October 29, 2022

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.



DESCRIPTION



Series 1 – Correspondence, 1958-1971



Box 1

Folder




    1. Correspondence, 1968-1971



Series 2 – Programs




    1. Commemorative stamp programs and post office dedications



Series 3 – Certificates




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



Series 4 – Photographs




    1. Groundbreaking ceremonies, dedications, labor boards



Series 5 – Newspaper Clippings




    1. Appointments as city councilman and postmaster



Series 6 – Postmaster of the Year material




    1. Postmaster of the Year material



Series 7 – Miscellaneous




    1. Miscellaneous including:

      Membership cards

      Nebraska State Association of Letter Carriers organizational meeting report, 1899

      Nebraska National Guard Booklet, 1963

      Salvation Army annual report, 1970



 



ADDED ENTRIES:



Lewis, Kenneth P., 1905-1971

Post offices — Nebraska

Postage stamps



 



05-24-2007   Revised TMM/tmm

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