May 4 Memorabilia and Artifacts

May 4 Collection--Boxes 124, 124A, 124B, 124C, 124D, 124E, 124F, 124G, 124H, 124I, 124J, 124K, 124L, 124M

Finding Aid

Prepared by Sterling V. Fleischer, September 9, 1997; updated January 2012 by Penny White; Last Updated: April 2024

Inclusive Dates: 1970-2009
Extent: 11.33 cubic feet (2 record storage boxes + 1 document case + 5 flat oversized boxes + one tube container + 4 media boxes + 1 bully box)
Physical Location: 11th and 12th floor

Scope and Content: This collection contains memorabilia and artifacts pertaining to the Kent State shootings on May 4, 1970.  It contains items which commemorate the four dead and nine wounded, in addition to artifacts that may have been used during events, annual commemorations, and the 1977-78 Gym Annex protest.

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.

May 4 Collection - Box 124
Contents

1. Button: "Kent 25," 1970

2. Button: "Remember Kent State," 1990

3. Button: "We Remember These Our Own," 1993 (3 Buttons)

4. Button: "Peace Against Guns," 1994

5. Button: "In the Footsteps of History," 1995

6. Button: "Inquire, Learn, Reflect," 1995

7. Button: "Kent 26," 1996

8. Button: "Unification of Generations," 1998

9. Button: "Unnecessary, Inexcusable, Unwarranted, Unforgettable," 2002

10. Button: "Peace, Remembering Kent State and Jackson State," 2003

11. Button: "Tell Me Father Did They Aim?" 2005

12. Button: "The Cost of War: Then & Now," 2006

13. Button: "Truth: The First Casualty of War!" 2007

14. Button: "Where Does It End?" 2008

15. Button: "Remembering the Past, Shaping the Future," 2009

16. Button: Allison Krause, 1990

17. Button: Bill Schroeder, 1990

18. Button: "Build it all!" undated

19. Button: "Drop Knowledge, Not Bombs," undated

20. Button: "Inquire, Learn and Reflect Fund!" undated

21. Button: Jeffrey Miller, 1990

    Acquisition Information:Donated by Russ Miller in 2023.

     

22. Button: "Kent 25," undated

23. Button: "Kent, Augusta, Jackson, South East Asia; Moratorium, May 5; Out Now!; SMC," undated

24. Button: "Kent State Remembers," undated

25. Button: "Memorial Benefit Committee," undated

26. Button: Sandy Scheuer, 1990

27. Button: "Save Ohio, Stop Rhodes," undated

28. Button: "The War is at Home," undated

29. Button: "Why Do We Remember?" undated

30. Gun Shell Casing found May 4, 1970

31. Plastic Strap presumed to have been used for a tourniquet on May 4, 1970

32. Press Pass and Faculty ID Card (Betty Kirschner), 1970-71

33. Decals: "Kent State United," 1971

34. Link from the Fence from the Gym Annex Protest, 1977

35. Peace Sign Patch and Canadian Coin left as tokens at a 1995 Special Collections and Archives exhibit, 1995

36. Bracelet: POW-MIA, undated

37. Commemorative hand towel, Jim Russell Memorial, The Golf Club at New Castle, undated

38. Drumsticks left at the site of Jeff Miller during a May 4 commemoration, undated

39. One Rifle Shell Casing and One Shot Gun Shell Casing, 12 gauge, undated

40. Piece of Granite from the B'nai B'rith memorial marker?, undated

41. "Student Target" Patch, undated

42. Button: "Hands Off The Kent State 25!" undated

43. Faculty Senate Observer and Faculty Observer Armbands worn on May 4th, 1970 by John J. Michaels professor of Technology

44. Button: Kent Students Medical Fund, undated (likely 1970)

45. Button: "Keep Kent Open," undated (but likely fall 1970 or 1971)

46. Button: "1970-2020 Kent," 2020
    Scope and Content: Contains five buttons created by Jackett Haus during the 50th commemoration year. Includes one black and white print of the image displayed on the buttons.
    Acquisition Information: Donated by Jackett Haus.

