Finding Aid for the LeRoy Satrom papers

May 4 Collection -- Boxes 8, 9

Author: Amanda Remster, December 2007; Updated December 2011; Updated January 2017; Last Updated: August 2020

Descriptive Rules: DACS
Origination: Satrom, LeRoy M.
Inclusive Dates: 1955-1976
Bulk Dates: 1970-1972
Extent: 2.0 cubic feet (2 record storage boxes)
Physical Location: 12th floor; oversized materials are shelved in map case

Abstract: The bulk of the LeRoy Satrom papers relates to the Kent State shootings and their aftermath during Satrom's term as mayor of Kent, Ohio from 1970-1972.

Biography: Born in North Dakota, LeRoy Satrom graduated from Case Institute of Technology, afterwards beginning a lifelong career of public service in Portage County, Ohio. After serving as deputy county engineer, Ravenna and Kent city engineer, consulting engineer, and a member of Kent City Council throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Satrom was elected as mayor of Kent in 1969. Beginning his mayoral term in January 1970, Satrom was placed under national scrutiny five months later due to the Kent State shootings of May 4, 1970. As mayor, Satrom possessed the only authorization to request that Governor James A. Rhodes send the Ohio National Guard to Kent.

In 1972, Satrom won the position of Portage County Engineer, as which he served for four terms. After his retirement, he remained an active member of the Portage County Democratic Party, as well as the Kent community. Satrom died in 2004 at the age of 85.

Scope and Content: The LeRoy Satrom papers include correspondence, documents, speeches, notes, photographs, newspaper clippings, periodicals, and audio recordings. Although the collection highlights many aspects of Satrom's career as engineer, mayor, and Kent citizen, the bulk of these materials focus on the events of May 4, 1970, and their aftermath.

Statement of Arrangement:

• Series 1: Correspondence, 1955-1972
• Series 2: Kent City Elections, 1959-1976
• Series 3: Proclamations, Speeches, Drafts, Notes, 1969-1972
• Series 4: Documents Regarding Kent State Shootings, 1969-1972
  • Subseries 1: Demands, Petitions, and Recommendations to LeRoy Satrom, 1970-1971
  • Subseries 2: Documents Regarding City and University Emergency Response, 1969-1972
  • Subseries 3: Documents Regarding Law Enforcement Reports and Procedures, 1970-1972
  • Subseries 4: Documents Regarding Kent State University, 1970-1972
• Series 5: Photographs, 1955-1972
• Series 6: Newspaper Clippings, 1969-1973
• Series 7: Flyers, Newsletters, Pamphlets, Periodicals, 1957-1974
• Series 8: Audio Materials, 1970-1972

Preferred Citation: LeRoy Satrom papers. Department of Special Collections and Archives. Kent State University Libraries and Media Services.

Acquisition Information: LeRoy Satrom donated this collection to the Kent State University Special Collections and Archives on June 8, 2004.

Restrictions on Access: Some information included in this collection is restricted due to the presence of information protected by privacy laws. This information has been redacted where present on documents in the collection. Un-redacted originals, in all cases, have been retained by Special Collections and Archives.

Technical Requirements: Audio materials recorded on cassette tape and eight-track tape formats. Eight track tapes are fragile and cannot be played until transfered to a digital format.

Separated Material: Newspaper clippings unrelated to LeRoy Satrom that were filed in this collection prior to re-processing in 2017, if retained, have been moved to the May 4 Newspaper Clippings, Magazines, and Journal Articles collection.

Sponsor: Digitization of this collection was funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission. Digitization of a portion of the audio materials in this collection was supported by a Recordings at Risk grant from the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR). The grant program is made possible by funding from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Box 8

Series 1: Correspondence, 1955-1972

Folder -- Contents

1. General professional correspondence to LeRoy Satrom, 1955; 1968-1972
2. Correspondence to LeRoy Satrom regarding Kent State shootings, May 1-5, 1970
3. Correspondence to LeRoy Satrom regarding Kent State shootings, May 6-10, 1970
4. Correspondence to LeRoy Satrom regarding Kent State shootings, May 11-15, 1970
5. Correspondence to LeRoy Satrom regarding Kent State shootings, May 16-20, 1970
6. Correspondence to LeRoy Satrom regarding Kent State shootings, May 21-25, 1970
7. Correspondence to LeRoy Satrom regarding Kent State shootings, May 26-31, 1970
8. Correspondence to LeRoy Satrom regarding Kent State shootings, June, 1970
9. Correspondence to LeRoy Satrom regarding Kent State shootings, July-August, 1970
10. Correspondence to LeRoy Satrom regarding Kent State shootings, September-December, 1970
11. Correspondence to LeRoy Satrom regarding Kent State shootings, 1971
12. Correspondence to LeRoy Satrom regarding Kent State shootings, 1972
13. Postcards to LeRoy Satrom regarding Kent State shootings, 1970-1971
14. General professional correspondence from LeRoy Satrom, 1969-1972

