Introduction
Historical Sketch
Agreement of Permanent Deposit
Series
     Minutes Series
     Publication Series
     Subject Series
     Scrapbook Series 

In the summer of 1982, the Board of Directors of the Greater Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce voted to deposit permanently all their non-current files in the Eastern Kentucky University Archives. The records were removed from the Chamber's office on two separate occasions. At all times the Archives staff has tried to maintain the original order of the records. There are, however, several large gaps within the records. Subject files for the first twenty-five years of the Chamber's history are virtually non-existent, and the minutes of the Board of Directors meetings for the last decade are incomplete. Researchers will find some information in the Scrapbook Series that will help supplement these areas of insufficient documentation According to the provisions of the Agreement of Permanent Deposit the entire collection is open to research.

The major portion of the Chamber's records chronicle the economic history of Richmond during much of the twentieth century. Like most chamber's across the United States, the Chamber has actively promoted commercial and industrial development in Richmond. But the Chamber has also concerned itself with the social and cultural life of the community. Information in the Scrapbook Series is especially useful in documenting the Chamber's efforts to help develop Fort Boonesborough and White Hall as major tourist attractions. The Chamber injected itself into local, state,and at times national political issues. When threatened with the closing of the Blue Grass Army Depot, members of the Chamber vigorously lobbied state and national political leaders to keep the Depot open. The Chamber's records reflect these issues and others.

The Archives is indebted to Mrs. Sue Chenault, Executive Director of the Greater Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce, for helping secure the records. 

The Greater Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce was established in late 1931. A group of concerned progressive minded civic and business leaders with conservative fiscal views desired a Chamber that could "deal effectively with local civic problems and it would be the instrument, thru which the business welfare of the city could be promoted."1 (See the Richmond Register, November 18, 1931, p. 1). Chamber's of Commerce experience rapid growth throughout the United States during the 1920s in response to greatly expanded business and industrial activities. Creation of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce was in part a response to this development and also a reaction to the growing economic depression which gripped Kentucky and the nation. Richmond Mayor William O'Neil, cashier of the Madison Southern Bank and active Chamber supporter, felt that the "time is here when Richmond and Madison County must present a united front to the world if we hope to hold the business we now have and get tnat which should come to us."2 (See the Richmond Register, November 27, 1931, p. 1)

The initial organizational meeting of the Chamber was held on November 17, 1931 at the Hotel Gibson. Postmaster Burton Roberts assumed the position of chairman for the organizational campaign. Roberts appointed five captains--George Fawkes, manager of Kentucky Utilities; G.L. Borders, insurance agent; William DeBardeleben, manager of Woolworth's; J.W. Elder, Elder Dry Goods Company; and H.B. Willoughby, Willoughby Coal Company-to seek members and solicit funds for the Chamber. A community dinner held at the First Baptist Church in early December 1931 helped to generate interest and growth in the new Chamber. By the time of the Chamber's first general meeting on December 14, 1931 there were approxiamately 160 individuals, firms and associations who had become charter members.

On December 23, 1931 officers and a Board of Directors were selected by the membership. Original Board members included--B.E. Willis, G. Marshall Brock, David J. Copeland, H. Bennett Farris, George W. Fawkes, J.W. Hamilton, W.P. Millard, Burton Roberts, George T. Ross, H.B. Willoughby, Allen H. Douglas, and Keen Johnson. The first offices elected were-President - H. Bennett Farris; Vice President - Burton Roberts; Treasurer Allen Douglas; and Secretary - Marshall Brock. A full time secretary, Frank H. Shaffer of New Castle, Pennsylvania, was also employed. Chamber headquarters were located in the Hotel Glyndon and remained there until 1975 when it was relocated to its present location at the corner of Irvine and First Streets.

