Finding Aid for the Douglas L. Raymond papers

May 4 Collection - Box 7

Author: Gregg McCullough, February 2008
Revisions: Updated October 2016; May 2018; December 2018

Descriptive Rules: DACS
Origination: Raymond, Douglas L.
Inclusive Dates: 1969-1971
Extent: .16 cubic feet (1 slim document case)
Physical Location: 12th floor
Language of Materials: English

Abstract: Douglas Raymond was head coach of men's track and field and cross country at Kent State University from 1960 to 1978. This collection of materials contains primarily correspondence, written to or by Raymond, pertaining to the shootings at Kent State on May 4, 1970.

Biography: Douglas L. Raymond was born and raised in Beverly, Massachusetts. He earned a B.S. in education from Boston University in 1938 and taught in Providence, Rhode Island, for two years before joining the Navy in 1940 and serving his country during World War II. He was a track and field coach at Boston University for 14 years before coming to Kent State University in 1960. When he came to Kent State, he was head coach for both track and field and cross country, but for the latter part of his tenure he was head coach for track and field. He was also assistant professor of health and physical education. He was honored as MAC coach of the year in 1975 and 1976 and cross country coach of the year 1974. Some of the athletes he coached went on to win many accolades, including second place in the NCAA indoor championship in 1973, championships in all 19 track and field events, 18 All-American athletes, and three of his athletes went on to compete on the 1972 United States Olympic team. He served as head coach and assistant professor during the time of the shootings at Kent State. He retired in 1978 after 32 years of coaching (18 at Kent State). Raymond was inducted into the Ohio Track and Field Hall of Fame in May 1987. He died in 2003.

Scope and Content: The Douglas L. Raymond papers provide a faculty member’s perspective on student unrest and the Kent State shootings of May 4, 1970. Included is correspondence, a paper written by Raymond analyzing the causes of student unrest, and a transcript of a speech given by Daniel P. Moynihan, Counselor to Richard M. Nixon.

Arrangement: The Douglas L. Raymond papers are arranged alphabetically by type of material.

Related Materials: The Kent State University Sports and Information records: Former Personnel includes a file about Douglas Raymond.

Acquisition Information: This collection was transferred to Special Collections and Archives by Kent State University Alumni Affairs in May, 2002.

Alternative Form Available: This collection has been digitized and is available online. The inventory below includes links to the digital content.

May 4 Collection - Box 7
Folder - Contents

1. Clipping: Raymond, Douglas, April 19, 1969
   Scope and Content: Clipping from of an article about Douglas Raymond titled “‘Throw out the bums,’ KSU coach challenges athletes.” The clipping is likely from the Record-Courier.
2. Correspondence: to/from Raymond, Douglas, May 1970
3. Correspondence: to/from Raymond, Douglas, August 1970
4. Correspondence: from Raymond, Douglas, September 1970
5. Correspondence: from Raymond, Douglas, October 1970
6. Correspondence: from Raymond, Douglas, November 1970
7. Correspondence: to/from Raymond, Douglas, December 1970
8. Correspondence: from Raymond, Douglas, January 1971
9. Correspondence: Young, Stephen M., June 16, 1970
   Scope and Content: Letter from United States Senator Stephen M. Young to James Young, regarding his testimony at a hearing. It is not clear why Douglas Raymond had this letter in his possession.
10. Flyer: KLF and YIP, undated
    Scope and Content: Flyer containing a list of student demands from the Kent Liberation Front (KLF) and Youth International Party (YIP).
11. Paper: Anatomy of Student Unrest and Riots, undated
    Author: Raymond, Douglas L.
12. Speech: Moynihan, Daniel P., April 6, 1970
    Scope and Content: Speech titled “The Concept of Public Policy in the 1970s,” given by Daniel P. Moynihan, Counselor to the President of the United States.