Guide to the H. Brett Melendy Oral History Collection
MSS-2010-10-06
SJSU Special Collections & Archives
© 2010
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
San José State University
One Washington Square
San José, CA 95192-0028
special.collections@sjsu.edu
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
SJSU Special Collections & Archives
Title: H. Brett Melendy Oral History Collection
Identifier/Call Number: MSS-2010-10-06
Physical Description:
10 boxes
(12.5 linear feet)
Date (inclusive): 1952-1991
Abstract: The H. Brett Melendy Oral History Collection documents the experiences of various university administrators and faculty through
oral history interviews. The collection consists of audio tapes and transcriptions, correspondence, typed and handwritten
notes, and related files on specific departments and programs.
Access
Transcripts and recollections are available for research use. Due to their fragile nature access to the audio and video tapes
is restricted.
Publication Rights
Copyright is assigned to the San José State University Special Collections & Archives. All requests for permission to publish
or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Director of Special Collections. Permission for publication
is given on behalf of the Special Collections & Archives. Copyright restrictions may apply to digital reproductions of the
original materials. Use of digital files is restricted to research and educational purposes.
Preferred Citation
H. Brett Melendy Oral History Collection, MSS-2010-10-06, San José State University Library Special Collections & Archives.
Processing Information
Collection processed by Robert Donahue. Finding aid EAD encoded by Robert Donahue. Reviewed by Danelle Moon. Accruals added,
and collection reorganized and rehoused, by Alexandra Lynch in 2017.
Biographical History
Born in Eureka, California, H. Brett Melendy (1924-2008) spent most of his life in California and Hawaii. He received his
Master of Arts in Education in 1948 and his Doctorate in History in 1952 from Stanford University. During this time, he also
taught high school in Fresno, California. Melendy began his academic career as a history professor at San José State College
in 1955. He served in several positions including: Academic Council Faculty Chair; Associate Academic Vice President; Dean
of Undergraduate Studies; History Department Chair; History Professor; Interim Academic Vice President; and University Archivist.
Melendy also spent some of his academic career as an administrator and history professor in the University of Hawaii system
in the 1970s. Melendy's published works include
Chinese and Japanese Americans (1984);
Asians in America: Filipinos, Koreans, and East Indians (1977); and
The Governors of California: Peter H. Burnett to Edmund G. Brown (1965), as well as numerous scholarly articles.
In 1983 Melendy was appointed as the University Archivist from 1983-1987 on a half-time basis, while also maintaining half-time
responsibilities as the Director of the Engineering Institute in the Engineering Department. In this role, Melendy organized
and conducted oral history interviews of select San José State University administrators and faculty. In 1987 the University
Archivist position was eliminated. From 1987 to 1994, Melendy continued to work in the History and Engineering Departments,
and in 1993 he was awarded Professor Emeritus status.
Related Material
San José State College Presidential Office Administrative Records 1899-1970 (bulk 1950-1970), Collection No. MSS-2009-04-01.
San José State University Academic Senate Records 1952-2002 (bulk 1970-1999), Collection No. MSS-2009-03-07.
San José State University President's Office, Gail Fullerton Records 1950-1994 (bulk 1978-1991), Collection No. MSS-2009-04-03.
San José State University President's Office, John Bunzel Records 1963-1984 (bulk 1970-1978), Collection No. MSS-2009-06-01.
San José State University Faculty Papers of H. Brett Melendy, MSS-2009-05-01.
San José State University President's Office, Robert D. Clark Records 1953-1969, Collection No. MSS-2009-08-03.
Dwight Bentel Papers, 1905-2006, Collection No. MSS-2004-04-02.
Scope and Content of Collection
The H. Brett Melendy Oral History Collection documents the experiences of various university administrators and faculty through
oral history interviews. The interviewees include SJSU Presidents Jack Bunzel, Robert D. Clark, Gail Fullerton, and John T.
Wahlquist, as well other university administrators and faculty members such as Dwight Bentel, Hobart Burns, William G. Sweeny,
O.C. Williams, Mildred Winters, and others. The collection consists of audio tapes and transcriptions, correspondence, typed
and handwritten notes, and related files on specific departments and programs.
Arrangement
The H. Brett Melendy Oral History Collection (1952-1991) is arranged into two series: Series I. Oral Histories, 1979-1991;
Series II. Research Materials, 1952-1988.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Education, Higher -- California -- San Jose
San José State University -- History
California State University, San José -- History
San José State Teachers College -- History
San José State University -- University Archivist -- History
Oral histories
San Jose State College -- History
Bentel, Dwight
Wahlquist, John T., 1899
Bowman, Mary O.
Ashe, Mary Rutledge
Baird, Forrest J.
Brazil, Burton R.
Brown, James W. (James Wilson), 1913 September 18-1987
Bunzel, John H., 1924
Burns, Hobert W., 1925-2008
Cakebread, Aarian
Carr, Marie
Clark, Robert D. (Robert Donald), 1910-2005.
