Ludd M. Spivey Personal Papers, 1925-1957
Collection context
Summary
- Extent:
- 5.63 Linear Feet 6 Five inch legal standard document containers 1 Five inch letter standard document container 2 16x20 flat boxes
- Language:
- English
Background
- Scope and content:
These materials reflect Dr. Ludd M. Spivey's personal life during and shortly after his tenure as president. The collection includes correspondence, photos, sermons, writings, travellogs, and other ephemera.
- Biographical / historical:
Ludd Myrl Spivey (December 5, 1886 - December 27, 1962) was president of Florida Southern College from 1925-1957. He was born in Eclectic, Alabama, and educated at the University of Chicago. He was a friend and deciple of noted American educator John Dewey. Prior to becoming president of FSC, he was the academic dean of Birmingham Southern.
When Dr. Spivey became president at what was then known as Southern College, the campus had one brick building and several small, temporary structures. Enrollment was only a few hundred students. Almost immediately, he faced financial challenges, as first the Florida Land Boom bubble burst which was followed by the collapse of the global economy. However, Spivey's fundraising abilities were unmatched, and the college was able to survive and grow despite these serious financial headwinds. In the late 1930s, Dr. Spivey was looking for a way to "put Florida Southern College on the map." He decided that he needed to build something unique to set it apart from other colleges of similar size and mission. Out of the blue, he contacted renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and together the two spent the next twenty years designing and building the "College of Tomorrow."
In 1931, Ludd Spivey established an art school in Sarasota as a remote branch of Florida Southern College and he served as its chief director. This college eventually became known as the Ringling College of Art and Design.
Dr. Spivey's legacy goes beyond his impact on the physical plant of Florida Southern College. He was also an innovative and progressive educator who believed in the development of the whole person--mind, body, and soul. He was a leader in the progress towards racial equality, forming a close relationship with Mary Mcleod Bethune and Bethune-Cookman College. He developed a strong science program at FSC, with a focus on the citrus industry as well as cancer research.
When he retired in 1957, the college was a very different place than when he started. Enrollment approached 2000 students, and many new programs had been added. He remained connected to the college, and was awarded the distinction of President Emeritus. He passed away in Palm Beach in 1962 after a brief illness.
- Acquisition information:
- These materials were maintained by the college in the Office of the President Records.
- Processing information:
These materials were originally housed within the Office of the President Records. Intially, the files of Doctors Spivey, Thrift, and Davis were housed separately, however, there was enough overlap that it was determined to create an Office of the President record group to keep the official materials in one collection, while separating out the more personal stuff in the process. Of course, a college president's life is often blurred between their offical and private selves. For a complete picture of Dr. Spivey, please also refer to the Office of the President Record Group (CA100) in the College Archives Repository.
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Access and use
- Restrictions:
This collection is open for research. Researchers must contact McKay Archives in advance for access to unprocessed born digital materials in this collection. Collection restrictions, copyright limitations, or technical complications may hinder the archive's ability to provide access to unprocessed born digital materials.
- Terms of access:
This collection is owned by Florida Southern College. This collection is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Please inquire if you have questions - archives@flsouthern.edu
- Location of this collection:
-
Florida Southern College111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr.LakelandFL33801USA
