The Big Bash always brings an interesting round of visitors to the Archives, and this year was no exception. Those who come are on a mission of some sort. It is always such a treat to visit with these Wabash men and I’m intrigued by their stories.
For example, among the Big Bash visitors this year were Mr. and Mrs. Moses I. Brand ’57. Five years ago Mo gave an Arvin Industries clock radio to the Archives. Arvin was co-founded by Frank Sparks in the early 20th century, and this clock radio, Model # 5591, was a wedding gift from President and Mrs. Sparks to Mr. and Mrs. Moses Brand in 1959. The radio was a part of the daily life of the Brands for many years, and it has occupied a place of honor in the Archives since its arrival.
Shortly after sending the radio, Mo dropped into the Archives to have a look around. He was pleased that the radio was out and clearly labeled both as his donation and as a wedding gift from President Sparks. So when Mo entered the Archives this summer, he headed straight to where the radio had been. He had brought Mrs. Brand along so that she could see their wedding present in its new home. But the radio was gone.
Actually, I had moved it to a shelf next to a bust of President Sparks, and the Brands seemed to think the new location most appropriate. For while it is an interesting radio, what makes it special to the Brands, and to the Archives, is its tangible connection to President Sparks’ life as a businessman and entrepreneur. This wedding gift from nearly 50 years ago also gives us a different view of President Sparks, somewhat at odds with the hard-driving image we are usually given. A clock radio was a thoughtful gift for young newlyweds and a much appreciated donation to the history of Wabash.
Truly history comes in all shapes and sizes!
Beth Swift is the archivist for the Robert T. Ramsay, Jr. Archival Center at Wabash College. Write to her at swiftb@wabash.edu