Oliver Prize Orations

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: 2002.100

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Contains essays and orations from the Oliver Prize Orations. The essays and orations are in booklet, bound, and paper format. The essays and orations are mixed together and arranged by year then alphabetically by last name.

Dates

Creation: 1907-1959

Rights Statement

Materials in this collection may be protected by copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code).

Biographical / Historical

The Oliver Prize Orations were established in 1906 by Robert Burnette Oliver who donated $1,000 to the Missouri Normal School for the contest. The interest earned from this sum each year was to be divided into two portions: One part as the prize money for the Oliver Oration, the other as prize money for the Oliver Essay. College students from around the Midwest could participate but only men of the senior class could enter the oration contest, and only women of senior class could enter the essay contest. Winners of each contest had the option to accept the prize as cash or as a gold medal purchased with the prize money. Each year’s winners were announced on Commencement Day.

Extent

4.0 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Established in 1906 by R.B. Oliver, the Oliver Prize was awarded to one male student, for the best oration, and to one female student, for the best essay, at Southeast Missouri State Teachers College. Some winning orators also participated in the Inter-State Oratorical Association. This collection consists of the speeches and essays written by the winners. The contests lasted until 1959.