Missouri State University Libraries
Ullmann Postcard Collection
Volume: 2.5 linear feet
Provenance
Southeast Missouri State University deaccessioned the collection in 1985 and sent it to MSU. Leslie Dingman processed the collection in 2002, with assistance from student assistants, Betty Macharia and Carolyn Schweighauser.
Copyright
This collection may be protected from unauthorized copying by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code).
Access
The collection is unrestricted. Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. Permission to publish material from the collection must be obtained from the Department of Special Collections and Archives. Citations should be as follows: Identification of the item, box and folder number, Ullmann Postcard Collection (M007), Department of Special Collections and Archives, Missouri State University.
Biographical/Historical Sketch
The collection is simply known as the Ullmann Collection due to the uncertainty of who originally donated the postcard collection to Southeast Missouri State University. From information gathered from the postcards themselves and newspaper articles, it is believed that William Ullmann’s travels to Europe and abroad contributed to a large portion of the postcard collection.
William Ullmann was a Springfield businessman with interests in real estate. He was the son of Ludwig Ullmann, a local doctor/druggist and real estate entrepreneur. According to his obituary, William was a member of the Children’s Home Board and actively participated in Boy Scouts of America. He assisted in establishing the Carnegie Library for Springfield in 1903. His obituary also states that he made several trips to Europe.
William passed away in 1953. His wife, Carolyn, soon followed in 1957. (A large literary donation was made by her children to the Missouri State University Library after Carolyn’s death.)
NOTE: The information above is taken from the following:
“Dr. Ullmann’s Will.” Springfield Leader, July 6, 1910.
“W. Ullmann, 82, Dies in Hospital.” Springfield Daily News. July 3, 1953.
“Ullmann Library Gift Treasured.” Springfield News-Leader. January 24, 1957.
Scope and Content
The collection consists of postcards from countries around the world and date from the early 1900s. The collection is arranged in alphabetical order by country.
Series I: Oversized Items
This includes oversized postcards, correspondence, art clippings, and miscellaneous memorabilia from various
countries.
Series II: Postcards/Memorabilia
This includes postcards and memorabilia, such as guide books and photograph packets.
A finding aid for the collection is available in the Special Collections and Archives Department.