The first item is a sixteen page paper entitled “Farmers Versus Scientist: The Samuel Johnson Episode,” which was written by the donor in 1983. It was subsequently published in Michigan History ( vol. 67, no. 4 (July/August 1983): 26-32.) It examines the controversy surrounding Samuel Johnson, who was Professor of Practical Agriculture at Michigan Agricultural College (now Michigan State University) 1879-1889. At issue was Johnson’s competency to teach the subject. Farmers believed that his practical background in farming was ideal for teaching, while students felt his lack of scientific knowledge precluded him from teaching. As a result of the controversy, Johnson resigned in 1889.

The second document is a copy of Harms’ dissertation, “Life after Lumbering: Charles Henry Hackley and the Emergence of Muskegon, Michigan,” written in 1984. It describes the life of one of Michigan’s premier lumbermen, the community in which he lived, and the industry in which he worked. It traces the various firms Hackley formed and their relative successes. It also notes his expansion into lumbering operations in Minnesota, Ohio and South Carolina, as well as extensive timberland purchases in the South. The work concludes with a description of the efforts by Muskegon businessmen (primarily lumbermen, with Hackley in the lead) to bring industry to the community to replace the closing mills. Lastly, the work described Hackley’s personal life and his philanthropy.