Jefferson National Expansion Memorial - Donald Dosch Papers (U.S. National Park Service)

Donald M. Dosch Collection, c.1969-1979
- Finding aid by Evette Miller

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March 1989
Revised August 1992

INTRODUCTION TO THE COLLECTION

This collection was created as Donald F. Dosch, National Park Service Historian, was researching the history of St. Louis' Old Courthouse. In 1969 he wrote a brief history of the building, which would later be enlarged and published as The Old Courthouse in 1979.

In the three chapters of the book Dosch examines first the history of the building itself, that is, the construction and architectural significance of the Old Courthouse. Secondly, he delves into the historical figures and events which are associated with the Old Courthouse. As Dosch stated in the prologue, the Old Courthouse "served as a public forum as well as a temple of justice. The gatherings held here not only dealt with matters of local importance, but also reflected many of the great movements and events in the nation's history." The third and final chapter is devoted to the actual business of the various courts.

In preparation for writing, Dosch took notes on many aspects of the Old Courthouse. These notes from primary and secondary sources make up the first series. Series 2 contains notes about historical buildings and sites in St. Louis. Series 3 and 4 contain the photographs and manuscripts which would eventually be published as The Old Courthouse.

Information obtained from this collection must be properly cited, whether used in publications or in other formats. A citation suggested for this collection is:

National Park Service
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Archives
Donald F. Dosch Collection
Box__, Folder___

Researchers are advised that before records, photographs, or any other unpublished materials from this collection can be published or exhibited, permission from the National Park Service must be obtained in writing.

ARRANGEMENT

Series 1. Donald Dosch's Note Cards
This series contains the note cards created by Donald Dosch when he was researching for the book The Old Courthouse. The last folder in the series contains information on the notes actually quoted in the text of the book. These notes all deal with aspects of the Old Courthouse and were taken mainly from court records and newspapers. The cards are arranged alphabetically by source and secondly by subject within the source. The cards themselves include the following information: the source is found in the upper left hand corner, the subject of the note is found in the upper right corner, and the note and page number are found in the body of the card.

Series 2. Historic Buildings and Sites
This series contains note cards created by Donald F. Dosch to record information about the historic buildings and sites of St. Louis. Each card has the name of the building, the date, the lot number, and any other information that Dosch wished to record. The cards are arranged in alphabetical order, with the exception of buildings associated with the Old Cathedral and located on the same lot, Lot 59. Notes on these buildings can be found with the notes on the Old Cathedral. For further information on historic buildings and sites, please see "The St. Louis Riverfront Historic Map and Commentary," Record Unit 106, Series: Real Estate Records, Sub-Series: Historic Sites and Buildings Binders.

Series 3. Old Courthouse Photographs
This series contains photographs, a few with notes, which were used in The Old Courthouse. This series includes interior and exterior views as well as photographs of significant events and people in the history of St. Louis and the Old Courthouse.

Series 4. First Draft of The Old Courthouse
This series consists of the first draft of The Old Courthouse. The typed manuscript is in page number order. The Table of Contents in the first folder makes a good guide to the manuscript.

If you have questions regarding archives holdings, contact Archivist Jennifer Clark at the JNEM Archives at (voice) 314-655-1600. Appointments are encouraged, if possible.