Papers of Klopsteg, Paul E., 1905-1991
Repository
Northwestern University Library. University Archives.
Evanston, IL 60201
Papers created by
Klopsteg, Paul E., 1889-
Size of collection
10 boxes
Short description of collection
This collection contains documentation on the career of Paul E. Klopsteg, who served as
professor of physics at the University of Minnesota and at Northwestern University. Spanning in
date from 1905 through 1991, these papers also document his involvement in military-related
projects and his role as the chair of the national Academy of Science's Committee on Artificial
Limbs. This collection comprises ten broad categories: biographical materials, education files,
correspondence, archery files, governmental organizations files, professional organizations files,
publications files, religion files, speech manuscript files, and material relating to World Wars I
and II.
Language(s) of collection
English
Collection number:
Series
22/4/11
Paul Earnest Klopsteg was born in Henderson, Minnesota, the son of the reverend Julius and
Magdalen (Kuesthardt) Klopsteg, on May 30, 1889. He obtained his B.S. (1911), M.A. (1913),
and Ph.D. (1916) from the University of Minnesota. In recognition of his scientific
accomplishments he was awarded honorary Sc.D. degrees by Northwestern University (1942)
and Wesleyan University (1948).
Klopsteg taught physics at the University of Minnesota from 1911 to 1917. During 1917 and
1918 he worked for the U.S. Army Ordinance Department. From 1918 to 1921 he was in charge
of technical advertising at Leeds & Northrup Co. in Philadelphia. He moved to Chicago to
assume a position at the Central Scientific Company in development and manufacturing, which
he held from 1921-1930, before serving as the company's president, from 1930-1944.
In 1943 Klopsteg was a member of the Kettering Committee which advised Northwestern
University on the development of its newly established Technological Institute. The following
year he was appointed professor of applied science and director of research at the Technological
Institute. Klopsteg became professor emeritus in 1954. From 1961 to 1963 Klopsteg served as
special consultant for science to J. Roscoe Miller, Northwestern's president.
During World War II and for several years thereafter Klopsteg was involved in several
military-related projects. He served as chief of the Division of Physics and Special Devices in the
National Defense Research Committee. He was also a member of the Committee's "anonymous
division" involved in developing methods and devices for use behind enemy lines. Klopsteg then
became deputy chief, Office of Field Service, Office of Scientific Research and Development. In
this capacity he worked for a period in the Pacific region and in 1948 was awarded the
Presidential Medal for Merit.
During the years following the War, Klopsteg served as chair of the National Academy of
Science's Committee on Artificial Limbs. In 1950 he became a member of the panel for security
measures in the Atomic Energy Commission. He also served as a member of the commission's
personnel security review board. The following year he spent six weeks in Lahore, Pakistan, as a
consultant to Pakistan's Education Commission. Additionally, Klopsteg was the associate
director for research with the National Science Foundation from 1951 to 1958.
From 1958 to 1960 Klopsteg chaired the National Academy of Science's Committee on
Meteorology which he renamed the Committee on Atmospheric Sciences. During this period he
played a major role in the establishment of the University Corporation for Atmospheric
Research, later known as the National Center for Atmospheric Research.
Active in numerous professional organizations, Klopsteg was president of the American
Association for the Advancement of Science (1959) and a founder and president of the American
Association of Physics Teachers. He was also an active member of the American Institute of
Physics.
In 1929, stimulated by his daughter Marie, Klopsteg became interested in archery both as a sport
and as a source of research problems in physics. This interest remained with him for the rest of
his life, leading to productive research and the writing of many articles and two books: Turkish Archery and the Composite Bow (1934 and 1947) and, as coauthor, Archery: the Technical Side (1947). This field also led Klopsteg into a long-standing
friendship with the mystery writer Erle Stanley Gardner.
On June 11, 1914, Klopsteg married Amanda Marie Toedt. The couple had three daughters:
Marie (Mrs. Joseph M. Graffis); Irma Louise; and Ruth Helen (Mrs. Henry L. Drake).
As a researcher who held over 50 patents, a scientist and a writer, Klopsteg made substantial
contributions in several fields. He died on April 28, 1991, in Laguna Hills, California, a month
before his 102nd birthday. His wife, Amanda, had died on October 31, 1990, at 98.