Cockrell, Loren
Cumry, Alice A.
Dumke, Glenn S.
Dusel, William J.
Fullerton, Gail Putney
Gunderson, Norman O.
Guttormsen, Glen
Harcleroad, Fred F.
Hubbard, Wilbur
Hyde, Barney
Jacobsen, Albert
Jenkins, Robert
Leonard, Thomas E., 1922-
Lopez, Daniel C.
Maruyama, Rose
McCreath, Harrison
McCallum, Alexander
McPherson, Walter
Palmer, Irene
Pitman, Paul
Rendahl, Milton
Sicular, George M.
Sweeney, William G.
Thomas, Violet
Titchenal, Robert
Vandergron, Lucy
Vessel, Matthew F.
Wahlquist, Grace Dorius
Walker, Charles L.
Wheeler, Gerald E.
Williams, Clinton
Winters, Mildred Gentry
Wright, Milburn D.
Vasconcellos, Hank
Wool, Jack
Whitaker, Jerry C.
Dieu, Joe
Carmick, Edward Seabury
Thornton, James W.
Series I. Oral Histories
Series Scope and Content Summary
The material in this series documents the history of San José State University through oral history interviews conducted by
the University Archivist, H. Brett Melendy, History Professor Charles Burdick, and others. The interviews document thirty-five
years of university governance, which reflect many of the controversies between the university administration, faculty, students,
and staff. For example, the interview with Burton Brazil describes the conflicts between the Economic Department faculty,
President John Bunzel, and the Academic Senate. Other interviews include several personal accounts concerning the faculty
strike and student protests in the 1960's, including the Dow Chemical protest at SJSU that resulted in police firing tear
gas at rioting students.
Arrangement
This series is organized alphabetically by surname.
Conditions Governing Access
Due to their fragile nature, access to audio and video cassettes is restricted.
Box 2, Folder 9
John T. Wahlquist Library Dedication
1985
Box 3, Folder 1
McCallum, G. Aexander
1986
Box 3, Folder 9
Wahlquist, John Thomas
1983
Box 3, Folder 10
Wahlquist, John Thomas
1983
Box 4, Folder 4
Winters, Mildred Gentry
1984
Box 4, Folder 5
Winters, Mildred Gentry
1984
Transcripts and Recollections
1979-1991
Box 5, Folder 6
Bowman, Mary O. (Vol. 1)
1986
Box 5, Folder 7
Bowman, Mary O. (Vol. 2)
1986
Box 5, Folder 10
Brazil, Burton (Vol. 1)
1987
Box 5, Folder 11
Brazil, Burton (Vol. 2)
1987
Box 6, Folder 2
Carmick, Edward S., "Recollections"
1979
Box 6, Folder 3
Carmick, Edward S., "Recollections" (Vol. 1)
1979
Box 6, Folder 4
Carmick, Edward S., "Recollections" (Vol. 1)
1979
Box 6, Folder 5
Carmick, Edward S., "Recollections" (Vol. 2)
1979
Box 6, Folder 6
Carmick, Edward S., "Recollections" (Vol. 2)
1979
Box 6, Folder 7
Carmick, Edward S., "Recollections" (Vol. 3)
1979
Box 6, Folder 8
Carmick, Edward S., "Recollections" (Vol. 3)
1979
Box 6, Folder 9
Carmick, Edward S., "Recollections" (Vol. 4)
1979
Box 6, Folder 10
Carmick, Edward S., "Recollections" (Vol. 4)
1979
Box 6, Folder 12
Clark, Robert (Copy 1)
1983
Box 6, Folder 13
Clark, Robert (Copy 2)
1983
Box 6, Folder 21
Fullerton, Gail (Vol. 1, Copy 1)
1991
Box 6, Folder 22
Fullerton, Gail (Vol. 1)
1991
Box 6, Folder 23
Fullerton, Gail (Vol. 2)
1991
Box 7, Folder 1
Fullerton, Gail (Vol. 1, Copy 2)
1991
Box 7, Folder 2
Fullerton, Gail (Vol. 2, Copy 1)
1991
Box 7, Folder 3
Fullerton, Gail (Vol. 2, Copy 2)
1991
Box 7, Folder 4
Gunderson, Norman O.
1987
Box 7, Folder 5
Gunderson, Norman O.