Series 2: Kent City Elections, 1959-1976

15. Kent City Elections, campaign printed matter, 1959-1961
    Physical Location: One item from this file is located in the map case.
16. Kent City Elections, campaign printed matter and certificates of nomination and election, 1963
17. Kent City Elections, certificate of election, 1964
18. Kent City Elections, campaign printed matter and certificate of election, 1965
    Physical Location: One item from this file is located in the map case.
19. Kent City Elections, ballot tally sheet, campaign printed matter, and certificate of election, 1968
20. Kent City Elections, ballot tally sheet, campaign printed matter, and certificates of nomination and election, 1969
21. Kent City Elections, certificate of election, 1970
22. Kent City Elections, campaign printed matter, 1976

Series 3: Proclamations, Speeches, Drafts, Notes, 1969-1972

23. Proclamation of Heart Month by LeRoy Satrom, February 5, 1970
24. Proclamation of Civil Emergency by LeRoy Satrom, May 2, 1970
25. Official statement to the citizens of Kent by LeRoy Satrom, May 8, 1970
26. Statement on Kent State University dormitory search by LeRoy Satrom, May 13, 1970
27. Unsigned statement regarding University and City relations, July 27, 1970
28. Proclamation of resignation of Robert I. White, February 19, 1971
29. Draft of speech regarding reopening of Kent State University, 1970
30. Draft of speech regarding food stamps, undated
31. Draft of speech regarding University and City security, undated
32. Welcome letter by LeRoy Satrom, undated
33. Notes made by LeRoy Satrom, 1969
34. Notes made by LeRoy Satrom, 1970
35. Notes made by LeRoy Satrom, 1971
36. Notes made by LeRoy Satrom, 1972
37. Notes made by LeRoy Satrom, undated
38. Office messages and memos to LeRoy Satrom, 1970-1972
39. Kent City Council agendas, Memorial Day plans, and assorted mayoral documents, 1969-1972
40. LeRoy Satrom's certificate of church membership and church programs, 1957; 1970

Series 4: Documents Regarding Kent State Shootings and Emergency Response, 1969-1972

Subseries 1: Demands, Petitions, Recommendations to LeRoy Satrom, 1970-1971

41. Statement by the Executive Committee of the Kent Area Chamber of Congress, May 7, 1970
42. Resolution by Hiram College Faculty, May 6, 1970
43. Resolution by the City of Kent, May 13, 1970
44. Letter from the Committee of Kent State Massacre Witnesses to Kent State students, May 13, 1970
45. Telegram from the Student Senate of the State Community College of East St. Louis, Illinois to LeRoy Satrom, May 22, 1970
46. Leaflets from the Navigators, Campus Crusade for Christ, and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship to citizens of Portage County, 1970
47. Counter-demands to faculty and student demands, by "Citizens of Kent," May 26, 1970
48. Correspondence and petitions from residents of Ohio, May 5-24, 1970
49. Petition from "Group of Undergraduate Students," June 15, 1970
50. Petition from "Group of Undergraduate Students" forwarded by the City-University Liaison Committee, June 18, 1970
51. Statement from the Group at Twin Lakes Country Club, July 25, 1970
52. Minutes and supporting documents from the University Commission to Implement a Commitment to Non-Violence, May-September, 1970
53. Minutes and supporting documents from the Kent State University Community Relations Committee, 1970-1971

Series 4: Documents Regarding Kent State Shootings and Emergency Response, 1969-1972

Subseries 2: Documents Regarding City and University Emergency Response, 1969-1972