The Paul E. Klopsteg Papers fill ten boxes (including one half-size and one dropfront box) and
span the period 1905 through 1991. They are organized in ten categories: biographical materials,
education files, correspondence, archery files, governmental organizations files, professional
organizations files, publications files, religion files, speech manuscript files, and material relating
to World Wars I and II. Material in each category is arranged alphabetically according to folder
title unless stated otherwise.
The biographical materials include a large number of certificates (Box 9, Folder 1; Box 10),
calendars and diaries, many clippings on various aspects of Klopsteg's life, and a long interview
(Box 2, Folder 7) dealing in detail with his activities in the American Association of Physics
Teachers. A 19-page autobiographical typescript was written for the Cosmos Club (Box 4, Folder
8).
The education files contain materials documenting Klopsteg's work towards his B.S., M.A., and
Ph.D. degrees. The files include laboratory data and reports, seminar papers written by Klopsteg,
and copies of his master's and doctoral theses. A copy of Klopsteg's high school commencement
program, and a general file on his social and academic activities at the University of Minnesota
are included. This category is arranged by academic degree, in the order they were received by
Klopsteg. Within each degree section, the files are arranged alphabetically by folder title.
The correspondence is separated into general files, arranged chronologically by date, and subject
files, arranged alphabetically by folder title. The subject correspondence deals with Klopsteg's
business, consulting, academic, and family interests. Of particular interest is a substantial folder
of correspondence with Erle Stanley Gardner dealing at some length with Gardner's procedures
as an author.
The archery files include correspondence and related materials, published articles, and speech
manuscripts. A substantial folder of correspondence with Erle Stanley Gardner concerns their
mutual interest in archery. Also of interest are four folders of correspondence with A.J. Costner,
a pioneer in the resurgence of archery who also worked with the Pima Indians. Clippings also are
included here. Several pertain to "Little Joe," the secret bow-pistol Klopsteg designed during
World War II (Box 6, Folder 3; Box 9, Folder 3).
The files relating to the various governmental organizations in which Klopsteg was involved
unfortunately are very thin. However, they help document Klopsteg's notable achievements in
areas such as artificial limb research. Correspondence, notes, clippings, commission reports,
progress reports, meeting agendas, membership rosters, conference programs, and typescripts of
papers and remarks are scattered throughout. The World War II files document Klopsteg's
involvement in the Office of Scientific Research and Development.
The professional organizations files include correspondence, programs, and event
announcements. They document Klopsteg's close involvement and leadership roles in the
American Association of Physics Teachers, the American Physical Society, and the American
Association for the Advancement of Science.
The publications files include a few drafts of articles and a large collection of reprints. The
reprints are filed chronologically by date of publication. The archery section also includes
published articles.
The religion files include a small amount of clippings, correspondence, an article published by
Klopsteg on how a physicist views God, and typescripts of religious talks given by Klopsteg. The
bulk of this section refers to a series of talks Klopsteg gave to the ecumenical Wednesday
Breakfast Group, 1963 through 1976.
The speech files contain drafts of papers Klopsteg presented on government's role in research,
recollections of Northwestern physicist, Henry Crew (Box 8, Folder 12), and several events
related to the University of Minnesota such as its centennial celebration in 1958 and Klopsteg's
50th class reunion in 1961. The sections on archery, religion, and World Wars I and II also
include speech-related materials.
The World War I files relate to Klopsteg's work on the chronograph which he developed in
1917-18 for studying projectile velocities. His research is documented by correspondence,
research statistics, lists of expenses and notes. The World War II files document Klopsteg's
association with the Office of Scientific Research and Development in the South Pacific. They
are comprised of correspondence, a diary, and government identification cards. Other files in this
section relate to speeches made by Klopsteg, and some of his research on the penetrometer.
Klopsteg's Medal of Merit Citation for World War II is filed here.
The oversize box contains over 80 certificates Klopsteg received from a variety of organizations
and activities.