47. Bullets ("slug" portions only), 7.62 mm., undated
    Scope and Content: Contains forty-three, 7.62 mm. bullets that were originally located in the ROTC Annex Building the night of the fire on May 2, 1970. Includes a written description of the bullets and other historical details on their provenance by donor, Robert Crane and an accompanying article by WKSU entitled, "Fragments of May 4: From the Ashes of the ROTC Building."
    Related Materials: See also Kent State University Police records, Box 80, Arson, ROTC Building, May 2, 1970. 
    Acquisition Information: Donated by Robert Crane in 2021.

48. Button: "May 4th STOP The War," 1970
    Scope and Content: Red and white button manufactured for a national anti-war protest planned for May 4, 1970.
    Acquisition Information: Donated by Leslie Breeding in 2023.

49. "Strike" Armband, undated
    Acquisition Information: Donated by Michael Lapides.

50. "Remember Kent State & Jackson State, Stop the Draft" Armband, undated (likely early 1970s)
    Acquisition Information: Donated by Tim Conley in 2016.

May 4 Collection - Box 124A
Contents

1. KSU Police: Riot Helmet, 1977-1978

2. KSU Police: Gas Mask, 1977-1978

3. Tear gas cartridge canister, 1970
   Acquisition Information: Donated by Paul Tople.

4. Lantern used in candlelight vigil, undated

5. John Cleary's wrist watch worn at the time at which he was shot, 1970
   Acquisition Information: Donated by John Cleary.

May 4 Collection - Box 124B
Contents

1. National Liberation Front for South Vietnam flag, undated

May 4 Collection - Box 124C
Contents

1. Three articles of clothing Dean Kahler was wearing when shot on May 4, 1970
   Acquisition Information: Donated by Dean Kahler in 2000.

May 4 Collection - Box 124D
Contents

1. American Flag, undated
   Acquisition Information: Donated by Steven Saylor, Kent State alumnus
   Historical Note: According to a letter from Saylor, sent with his donation of this flag, this was an "American flag that was cut down from the front of the [A]dministration [B]uilding, during the Kent State protests in May of 1970."
   Physical Description: Flag measures approximately 96" X 50"; one edge of flag is torn (grommet edge)

May 4 Collection - Box 124E
Contents

1. Ohio Army National Guard: Jacket of Dress Uniform, undated
   Acquisition Information: The items in this box originally belonged to Ron Baclawski, a member of the National Guard unit deployed to Kent State University in May 1970. The items were donated by Della J. Evans in 2017.

May 4 Collection -  Box 124F
Contents

1. Ohio Army National Guard: Parka, undated
   Acquisition Information: The items in this box originally belonged to Ron Baclawski, a member of the National Guard unit deployed to Kent State University in May 1970. The items were donated by Della J. Evans in 2017.

May 4 Collection - Box 124G
Contents

1. U.S. flag that flew over the University on May 4, 1970
   Acquisition Information: Donated by Jeff Fair in 1995

2. Correspondence and Clippings: Regarding Return of the U.S. flag, 1995

May 4 Collection - Box 124H
Contents

1. Slingerland Tom Drum with Capri Pearl Wrap, undated
   Acquisition Information: The drum originally belonged to alumnus and musician, Chris Butler and was lent to Jeff Miller.  After May 4, 1970, Jeff Miller's possessions were impounded by the FBI, to include the drum.  The kit was later returned to Chris Butler in the fall of 1970.  The drum has been partially restored. Donated by Chris Butler in 2021.

2. Grateful Dead. Live/Dead. Warner Bros. - Seven Arts Records, 1969. (LP record)
   Acquisition Information: The record originally belonged to Jeff Miller and was borrowed by Chris Butler, prior to May 4, 1970. Donated by Chris Butler in 2023.

May 4 Collection - Box 124I
Contents

1. Denim jeans with patchwork worn by Amy Shriver Dreussi on May 4, 1970
   Acquisition Information: Donated by Amy Shriver Dreussi in 2022.