Through the years the Chamber has experienced a remarkable degree of consistency and stability largely due to the able direction provided by its executive directors--C.D. Oldham, Howard L. Colyer and Sue Chenault. The Chamber has had four different names through the years--Richmond Chamber of Commerce (1932-1945), Richmond Board of Trade (1945-1961), Richmond Chamber of Commerce (1961-1975), and Greater Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce (1975- ).

Although through the years the Chamber has witnessed many striking changes in the history of Richmond, its goals remain virtually unchanged. The Chamber has stood for improving the community's economic status by encouraging business and industry to locate in Richmond, it has actively promoted Madison County's unique historical and scenic tourist attractions, strongly encouraged the development of a county airport facility, helped to control fraudulent business and advertising schemes, and served as a liaison between the Blue Grass Army Depot and Eastern Kentucky University and the community.

This AGREEMENT made on the 93rd day of August,1982 by and between Eastern Kentucky University (a non-profit public educaional institution), Richmond, Kentucky 40473-0931 (hereinafter referred to as the University) and Richmond Chamber of Commerce 101 West Irvine Richmond, Kentucky 40475 (hereinafter referred to as the Depositor).

WHEREAS the Depositor wishes to place on permanent deposit in the University the following collection of materials:

Richmond chamber of Commerce Records, 1940-1980, 10 cubic feet

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the above and in further consideration of the conditions and understandings hereinafter set forth, the parties agree as follows:

I. The Depositor transfers physical custody of the collection to the University with the following understandings:

a. The University will furnish to the Depositor upon request a copy of any docutnent or record in the collection. It is further agreed that if the collection is later withdrawn, the University retains the right to duplicate such collection for its holdings

b. The collection will be open to qualified researchers and subject to duplication.

c. All copyrights and literary rights (including permission to publish) resides with the Depositor.

II. Additional restrictions or understandings:

III. The University shall petrnanently preserve materials deposited under the terms of this AGREEMENT in the University Archives administered by the University' S Archivist in accordance with accepted archival practices. The University shall not be held responsible for any acquisition daxaaged or destroyed by fire, water, theft, natural or manmade disasters, and/or other possible calamity.

DEPOSITOR                               UNIVERSITY

Signature   Sue R. Chenault             Signature     J C Powell
Date         August 30, 1982             Title            President
                                                       Date           August 26, 1982

This is to certify that materials described in this AGREEMENT have been received by Eastern Kentucky University Archives.

Signature      Charles Hay
Title              Archivist
Date             August 18, 1982

Description:

The Minutes Series contains one box of materials arranged in chronological order covering the years 1931-1977. The minutes document the major decisions and policies made by the Chamber's governing body, the Board of Directors. There are significant gaps in the minutes from 1969 to 1977.

Inventory:

Box 1

Board of Directors Minutes, 1931-1933
Board of Directors Minutes, 1934-1938.
Board of Directors Minutes, 1939-1946.
Board of Directors Minutes, 1947-1949.
Board of Directors Minutes, 1950-1953.
Board of Directors Minutes, 1954-1957
Board of Directors Minutes, 1958-1962.
Board of Directors Minutes, 1963-1967
Board of Directors Minutes, 1968-1977.

Description:

The Publication Series contains three boxes of materials covering the years 1963-1977. Most of the publications in this series are the Opportunity for Progress reports distributed by the Chamber of Commerce.

Inventory:

Box 2

Opportunity for Progress Report, 1967
Opportunity for Progress Report, 1968
Opportunity for Progress Report, 1969
Opportunity for Progress Report, 1970
Opportunity for Progress Report, 1971
Opportunity for Progress Report, 1972
Opportunity for Progress Report, 19730

Opportunity for Progress Report, 1973
Opportunity for Progress Report, 1974
Opportunity for Progress Report, 1975
Opportunity for Progress Report, 1976
Opportunity for Progress Report, 1977

Fort Boonesborough Celebration Materials, 1975-1977.
Richmond Daily Register Supplement, 1977.
Miscellaneous pamphlets and brochures, 1976.
Directors Newsletter, 1963-1975
Comprehensive Report on Richmond, Kentucky, 1983