The additions to this series include a first interim report and a two-volume final report of the
Advisory Committee on Weather Control as well as the text of Klopsteg's speech entitled
"Science in Government, and Government in Science." The Advisory Committee on Weather
Control was established by act of Congress in 1953; Klopsteg was the chairman of the Advisory
Committee's Panel on Effect of Atomic Weapons on Weather. The additions have been placed at
the end of Box 9 of this series.
A small amount of correspondence, article reprints, clippings, and biographical materials have
been added to pre-existing folders within the main body of this collection.
Researchers must have an approved access application on file in order to access archival materials. https://www.aip.org/history-programs/niels-bohr-library/item-request.
No restrictions.
These papers have been indexed in the International Catalog of Sources for
History of Physics and Allied Sciences (ICOS) using the following terms. Those seeking
related materials should search under these terms.
Persons
Costner, A. J.
Gardner, Erle Stanley, 1889-1970
Institutions
American Association for the Advancement of Science.
American Association of Physics Teachers.
American Physical Society.
United States. Office of Scientific Research and Development.
Subject terms
Archery.
Artificial limbs -- Research.
Chronograph.
Physics -- Societies, etc.
Physics -- Study and teaching.
Religion and science.
Science and state -- United States.
World War, 1939-1945 -- Science.
Occupation terms
Physicists -- Archives.
Genre terms
Diaries.
Reprints.
Speeches.
Theses.
In the first accession, a collection of glass slides, several audio tapes and reels of film, and many
photographs were transferred to the Archives’ audiovisual and photograph collections. Small
amounts of duplicate and extraneous material were returned to Ms. Graffis. In the additional
accession, ten black-and-white photographic prints and one color photographic print have been
added to the University Archives' photographic collection under the main heading: Klopsteg,
Paul E. Twelve black-and-white nitrate photographic negatives have been added to the
University Archives' collection of nitrate negatives under the same heading. Three linear inches
of correspondence, clippings, speech texts, and article reprints duplicating materials in the main
body of this series were returned to Marie Graffis on February 20, 1996.
The first accession (#91-147) was a gift of Marie K. Graffis on August 20, 1991.
The additional accession (#96-18) was also a gift of Marie K. Graffis on January 18, 1996.
The first accession of this collection was processed by
William K. Beatty
in August - November 1991.
The additional accession of this collection was processed by
Kevin B. Leonard
on February 20, 1996.
Title
Finding Aid to the Paul E. Klopsteg Papers, 1905-1991
Sponsor
This finding aid has been encoded by the Center for History of Physics, American Institute of
Physics as part of a collaborative project supported by a grant from the National Endowment of
the Humanities, an independent federal agency. Collaboration members in 1999 consisted of:
American Institute of Physics, California Institute of Technology, Harvard University,
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, Rice University, University of
Alaska, University of Illinois, and University of Texas.
Publisher
American Institute of Physics.
Center for History of Physics.
One Physics Ellipse
College Park, MD 20740
nbl@aip.org
Published in 2000
Encoding Information
Machine-readable finding aid encoded in EAD v.1.0 by Clay Redding
on
November 11, 1999
from an existing finding aid using NoteTab Pro and C++
scripts created by James P. Tranowski (provided by Elizabeth Dow, Special Collections,
University of Vermont). Any revisions made to this finding aid occurred as part of the editing
and encoding process.
