Roy C. Vandercook papers

Collection

Identifier: 00011

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of letters, newspaper clippings, legal documents related to Roy C. Vandercook and his various careers. Most significant in the collection is the bulk of correspondence concerning the Michigan National Guard and the 1913 copper strike. Vandercook was responsible for the majority of military action and exchanged a great deal of letters with Governor Woodbridge Ferris.

Included are also letters discussing various phases of the U.S. occupation of the Philippines. Military correspondence referring to the security measures taken in Michigan during World War I to protect vital industry and transportation is included. And, in this same general time period, is information regarding wheat production and possession and federal action.

Other subjects included are the Michigan State Police, Ferris Institute, the Michigan Constabulary, the Michigan Railroads Association and Vandercook's activities as its legislative agent.

Dates

Creation: 1849 - 1957

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish material from this collection must be obtained from University Archives & Historical Collections, Michigan State University.

Biographical/Historical

Roy Clark Vandercook was initially a newsman, and remained so, at least on a free lance basis, all his life. He worked at the Lansing State Journal and for the Associated Press, and also wrote for newspapers all over Michigan. He was active in the Michigan National Guard from 1898 to 1911 and was Adjutant General from 1911 to 1915. He was secretary of the Michigan War Board from 1917 to 1918, Commissioner of the Michigan State Police from 1918 to 1923, and public relations manager of the Michigan Railroads Association and their legislative agent in Congress.