54. Document regarding guidance for civil authorities by the Adjutant General of Ohio, August 15, 1969
55. Kent State University personnel cleared for access during curfew, May 2, 1970
56. Kent State University interdepartmental correspondence regarding open telephone line, May 2, 1970
57. Ohio National Guard visitation authorization forms, May 4, 1970
58. Kent State University personnel on duty in Academic Division, May 5, 1970
59. Guideline for Disorders and Disruptions, for law enforcement agencies, May 25, 1970
60. Kent State University Department of Safety and Public Services emergency procedures, August 1, 1970
61. Document regarding obtaining aerial type trucks in case of emergency, September 25, 1970
62. List of area fire departments, September 25, 1970
63. Guideline for Disorders and Disruptions, amended, October 9, 1970
64. Campus Bus Service, procedures for an emergency and evacuation, October 15, 1970
65. Kent State University procedures for disorders and disruptions, October 22, 1970
66. Ohio House Bill 1219, Last Enacted Section Concerning Campus Riots, November 4, 1970
67. Kent State University procedures for emergency and evacuation, revised, March 26, 1971
68. Provisions for a state of emergency, emergency passes, and regulations, April 29, 1971
69. Correspondence from Kent Public Schools regarding use of Roosevelt Stadium, April 30, 1971
70. Guidelines for civil disturbance control, February 16, 1972
71. Amended House Bill and correspondence from Governor John J. Gilligan, February 23, 1972
72. Documents regarding University governance, 1972
73. Contact information of Kent employees, police, and University administration, 1970-1971
74. Kent State University Emergency Handbook, "White Book," circa 1970-1972
75. Emergency identification cards, undated
76. Personnel assignments in civil emergency, undated
77. Crimes and Criminal Procedure: Riots, undated
78. Statutes and Jurisdiction: Civil Service and Riots, undated

Series 4: Documents Regarding Kent State Shootings and Emergency Response, 1969-1972

Subseries 3: Documents Regarding Law Enforcement Reports and Procedures, 1970-1972

79. Information Digest regarding Seattle Liberation Front, May 2, 1970
80. Special Police Officers sworn in by LeRoy Satrom, May 4, 1970
81. Kent Police Department memos, 1970
    Scope and Content: Includes photocopy of a statement by a confidential informant.
82. Parole Officer's Field Report, May 13, 1970
83. Intelligence statement, July 24, 1970
    Scope and Content: Describes individuals who may be involved in SDS activity.
84. Court Orders and instructions regarding special grand jury, September 5, 1970
85. Kent Arms and Ammunitions Reports, September 29, 1970
86. Report of Jenkins vs. Averett, September 29, 1970
87. Procedures for Bomb Threat, Kent City Fire Department, October 1, 1970
88. Intelligence Unit Report per State Arson Bureau, October 2, 1970
89. Cincinnati Postal Department Notice, October 24, 1970
90. Consumer Frauds and Crimes Bulletin, November 1970
91. Report of 1971 Spring Action Calendar, 1971
92. Letter sent to LeRoy Satrom from the Portage County Sheriff, February 18, 1971
93. Ohio State Highway Patrol, Summit, Portage Police Departments meeting agenda, April 8, 1971
94. Reports by James Bruss on student activities and rallies, April-May 1971
95. Subject File: Kent Ministerial Association regarding Kent Police brutality statements, 1971-1972
96. Memos and correspondence, Kent City Police Chief and Department, March 25-June 4, 1971
97. Kent area police departments intelligence meeting notes, September-November 1971
98. Bowling Green Police Report, May 10, 1972
99. Kent Police Department daily patrol, phone, and radio log, June 2-4, 1972
100. Auxiliary Kent Police sworn in by LeRoy Satrom, June 26, 1972

Series 4: Documents Regarding Kent State Shootings and Emergency Response, 1969-1972

Subseries 4: Documents Regarding Kent State University, 1970-1972

101. Kent State University campus map with notations, February 18, 1970
102. Grade option form for Kent State University graduate candidates, May 15, 1970
103. Kent State University community relations survey, June 5, 1970
104. Kent State University Spring Commencement program, June 13, 1970
105. Kent State University enrollment statistics, September 1970
106. Subject File: Think Week 1970, September 28-October 3, 1970
107. Report: Extraordinary Expenses Incurred Relative to the May Disturbance, October 15, 1970
108. Special Report by The President's Commission on Campus Unrest: The Kent State Tragedy, October 1970
109. Program and agendas: Memorial to the Slain Students of Kent State University, May 1-4, 1971
110. Kent State University Federation of Teachers, Statement of Concerns, November 1, 1971
111. Kent State University Annual Report: 1971-1972, December 22, 1972
112. Correspondence and memos from Kent State University, 1970-1972
113. Questionnaire concerning events of May 1-4, 1970, undated
114. Kent State University information regarding student funds, 1970