Boxes 1 and 2
| Box 1 |
Folder 1 |
General, 1918-1975 |
|
Folder 2 |
Awards, 1958-1978 |
|
Folder 3 |
Birth Certificate, 1940 |
|
Folder 4 |
Calendars, 1947-1951, 1965 |
|
Folder 5 |
Clippings, 1911-1914, 1930 |
|
Folder 6 |
Clippings, 1942-1950 |
|
Folder 7 |
Clippings, June 8, 1948 |
|
Folder 8 |
Clippings, 1951-1961 |
|
Folder 9 |
Clippings, 1962-1969 |
|
Folder 10 |
Clippings, 1975-1977, 1990 |
|
Folder 11 |
Clippings, n.d. |
|
Folder 12 |
Diaries, 1944-1946 |
|
Folder 13 |
Diaries, 1946-1949 |
|
Folder 14 |
Diaries, 1950-1951 |
|
Folder 15 |
Diaries, 1951-1955 |
| Box 2 |
Folder 1 |
Diaries, 1956-1962 |
|
Folder 2 |
Diaries, 1962-1969 |
|
Folder 3 |
Financial Records, 1910-1933 |
|
Folder 4 |
Gardner, Erle Stanley--clippings, 1976-1977 |
|
Folder 5 |
Honorary Degree (Wesleyan University), 1948 |
|
Folder 6 |
Interview with Klopsteg, Jan. 27, 1963 |
|
Folder 7 |
Klopsteg Lectures, 1972 |
|
Folder 8 |
Membership Cards, 1930-1946 |
|
Folder 9 |
News Releases, 1944-1976 |
|
Folder 10 |
Obituaries, 1991 |
|
Folder 11 |
Programs (Professional Organizations), 1913-1951 |
Boxes 2-3
| Box 2 |
Folder 12 |
High School (Commencement Program), June 3, 1905 |
|
Folder 13 |
University of Minnesota Societies, Programs, Grades, 1907-1916; 1936; 1961 |
|
Folder 14 |
Verein Gemutlichkeit, n.d. |
Bachelor of Science Degree
| Box 2 |
Folder 15 |
Descriptive Geometry, n.d. |
|
Folder 16 |
Electrical Engineering, 1910-1911 |
|
Folder 17 |
Electrical Engineering Lab, 1910 |
| Box 3 |
Folder 1 |
Electrical Machinery, 1909-1910 |
|
Folder 2 |
Note Cards, n.d. |
|
Folder 3 |
Physical Laboratory, 1909-1910 |
|
Folder 4 |
Physics, 1908-1909 |
|
Folder 5 |
Radioactivity, 1911-1912 |
|
Folder 6 |
Student Papers, n.d. |
Master of Arts Degree
| Box 3 |
Folder 7 |
Mathematics, 1912-1913 |
|
Folder 8 |
Measurement of Magnetic Fields, n.d. |
|
Folder 9 |
Moving Coil Galvanometer, 1913 |
Ph.D. Degree
| Box 3 |
Folder 11 |
Notes Summer, 1914 |
Boxes 3-4
| Box 3 |
Folder 14 |
General, 1907-1959 |
|
Folder 15 |
General, 1960-1975 |
| Box 4 |
Folder 1 |
General, 1976-1979 |
|
Folder 2 |
General, 1980-1991 |
|
Folder 3 |
Allen, Robert S., 1974-1981 |
|
Folder 4 |
American Meteorological Society, 10/24/78-12/26/78 |
|
Folder 5 |
Boley, Bruno A., 1977-1986 |
|
Folder 6 |
Books Given To NU Library, 12/27/76 |
|
Folder 7 |
CENCO-Correspondence, Catalogues, Programs, 1923-1929 |
|
Folder 8 |
Cosmos Club, 1959-1990 |
|
Folder 9 |
Elmhurst College, 1942-1984 |
|
Folder 10 |
Fisher Body Craftsman's Guild, 1965-1970 |
|
Folder 11 |
Gardner, Erle Stanley, 1932-1978 |
|
Folder 12 |
Gardner's Books Donation, 6/1976-3/1977 |
|
Folder 13 |
Klopsteg Fund, 1943-1990 |
|
Folder 14 |
Laguna Hills Academy, 1980-1985 |
|
Folder 15 |
Mayflower Church, 1977-1986 |
|
Folder 16 |
Minnesota State Centennial, 1958 |
|
Folder 17 |
Probst and Langer, 1962-1986 |
|
Folder 18 |
Punjab University, 1950-1954 |
|
Folder 19 |
University Club of Evanston, 1973-1983 |
|
Folder 20 |
University of Minnesota, 1950-1981 |
|
Folder 21 |
Waterman, Alan T., 1960-1979 |
Boxes 5-6
