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.
DESCRIPTION
Series 1 – Correspondence, 1958-1971
Box 1
Folder
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- Correspondence, 1968-1971
Series 2 – Programs
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- Commemorative stamp programs and post office dedications
Series 3 – Certificates
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- Public Service Awards and Notices of Appreciation (see oversize)
Series 4 – Photographs
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- Groundbreaking ceremonies, dedications, labor boards
Series 5 – Newspaper Clippings
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- Appointments as city councilman and postmaster
Series 6 – Postmaster of the Year material
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- Postmaster of the Year material
Series 7 – Miscellaneous
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- Miscellaneous including:
Membership cards
Nebraska State Association of Letter Carriers organizational meeting report, 1899
Nebraska National Guard Booklet, 1963
Salvation Army annual report, 1970
- Miscellaneous including:
ADDED ENTRIES:
Lewis, Kenneth P., 1905-1971
Post offices — Nebraska
Postage stamps
05-24-2007 Revised TMM/tmm