Orren Chalmer Hormell papers

Collection

Identifier: M088

Staff Only
Please use the Collection Organization section below to place requests.

Scope and Content

The papers of Orren Chalmer Hormell include the subject files of his research and study of local politics and government in Maine, Connecticut, and other New England states and towns. As a professor of government, Hormell studied and promoted the use of city managers in city governments. His research includes surveys and plans for the cities of Portland, Maine, and West Hartford, Connecticut to hire and utilize the city manager form of government. His papers also include correspondence, much of which pertains to his research, and a small amount of photographs and biographical newspaper clippings.

Dates

Creation: 1901 - 1969

Creator

Hormell, Orren Chalmer (Person)

Access Restrictions

No restrictions.

Biographical/Historical Note

Orren Chalmer Hormell was born in Wingate, Ind., on Dec. 4, 1879, the son of Garner and Mary Elizabeth Thomas Hormell. He received the degrees of A.B. in 1904 and A.M. in 1905 from Indiana University and A.M. in 1909 and Ph.D. in 1921 from Harvard University. He married Elizabeth Spaulding on Dec. 25, 1905, and they had two children, Mary Elizabeth and Robert Spaulding.

Hormell began his career as an instructor in history and political science at Clark College (Worcester, Mass.) in 1910. In 1921 he joined the faculty of Bowdoin College where he became a De Alva Stanwood Alexander professor of government in 1927 and achieved emeritus status in 1952. Bowdoin awarded him an honorary degree of Doctor of Civil Laws in 1951. He was also appointed director emeritus of the Bowdoin Bureau of Research in Municipal Government. As director of that bureau, Hormell participated in many local, state, and federal government study commissions and has written more than a dozen specialized studies on various aspects of municipal government in Maine. He was a member of the American Expeditionary Force in World War I. Through his efforts, Maine had more town managers, at the time of his death, than any other state of similar population. He also had helped West Hartford, Conn., draw up a city manager form of government.

Hormell died in 1975 at the age of 95.

Extent

8 Linear Feet (8 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The research papers of Orren Chalmer Hormell, professor of government at Bowdoin College.

Separated Materials

Copies of handwritten notes, grade sheets, student works, and other duplicated or abundant materials have been removed and discarded from the collection. These materials largely were housed in the subject files and included reproductions of publications.

Processing Information

The collection's subject files have been maintained in original order but have been refoldered in acid-free folders. This order reflects Hormell's original filing system, but is also flawed in its researchability. Additionally, loose material has been added to the files where there were no folders.