William S. Akin Papers, 1921-1976 | Wheaton College Archives & Special Collections

Acquired: 1968.

Restrictions: There are no restrictions on this collection.

Rights: Duplication may be restricted if copying could cause damage to items.

Acquisition Note:  Source: Gift.
This substantial rare book collection was given to Wheaton College in memory of its fourth President, Dr. V. Raymond Edman by William S. Akin in 1968 with several minor donations in subsequent years.

Preferred Citation: William S. Akin Papers (SC-1), Wheaton College Special Collections, Wheaton, Illinois.

Collection Material Type: Personal Papers

Other Note: SC-01, the foundational gift of rare books for Buswell Library Special Collections, was made possible by book collector, William S. Akin (1893-1985) of Evanston, Illinois. His book collection (ca 460 linear ft.) and papers (3 linear ft.) were given to Wheaton College in memory of its fourth President, Dr. V. Raymond Edman. This friendship began soon after Akin's review of Fire on the Prairie: The Story of Wheaton College, published in 1950. What began in 1965 as an exhibit-loan, became guest appearances to talk about book collecting (1966-7), and culminated in the gift (1968-) of the entire collection. In November 1976, the William S. Akin Collection (SC-01) and Rare Book Study Room were dedicated.