Series 5: Photographs, 1955-1972

115. Thomas Satrom and Unidentified Boy, November 7, 1950
116. LeRoy Satrom and W. L. Havens, December 1954
117. Kent Rotary Club, 1959
118. LeRoy Satrom and Unidentified Group, April 26, 1969
119. Photographs of LeRoy Satrom for Campaign Advertisements, 1969
120. Albert Caris and LeRoy Satrom, January 1970
121. LeRoy Satrom, Bob Defluiter, and Tony Filomena, February 6, 1970
122. Robert White and LeRoy Satrom, March 1970
123. Robert White and LeRoy and Grace Satrom, March 1970
124. John Davis, Grace Satrom, Fanyerose Cullinan, and Marcus Roberto, March 1970
125. LeRoy Satrom, Armondo Giovangnoli, Fred Miller, and Paul Hershey, March 1970
126. Ed Ross and LeRoy Satrom, April 3, 1970
127. Headshot of LeRoy Satrom, April 2, 1971
128. LeRoy and Grace Satrom with Mr. and Mrs. Bill Nash, December 14, 1972
129. LeRoy Satrom and John Thomas, December 16, 1972
130. Glen White, LeRoy Satrom, and Unidentified Man, December 1972
131. Grace Satrom, undated
132. Wedding Photographs of LeRoy and Grace Satrom, undated
133. LeRoy Satrom and Unidentified Man in Kent Street Department Truck, undated
134. Headshots of LeRoy Satrom, undated
135. Family Portrait: James, Robert, Thomas, Grace, and LeRoy Satrom, undated
136. LeRoy and Grace Satrom Boarding a Bus, undated
137. Grace and LeRoy Satrom, undated
138. LeRoy Satrom and Unidentified Men with "Case Alumni" Buttons, undated
139. Grace Satrom and Unidentified Women, undated
140. Unidentified Man with Political Signs, undated
141. Portrait of Senator John Glenn in front of U.S. Capitol, 1964
142. Portrait of Senator John Glenn, undated

May 4 Collection -- Box 9

Series 6: Newspaper Clippings, 1969-1973

Folder -- Contents

1. Newspaper clippings, January to June, 1969
2. Newspaper clippings, July to December, 1969
3. Newspaper clippings, January, 1970
4. Newspaper clippings, February, 1970
5. Newspaper clippings, March, 1970
6. Newspaper clippings, April, 1970
7. Newspaper clippings, May 9, 1970
8. Newspaper clippings, May 11-20, 1970
9. Newspaper clippings, May 21-30, 1970
10. Newspaper clippings, June, 1970
11. Newspaper clippings, July, 1970
12. Newspaper clippings, August, 1970
13. Newspaper clippings, September, 1970
14. Newspaper clippings, October, 1970
15. Newspaper clippings, November, 1970
16. Newspaper clippings, December, 1970
17. Newspaper clippings, January, 1971
18. Newspaper clippings, February, 1971
19. Newspaper clippings, March, 1971
20. Newspaper clippings, April, 1971
21. Newspaper clippings, May, 1971
22. Newspaper clippings, June, 1971
23. Newspaper clippings, July, 1971
24. Newspaper clippings, August, 1971
25. Newspaper clippings, September, 1971
26. Newspaper clippings, October, 1971
27. Newspaper clippings, November, 1971
28. Newspaper clippings, December, 1971
29. Newspaper clippings, January, 1972
30. Newspaper clippings, February, 1972
31. Newspaper clippings, March, 1972
32. Newspaper clippings, April, 1972
33. Newspaper clippings, May, 1972
34. Newspaper clippings, June, 1972
35. Newspaper clippings, July, 1972
36. Newspaper clippings, August, 1972
37. Newspaper clippings, September, 1972
38. Newspaper clippings, October, 1972
39. Newspaper clippings, November, 1972
40. Newspaper clippings, December, 1972
41. Newspaper clippings, 1973
42. Newspaper clippings, undated

Series 7: Flyers, Newsletters, Pamphlets, Periodicals, 1957-1974

43. Flyers, leaflets, and pamphlets, 1970-1972
44. Newsletters, 1969-1972
45. Kent Strike Paper, 1970
46. SDS: New Left Notes, 1972
    Physical Location: Shelved in map case.
47. Strike Paper, 1970

Series 8: Audio Materials, 1970-1972
Alternate Form Available: These recordings have been digitally captured and are available online by clicking the title links below. Box 9 also includes CD copies of the recordings for reference use.
Restrictions on Access: Researchers should be directed to use the digital copies of these recordings as originals are not playable due to format and preservation concerns

48. Cassette Tape: Meeting of the Civil Service Commission, circa 1970s
49. Eight-Track Tape: State of the City, December 29, 1970
50. Eight-Track Tape: Press Conference, June, 1971
51. Eight-Track Tape: Press Conference: State of the City, December 29, 1971
52. Eight-Track Tape: Press Conference, December, 1972