Kenneth P. Lewis, 1905-1971 [RG1672.AM]

NEBRASKA STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY MANUSCRIPT FINDING AID

RG1672.AM:  Kenneth P. Lewis, 1905-1971

Papers:  ca.1958-1971
Lincoln, Lancaster County, Neb.:  Postmaster, councilman, labor representative, printer
Size:  0.5 cu.ft.; 1 box

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

Kenneth P. Lewis was born in Miller, Iowa and attended schools in Shenandoah, Iowa, until he enrolled at the University of Nebraska, where he received his B.A. in 1929. He started working at the Lincoln Journal newspaper as a printer in 1925 and later began working for the Journal Star Printing Co., until 1962. Lewis became active in the Lincoln Typographers’ Union. He served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Lincoln Central Labor Union, as well as executive board member of the Nebraska AFL-CIO. In 1951, Lewis became one of Lincoln’s first planning commissioners. He was reappointed in 1954 and served until 1957. In 1958, he was appointed to the City Council to fill an unexpired term. He was then elected to continue in the office until 1959. In 1962, he was made Acting Postmaster. The title became official the following year. In 1965, Lewis was chosen Nebraska Postmaster of the Year. He died in 1971.

SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE

This collection consists of one box of manuscript material arranged in seven series: 1) Correspondence, 1958-1971; 2) Programs; 3) Certificates; 4) Photographs; 5) Newspaper Clippings; 6) Postmaster of the Year material; and 7) Miscellaneous.

This material relates primarily to Kenneth P. Lewis’ career as Postmaster of Lincoln, Nebraska, as well as his involvement in civic affairs in Lincoln. Series 1 contains correspondence, 1958-1971, most of which was sent to Kenneth Lewis in congratulation upon his appointment as City Councilman or Postmaster. Letters thanking Lewis for his work on civic causes are also included.

The programs of Series 2 are primarily for commemorative stamp ceremonies and dedications of new post offices in Nebraska. Material dealing with his installation as Postmaster is also included. The certificates of Series 3 include a diploma, public service awards, and notices of appreciation to Lewis.

Series 4 contains photographs of groundbreaking ceremonies, dedications, and various labor boards. The newspaper clippings of Series 5 are primarily about Lewis’ appointments as City Councilman and Postmaster. Series 6 contains letters of recommendation and a resume used by Kenneth Lewis in his application for Postmaster of the Year. The miscellaneous of Series 7 includes membership cards and a few miscellaneous publications and reports.

INVENTORY

Series 1 – Correspondence, 1958-1971

Box 1
Folder

1. 1. Correspondence, 1968-1971

Series 2 – Programs

2. 2. Commemorative stamp programs and post office dedications

Series 3 – Certificates

3. 3. Public Service Awards and Notices of Appreciation (see oversize)

Series 4 – Photographs

4. 4. Groundbreaking ceremonies, dedications, labor boards

Series 5 – Newspaper Clippings

5. 5. Appointments as city councilman and postmaster

Series 6 – Postmaster of the Year material

6. 6. Postmaster of the Year material

Series 7 – Miscellaneous

7. 7. Miscellaneous including:
      Membership cards
      Nebraska State Association of Letter Carriers organizational meeting report, 1899
      Nebraska National Guard Booklet, 1963
      Salvation Army annual report, 1970

Subject headings:

Lewis, Kenneth P., 1905-1971
Post offices — Nebraska
Postage stamps

05-24-2007   Revised TMM/tmm