| Box 5 |
Folder 1 |
Awards, 1939; 1976 |
|
Folder 2 |
Bibliographic Cards, n.d. |
|
Folder 3 |
Bow Design, n.d. |
|
Folder 4 |
Clippings, 1939-1974 |
Correspondence
| Box 5 |
Folder 5 |
General, 1930-1969 |
|
Folder 6 |
General, 1970-1979 |
|
Folder 7 |
General, 1980-1988 |
|
Folder 8 |
Archery World, 1968-1982 |
|
Folder 9 |
Art Young Foundation, 1935-1978 |
|
Folder 10 |
Bear, Fred, 1949-1982 |
|
Folder 11 |
Costner, A.J., 1936-1949 |
|
Folder 12 |
Costner, A.J., 1953-1955 |
|
Folder 13 |
Costner, A.J., 1956-1959 |
|
Folder 14 |
Costner, A.J., 1960-1972 |
|
Folder 15 |
Eppley, Marion, 1933-1943 |
|
Folder 16 |
Gardner, Erle Stanley, 1936-1946 |
|
Folder 17 |
Hickman, C.N., 1935-1981 |
| Box 6 |
Folder 1 |
Hoff, Roy, 1971-1981 |
|
Folder 2 |
Klopsteg Library, 1952-1989 |
|
Folder 3 |
"Little Joe", 1958-1981 |
|
Folder 4 |
Miller, Myrtle and Ed, 1978-1990 |
|
Folder 5 |
Monroe, Paul, 1934-1952 |
|
Folder 6 |
Nagler, F., 1935-1981 |
|
Folder 7 |
Seagrave, John D., 1954-1962 |
|
Folder 8 |
Society of Archer-Antiquaries, 1974-1990 |
|
Folder 9 |
Exhibit Cards, n.d. |
|
Folder 10 |
Membership Cards and Insignia, n.d. |
|
Folder 11 |
Patent (Bow Sighting Device), 1934 |
Publications
| Box 6 |
Folder 12 |
"An Archer Considers Physics", n.d. |
|
Folder 13 |
"Archery: A Hobby for Physicists", n.d. |
|
Folder 14 |
"Science Looks at Archery", n.d. |
|
Folder 15 |
Twenty-Five Years of Archery, 1955 |
|
Folder 16 |
Reprints, 1943-1974 |
|
Folder 17 |
Research Notes, 1931-1955 |
|
Folder 18 |
Smithsonian Institution, 1969-1974 |
Speech Files
| Box 6 |
Folder 19 |
"Archery: A Physicist's Hobby", 4/7/1939 |
|
Folder 20 |
Miscellaneous, n.d. |
|
Folder 21 |
"Physics Looks at Archery", 5/15/1934 |
Boxes 6-7
| Box 6 |
Folder 22 |
Atomic Energy Commission, 1945-1950 |
|
Folder 24 |
Commission on Amputations and Prostheses, 1946 |
|
Folder 25 |
Natural Academy of Sciences Committee on Atmospheric Sciences, 1960-1982 |
|
Folder 26 |
National Academy of Sciences "Instrumentation in Biomedical Research", 1956 |
|
Folder 27 |
National Research Council Committee on Artificial Limbs, 1945-1947 |
| Box 7 |
Folder 1 |
National Research Council Committee on Artificial Limbs, 1948-1949 |
|
Folder 2 |
National Science Foundation, 1948-1985 |
|
Folder 3 |
Office of Scientific Research and Development, n.d. |
Box 7
American Association for the Advancement of Science
| Box 7 |
Folder 4 |
General, 1958-1987 |
|
Folder 5 |
Correspondence - Abelson, P.H., 1963-1980 |
|
Folder 6 |
Correspondence - Carey, W.D., 1976-1983 |
|
Folder 7 |
American Association of Physics Teachers, 1958-1988 |
|
Folder 8 |
American Institute of Physics, 1947-1985 |
|
Folder 9 |
American Physical Society, 1919-1921 |
Box 7
| Box 7 |
Folder 10 |
Advertisements (Books), n.d. |
|
Folder 11 |
"The Indispensable Tools of Science", 1960-1961 |
|
Folder 12 |
"Instrumentation in Biomedical Research", 1957-1962 |
|
Folder 13 |
Letters to the Editor, 1954-1962 |
|
Folder 14 |
(Physics), n.d. |
|
Folder 15 |
Reprints, 1913-1919 |
|
Folder 16 |
Reprints, 1920-1924 |
|
