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Harold S. Roberts papers

 Collection — Box: 1-11
Identifier: MANUSCRIPT-UA00023
Series I Personal and personnel, 1911 – 1970, contains applications with supporting documents for academic programs and professional positions with letters of recommendations; CVs and list of selection publications for each as well as contracts and employment records of all positions. Commencing in Washington D.C. and culminating at the University of Hawaii, they include memorandums, authorizations, and contracts supplemented letters of recommendation. Updated resumes and curriculum vitae are found throughout this series, usually accompany an application. The bulk of the series is contained in Box 1 with personal correspondence and photographs housed in Box 11. Series II Manuscripts and Publications, 1922 – 2020, contains correspondence, research notes, supporting records, i.e. court filings, for drafts and final works Roberts either authored or provided significant input with the exception of The Volunteer which likely used for his study of Japanese in Hawaii during WWII. Some are bound with handwritten annotations. These works are distinct from the transcripts of his numerous speeches and were written independent from his University role with the exception of bibliographies and directories of unit he was responsible for. While the bulk of the series terminates in 1969, a year before his death, the recent date reflects recent notes on his works. Series III Speeches, 1947 – 1970, reflects the wide range of topics Roberts covered becoming a popular speaker in Hawaii. Correspondence, research material, press releases, certificates of appreciation, drafts and texts of speeches given before diverse audiences including civic, professional, and professional organizations. In addition to handwritten and typescript notes and transcripts research and supporting material are included. Series IV, Correspondence, 1936 – 1967 is arranged into two sub-series respecting the two schemas employed by Roberts, chronological and alphabetical. Multiple correspondence files are integrated into these two schemas resulting in years overlapping in the chronological sub-series. The titles were assigned by Roberts unless indicated by brackets [ ]. Chronological sub-series includes incoming and outgoing correspondence and supporting documents regarding Roberts' professional activities. Predominately typescript, some handwritten correspondence from colleagues include personal inquiries and activities. Supporting records include circulars, outlines, manuscripts and reports. The alphabetical sub-series includes incoming and outgoing correspondence, drafts, supporting research material, notes on meetings, and circulars. Series V Arbitration and Mediation, 1945 – 1959 reflects Roberts’ independent and private work. Arranged chronologically they reflect his involvement in disputes and often, with his final decision. Correspondence, research and interview notes are accompanied by supporting documents and filings. Associated audio tapes of interviews and hearings for some of these cases are housed in Box 11. Series VI University of Hawaii, 1949 – 1968, contains four sub-series and one file. Despite his 23 years at the University a small body of materials regarding classes he taught are contained within the sub-series Courses, 1949 – 1955, with some undated works. Faculty Senate Selection Committee for new UH President, 1961 – 1968, in the only record group with restricted records as they contain sensitive information regarding candidates. The sub-series on Oliver Lee, 1967 – 1969, includes official and non-official documents regarding the reversal of Lee’s tenure due to his anti-Vietnam views. The Student Issues, 1967 - 1969 sub-series contains authoritative statements and a transcript of a television broadcast regarding campus conflicts. The remaining file in this series is Roberts’ statement before the state House Committee on Higher Education regarding the Board of Regents salary adjustment. Series VII Extracurricular, 1942 – 1968, contains non-UH activities during Roberts’ residence in Hawaii professional, civic, and church related. While preceding his activities in Hawaii the first sub-series, Japanese Americans during WWII, 1942 – 1946 contains correspondence and research. The second sub-series, Administrative Assistant to Governor, 1950 – 1953, reflects his 1952 – 1953 appointment while on leave from the University. The sub-series Constitutional Convention, 1947 – 1968, contain both campaign and convention records, including other delegates. The only non-text items are muslin banners housed in Box 11. The sub-series State Supreme Court and Election of Legislature, 1964 – 1966 reflects Roberts’ involvement in this case as he was recognized as amicus curiae by the U.S. Supreme Court. The final sub-series Unitarian Church of Honolulu, 1961 – 1965 contains his records of his involvement in the survey and evaluation of the churches activities and public affairs. Series VIII Audiotapes, 1965 – 1967 are those unassociated with any text files. Only one reel contained a list of contents and written identification on others were faded.

Dates

  • 1917 - 2020
  • Majority of material found within 1942 - 1970

Creator

Extent

10.38 Linear Feet ((9) record center boxes, (1) 5" letter document box, (1) 2.5" letter document box)

Biographical / Historical

Roberts was said to be an example of a university professor who blended the best in scholarship, campus involvement, and professional participation in current community affairs. Born in Zdunska-Wela, Poland, March 14, 1911 with the sur name Rosenberg, he immigrated to America with his parents Selig W. and Adele, in 1921 and naturalized in 1926 changing his name to Harold Selig Roberts in 1936. After receiving his bachelor’s degree from the City College of New York he earned masters and doctorate degrees at Columbia University becoming an economic analyst with the U.S. Department of Commerce in 1936. Two years later he joined the National Labor Relations Board as an economist and in 1947 was named chief of the collective bargaining division of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Labor Department. In September 1947 he came as a visiting professor to University of Hawaii and established the University's Industrial Relations Center the following year. As chairman of the Department of Business and Economics he became then became dean of the College of Business Administration, 1950 - 1959. At the time of his death, he was on leave as director of the Industrial Relations Center to conduct research under a senior specialist grant at the East-West Center. Roberts was active in the Faculty Senate serving as its chair from 1964-65 and was named "Outstanding Citizen of the Year" by the Hawaiian Government Employees Association in 1967. He served as administrative assistant to Governor Oren E. Long from 1952 - 1953 following service as a member of the Governor's emergency fact finding board for the 1949 dock strike. An arbitrator for multiple cases he was a mediator in public utilities disputes from 1947 to 1951. His civic service included delegate to the first State Constitutional Convention in 1950 (failing to win a seat in 1968); chairman of the Committee on Legal Education and Standards of the Profession of the State Judicial Council (appointed by Chief Justice William S. Richardson in 1961); and as an amicus curiae before the U.S. Supreme Court on a case regarding the state legislature reapportionment. A prolific writer authoring over 40 books and articles, he is best remembered for his Robert's Dictionary of Industrial Relations, Labor Management Relations in the Public Service, and Challenge of Industrial Relations in the Pacific-Asian Nations, co-authored with Paul Brissenden. Roberts died February 5, 1970 due to a heart attack three weeks earlier and was survived by his wife Margery, daughters Joyce, Penny and Pamela.
Title
Harold Selig Roberts Papers
Status
completed
Author
Helen Wong Smith
Description rules
dacs
Language of description
English

Repository Details

Part of the University of Hawaii at Manoa Libraries Repository

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