1987
Box 7, Folder 15
John T. Wahlquist Library Dedication (Copy 1)
1985
Box 7, Folder 16
John T. Wahlquist Library Dedication (Copy 2)
1985
Box 7, Folder 21
McCallum, G. Alexander
1986
Box 7, Folder 22
McCallum, G. Alexander
1986
Box 8, Folder 9
Sweeney, William G. (Copy 1)
1983
Box 8, Folder 10
Sweeney, William G. (Copy 2)
1983
Box 8, Folder 16
Vasconcellos and Titchenal
1983
Box 8, Folder 18
Wahlquist, John T. (Vol.1, Copy 1)
1983
Box 8, Folder 19
Wahlquist, John T. (Vol. 1, Copy 2)
1983
Box 8, Folder 20
Wahlquist, John T. (Vol. 2, Copy 1)
1983
Box 8, Folder 21
Wahlquist, John T. (Vol. 2, Copy 2)
1983
Box 9, Folder 1
Wahlquist, John T. (Vol. 1)
1983
Box 9, Folder 2
Wahlquist, John T. (Vol. 2)
1983
Box 9, Folder 6
Williams, O. Clinton
1985
Box 9, Folder 7
Winters, Mildred Gentry (Copy 1)
1984
Box 9, Folder 8
Winters, Mildred Gentry (Copy 2)
1984
Box 9, Folder 9
Winters, Mildred Gentry
1984
Box 9, Folder 10
Wool, Dieu, and Whitaker
1983
Series II. Research Materials
Scope and Contents
This series contains the oral history and research files collected by H. Brett Melendy during the course of his tenure as
University Archivist. Several different SJSU departments or events are documented including the San José State College Centennial,
the history of the Home Economics Department, SJSU Athletics, the Philosophy Department, and the Tutorials Program (1965-1968),
an experimental Humanities Department program directed at freshman students.
Box 10, Folder 1
"A Tale of Two Bagels..." Smithsonian Article
1983
Box 10, Folder 2
Emeritus Faculty Association
1985-1988
Box 10, Folder 3
Emeritus Faculty Information
1963-1983
Box 10, Folder 4
Faculty Retirements Mailing
1983
Box 10, Folder 5
Faculty Retirements Mailing
1984
Box 10, Folder 6
Faculty Wives Club
1986-1987
Box 10, Folder 9
"Highlights of Spartan History" Centennial Delegates Luncheon Address
1957
Box 10, Folder 10
Home Economics Department (Laah Whiting)
1983
Box 10, Folder 11
John T. Wahlquist Library Dedication
1982
Box 10, Folder 12
Journalism Department: Celebration of 50 Years
1986
Box 10, Folder 13
List of California State College Presidents 1961-1970
Box 10, Folder 14
List of San Jose State Teachers College Graduates 1921-1934
1984
Box 10, Folder 15
Miscellaneous Publications on SJSU
Box 10, Folder 16
Occupational Therapy Department History
1985-1986
Box 10, Folder 17
Ombudsman Position
1967-1968
Box 10, Folder 18
Oral History Project Candidates
1983
Box 10, Folder 19
Phi Delta Kappan Journal and Copies
1966
Box 10, Folder 20
Philosophy Department: Dr. Dommeyer
1967
Box 10, Folder 21
President Wahlquist's Statement Regarding Athletics
1957
Box 10, Folder 22
Santa Clara County Archive Project
1983
Box 10, Folder 23
SJSC Centennial History
1957
Box 10, Folder 24
SJSU Annual Reports
1952-1964
Box 10, Folder 25
SJSU - College Union History
1970
Box 10, Folder 26
SJSU: Greenwood Encyclopedia Project
1984
Box 10, Folder 27
SJSU: School of Education
1981-1983
Box 10, Folder 28
SJSU: School of Engineering
1983
Box 10, Folder 29
SJSU: School of Humanities and Arts
1983-1984
Box 10, Folder 30
SJSU: School of Social Sciences
1982-1983
Box 10, Folder 31
Spartan Daily Microfilming Project
1984
Box 10, Folder 32
Survey on the Status of Women at SJSU
1973-1974
Box 10, Folder 33
"The International Center - In Pace with Time"
1983
Box 10, Folder 34
The Life and Reminiscences of John T. Wahlquist
Box 10, Folder 35
The Papers of George Dollinger Pyper
1970
Box 10, Folder 36
Tutorials Program - 1966 Incident
1966
Box 10, Folder 37
University of Utah Centennial Commemoration - Wahlquist
1950
Box 10, Folder 38
Wahlquist: "A President and the University"
1983
Box 10, Folder 39
Wahlquist: Awards and Achievements
1964-1974
Box 10, Folder 40
Wahlquist: Biographical Information
Box 10, Folder 41
Wahlquist: Conference and Council of State College Presidents
1982-1983
Box 10, Folder 42
Wahlquist's Dictation on Burdick
Box 10, Folder 43
Wahlquist: Goals to Live By
Box 10, Folder 46
Wahlquist Mercury News Clipping
1964
Box 10, Folder 47
Wahlquist Oral History Correspondence
1982-1988
Box 10, Folder 49
Wahlquist: "The Meaning of Courage"
Box 10, Folder 50
Wahlquist: "The Sons of Brigham"
Box 10, Folder 51
Wahlquist: "Who's Who in America"
Box 10, Folder 52
Willow Glen Community History
1986