Folder 17 |
Reprints, 1945-1949 |
|
Folder 18 |
Reprints, 1950-1959 |
|
Folder 19 |
Reprints, 1960-1965 |
Boxes 7-8
| Box 7 |
Folder 21 |
Clippings and Programs, 1962-1963 |
|
Folder 22 |
Correspondence, 1923-1977 |
| Box 8 |
Folder 1 |
"Physicist Views God As A Vast Creator", 1962 |
Talks on Religion
| Box 8 |
Folder 2 |
First Congregational Church, 1927-1938 |
|
Folder 3 |
Miscellaneous, 1932-1978 |
|
Folder 4 |
Wednesday Breakfast Group, 1962-1972 |
Box 8
| Box 8 |
Folder 6 |
"Gallimaufry", 1974-1982 |
|
Folder 7 |
International Conference on the Chemistry and Physics of Nonmetallic Crystals, 8/30/1961 |
|
Folder 8 |
Minnesota Centennial, 4/30/1958 |
|
Folder 9 |
Miscellaneous, 1957-1958 |
|
Folder 10 |
"The Nature of the Scientific Enterprise", 3/26/1961 |
|
Folder 11 |
Punjab University, 3/22/1951 |
|
Folder 12 |
"Recollections of Prof. Henry Crew", 10/12/1972 |
|
Folder 13 |
"Science and Technology in the Economic Picture", 2/25/1935 |
|
Folder 14 |
"Support of Basic Research from Government", 5/1959 |
|
Folder 15 |
"Support of Research and Education-A New Approach", 3/16/1959 |
|
Folder 16 |
University of Minnesota 50th Reunion, 5/25/1961 |
|
Folder 17 |
"University Participation in Atomic Energy Program", 5/11/1950 |
|
Folder 18 |
"What Science Needs", 7/17/1958 |
Box 8
Chronograph
| Box 8 |
Folder 19 |
Scientific Data, n.d. |
|
Folder 20 |
Correspondence, 1917 |
|
Folder 21 |
Correspondence, 5/1918-7/1918 |
|
Folder 22 |
Correspondence, 8/1918-7/1919 |
|
Folder 23 |
Expenses and Notes, 1917-1918 |
Boxes 8-9
| Box 8 |
Folder 24 |
Correspondence, 1943-1948 |
|
Folder 25 |
"Hawaiian Diary - Notes on Trip to Central Pacific Area", 3-4/1944 |
|
Folder 26 |
Identification Cards, 1940-1945 |
| Box 9 |
Folder 1 |
Medal of Merit Citation and Correspondence, 1948; 1966-1967 |
|
Folder 2 |
Miscellaneous, 1942-1945 |
|
Folder 3 |
Penetrometer, 1942-1945; 1958 |
|
Folder 4 |
Speech Manuscripts, 1940-1941 |
|
Folder 5 |
Advisory Committee on Weather Control: First Interim Report, February
1956 |
|
Folder 6 |
Advisory Committee on Weather Control: Final Report (Volumes I and 11), ca. 1958 |
|
Folder 7 |
Speech: "Science in government, and Government in Science," American
Metereological Society and Section Of Meteorology, American Geophysical Union, April 27, 1960 |
| Box 10 |
Certificates, 1905-1979 |
Beadle, George W.
Date of correspondence: January 15, 1961 SEE Box 3, Folder 15
Dirksen, Everett M.
Date of correspondence:
December 22, 1958 SEE Box 3, Folder 14
Eisenhower, Dwight D.
Date of
correspondence: May 26, 1959 SEE Box 3, Folder 14
Gardner, Erle Stanley
Dates of
correspondence: 1932-1978 SEE Box 4, Folder 11
Gardner, Erle Stanley
Dates of
correspondence: 1936-1946 SEE Box 5, Folder 16
Hesburgh, Fr. Theodore
Date of
correspondence: October 29, 1984 SEE Box 4, Folder 2
Hoover, Herbert
Date of correspondence:
September 1, 1957 SEE Box 3, Folder 14
Lindburgh, Charles
Date of correspondence:
December 5, 1947 SEE Box 6, Folder 27
MacArthur, Douglas
Date of
correspondence: November 6, 1944 SEE Box 8, Folder 24