May 4 Collection - Box 124J
Contents

1. Tape Recorder used on May 4, 1970
   Acquisition Information: Donated by Terry Strubbe in 2022.
   Historical Note: Terry Strubbe placed this Campus Pet Sharp tape recorder on the windowsill of his room in Johnson Hall to capture the sounds of the May 4, 1970 rally. The "Strubbe Tape" is the only known uninterrupted recording of all 67 shots fired by the Ohio National Guardsmen. The tape recorder contains a red label with Terry Strubbe's name. 
   Related Materials: See also Terry Strubbe Oral History. 

May 4 Collection - Box 124K
Contents

1. Camera used on May 4, 1970
   Acquisition Information: Donated by John Darnell in 2022.
   Historical Note: Using a press pass borrowed from his father's paper, the Boardman News, John Darnell closely followed the National Guard as they marched towards the Pagoda. With this Neoca film camera, he captured the moment 29 Guardsmen turned and fired at the students below.

May 4 Collection - Box 124 L
Contents

1. Two articles of clothing worn by Steven Tarr on May 4, 1970
   Acquisition Information: Donated by Steven Tarr in 2022.
   Scope and Content: Contains a "Kent State University" blue and yellow t-shirt and brown and white pinstripe pants with patchwork, worn by student, Steven Tarr on May 4, 1970. Includes two images for reference, of Steve Tarr wearing the articles of clothing, near Jeffrey Miller. 

2. Three Armbands, undated
   Acquisition Information: Donated by Steven Tarr in 2022.
   Scope and Content: Includes a black armband with white peace sign, white armband with blue peace sign, and plain black armband. Armbands were originally held together with a blue and white "Creative Arts" button.

3. Button: "Creative Arts," undated
   Acquisition Information: Donated by Steven Tarr in 2022.

4. Decal: "Strike the War Machine," undated
   Acquisition Information: Donated by Steven Tarr in 2022.

May 4 Collection - Box 124 M
Contents

1. Nineteen Buttons, undated
   Scope and Content: Includes an assortment of political, satirical and general buttons worn and/or collected by Jeffrey Miller.
   Acquisition Information: Donated by Russ Miller in 2023.

2. Walgreens Co. Bandages Container, undated
   Scope and Content: Container was used by Jeffrey Miller to store his buttons. 
   Acquisition Information: Donated by Russ Miller in 2023.

3. Michigan State University Pennant Flag, undated
   Scope and Content: Small, green and white pennant flag that belonged to Jeff Miller. 
   Acquisition Information: Donated by Russ Miller in 2023.

4. The Animals. Don't Bring Me Down/Cheating. MGM Records, 1966. (45 RPM record)
   Scope and Content: Record includes "RM" initials.
   Acquisition Information: Donated by Russ Miller in 2023.

5. The Beatles. Can't Buy Me Love/You Can't Do That. Capitol Records, 1967. (45 RPM record)
   Acquisition Information: Donated by Russ Miller in 2023.

6. The Beatles. Penny Lane/Strawberry Fields Forever. Capitol Records, 1967. (45 RPM record)
   Acquisition Information: Donated by Russ Miller in 2023.

7. The Electric Prunes. Luvin/I Had Too Much to Dream. Warner Bros. Records, 1966. (45 RPM record)
   Acquisition Information: Donated by Russ Miller in 2023.

8. Jefferson Airplane. Two Heads/Ballad of You, Me, and Pooneil. Record Corporation of America, 1967. (45 RPM record)
   Acquisition Information: Donated by Russ Miller in 2023.

9. Jorgen Ingmann. Echo Boogie/Apache. ATCO Records, 1961. (45 RPM record)
   Scope and Content: Record includes "JM" initials.
   Acquisition Information: Donated by Russ Miller in 2023.

10. The Vagrants. Respect/I Love, Love You. ATCO Records, 1967. (45 RPM record)
    Scope and Content: Record includes "JM" initials.
    Acquisition Information: Donated by Russ Miller in 2023.

11. Nassau County Legislature Citation Plaque, undated
    Scope and Content: Plaque recognizes and acknowledges May 4th as a ceremonious holiday in memory of Jeffrey Miller.
    Acquisition Information: Donated by Russ Miller in 2023.