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Howard B. Bishop Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS C 562
 

Howard B. Bishop Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS C 562

Promotional flyers, advertisements, correspondence, articles, editorials and various corporate records (1921-1961; 18.25 l.f.) document Howard Bishop's post-retirement activities as the founder and driving force behind the Human Engineering Foundation (HEF) and his efforts to counteract the physical and moral ills of tobacco use, caffeine, and alcohol.

The bulk of collection is Bishop's HEF correspondence (1948-1960) where he writes to a wide variety of high-profile private and public figures, with all blunt candor, about his disdain for the product, its harmful effects, and the low personal morals engendered by such pandering--both outgoing letters and responses are included. For example, upon seeing an offensive television or print advertisement or hearing a radio ad, he would write the corporation president or pitch-man and express his dismay. Notable persons found in the chronological correspondence sub-series include John Foster Dulles (cigarettes), Groucho Marx (cigars), Branch Rickey (chewing tobacco), and John Ringling North of Ringling Bros., Barnum and Bailey circus fame.

Also of particular interest are the illustrated promotional flyers, tracts and buttons Bishop created 1947-1957) that are found in the Promotional Material sub-series within Series 2. Here is a rich collection of visual material created to promote Bishop's cause. They succinctly summarise his goals and opinions about what consitutes a healthy life, and the dangers to avoid. The narratives contained within also demonstrate Bishop's conservative political agenda that bears a close similarity with Nazi German attitudes toward wholesome morals, clean living, and their importance to a democratic society. The original "printing elements" graphics for many of these flyers are found in the Advertising sub-series.

There are also HEF incorporation records, some annual reports, and a miscellany of other scattered records (1939-1960). Under the name of the Human Brands Company, Bishop also marketed some exercise equipment and food products to help one lead a healthy life.

Lastly, included in the papers are correspondence and other data related to Bishop's work as the organizational chair of the 1949 American Vegetarian Convention held in Wisconsin.

Restrictions

Collection is not restricted. Contact the Reference Staff for information regarding access.

Dates
Creation: 1921-1961 (bulk 1940-1960)
Extent
18.25 Linear Feet (16 boxes)
Related Names
Bishop, Howard B.
American Vegetarian Union
Human Brands Company
Human Engineering Foundation
Language of Materials
English
Language of Materials
English
Dates
Creation: 1921-1960

Miscellaneous letters, 1938-1939

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 1
Dates
Creation: 1938-1939

H. B. B. personal, 1943-1955

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 2
Dates
Creation: 1943-1955

Letters - Howard B. Bishop, 1960

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 3
Dates
Creation: 1960

Ann, [1950]

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 4
Dates
Creation: [1950]

Berkey, 1949-1950

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 5
Dates
Creation: 1949-1950

Bertha S. Bishop, 1949-1950

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 6
Dates
Creation: 1949-1950

Calvary Church, 1954

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 7
Dates
Creation: 1954
Dates
Creation: 1959-1960

Every member canvass - Calvary, 1957

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 9
Dates
Creation: 1957

Cook - 1950 - Ambassador Laundry, 1950

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 10
Dates
Creation: 1950

House - 33 Prospect Hill Avenue, 1957

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 11
Dates
Creation: 1957

Kotal, 1944-1945

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 12
Dates
Creation: 1944-1945

Mr. Bishop's files, 1949-1951

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 13-14
Dates
Creation: 1949-1951

A - H, 1921; 1947-1950

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 15-22
Dates
Creation: 1921; 1947-1950

A - Z, 1951-1954

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 23-43
Dates
Creation: 1951-1954
Dates
Creation: 1923-1961
Dates
Creation: 1939-1960

Annual meetings, 1954-1960

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 44-48
Dates
Creation: 1954-1960
 

Annual reports, 1953-1955

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 49-51
Dates
Creation: 1953-1955

Brief of law and facts, 1942

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 52
Dates
Creation: 1942

Brochure, 1956

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 53
Dates
Creation: 1956

By-laws, undated

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 54
Dates
Creation: undated

Cash statement, 1941

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 55
Dates
Creation: 1941

Certificate of election of trustees, 1942

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 56
Dates
Creation: 1942

Certificate of incorporation, 1940-1942

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 57
Dates
Creation: 1940-1942
Dates
Creation: 1953

Contributions for year, 1948

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 59
Dates
Creation: 1948

Curso de ingenieria humana, 1953

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 60
Dates
Creation: 1953

First meeting of members and trustees, 1940

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 61
Dates
Creation: 1940

General information, 1945-1956

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 62-65
Dates
Creation: 1945-1956

Human engineering associates, 1945-1946

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 66
Dates
Creation: 1945-1946

Investments, 1952

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 67
Dates
Creation: 1952

Lists of warehouse employees, 1957

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 68
Dates
Creation: 1957
Dates
Creation: 1939-1942; n.d.

Mailing lists, 1948-1952

 File — Box: 2, Folder: 1-3
Dates
Creation: 1948-1952

Membership, 1954-1959

 File — Box: 2, Folder: 4
Dates
Creation: 1954-1959

Minutes, 1941-1950

 File — Box: 2, Folder: 5-6
Dates
Creation: 1941-1950

Minutes of special meeting, 1942

 File — Box: 2, Folder: 7
Dates
Creation: 1942
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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