throughout my years at the Dr. Jo Ann Rayfield Archives, either by volunteering or being a student assistant, I was able to learn so much by doing. Being hands-on at an archive is essential for those wanting to go into the profession because you truly do not know how much work it takes. While I was there, I barely scratched the surface of what it takes to run an archive, but what I did learn will help me in any career path that I take. April is a wonderful mentor and friend, and any person who is taught by her will definitely live, laugh, and learn archiving.
Sarah Coffman
To be honest, I applied for the Jo Ann Rayfield Archives intern position because, as a graduate student, I needed the money. It just so happened that it became a career path. When I arrived at ISU in 2016, after a three-year academic hiatus, I still had no clue just how I wanted to use my history degree. I knew I loved to research, and I was not patient enough to teach. The Jo Ann Rayfield Archives is where I quickly discovered my love of archiving. After winter break in 2017, I realized that I wanted to make this my career. Funnily enough, it dawned on me while retrieving a box from the back, with the lights of the stacks half-lit. I thought it was crazy that this life decision took all of a semester to figure out, but it had taken me 27 years to get to that point. Not being from Illinois, I knew very little of the University and the surrounding Bloomington-Normal area, but I think I became connected to the campus and felt closer to the University because I worked with its history. Since Archives is situated away from campus, it was almost in its own world, but I never felt out of place.