Description:

The Subject Series covers the years 1931-1980 and contains 16 boxes of materials arranged in alphabetical order by topic and chronologically within each subject. The bulk of the series consists of general correspondence of a routine nature from individuals or corporations requesting information about the economic, social, and geographic conditions of Richmond and Madison County. Of particular interest is the All Kentucky City Report correspondence which should be used in conjunction with the Opportunity for Progress publications found in the Publication Series. These reports provide abundant information about businesses, industries, social, political, and economic concerns of Richmond. In 1975 Richmond won the coveted All Kentucky City award and in 1977 was elected to the Hall of Fame. Most of the materials found in the Kentucky and United States Chamber of Commerce files primarily consist of publications from those organizations. The series reflects the conserted effort of Richmond's business and educational leaders to attract industry to the community.

Inventory:

Box 5

Advertising Endorsements, 1963-1968.
Agriculture, 1974
All Kentucky City Report Correspondence, 1967-1969
All Kentucky City Report Correspondence, 1970-1974
All Kentucky City Report Correspondence, 1975
All Kentucky City Report Correspondence, 1976
All Kentucky City Report Correspondence, 1977
All Kentucky City Report Correspondence, 1978
Annexation, 1971.
Annual Dinner, 1963-1968.

Box 6

Annual Dinner, 1973-1977
Associated Industries of Kentucky, 1965-1970
Attorney General, 1974-1976.
Bicentennial Activities, 1971-1975.
Bluegrass Area Development District, 1974-1975.
Bluegrass Area Development District, 1976-1978
Bluegrass Army Depot, 1967-1968
Board of Directors, 1958-1963.
Board of Directors, 1964-1969.
By-Laws and Constitution

Box 7

Carson and Barnes Wildlife Circus, 1979.
Cash Discounts of America, 1971.
Cassius Clay Marker, 1976-1978
Chamber of Commerce-Other Cities, 1967-1969
Chamber of Commerce-Other Cities, 1971-1976.
Christmas Activities, 1963.
Christmas Activities, 1964.
Christmas Activities, 1965.
Christmas Activities, 1966.
Christmas Activities, 1967.
Christmas Activities, 1968.
Christmas Activities, 1969.
City Directory, 1968.
Civic Affairs, 1963-1969.
Civic Affairs, 1973.
Clubs and Organizations Lists, 1963-1966
Colyer, Howard, N.D.
Committees, 1963-1967
Community Concerts, 1963-1969.
Complaints, 1967
Complaints, 1968-1976.
Correspondence, 1936-1962
Correspondence, January-March 1963.
Correspondence, April-December 1963

Box 8

Correspondence, January-May 1964.
Correspondence, June-December 1964.
Correspondence, January-May 1965
Correspondence, June-December 1965.
Correspondence, January-March 1966
Correspondence, April-June 1966.
Correspondence, July-September 1966
Correspondence, October-December 1966.
Correspondence, Miscellaneous 1966
Correspondence, January-March 1967.

Box 9

Correspondence, April-June 1967.
Correspondence, July-September 1967
Correspondence, October-December 1967.
Correspondence, January-February 1968.
Correspondence, March-April 1968.
Correspondence, May-June 1968.
Correspondence, July-September 1968.
Correspondence, October-December 1968.
Correspondence, January-February 1969.
Correspondence, March-April 1969
Correspondence, May-June 1969.
Correspondence, July-August 1969.
Correspondence, September-October 1969
Correspondence, November-December 1969.

Box 10

Correspondence, 1970-March 1971.
Correspondence, April-July 1971
Correspondence, August-December 1971.
Correspondence, January-December 1972
Correspondence, January-April 1976.
Correspondence, May-August 1976.
Correspondence, September-December 1976
Correspondence, January-February 1977.
Correspondence, March-April 1977

Box 11

Correspondence, May-June 1977
Correspondence, July-September 1977.
Correspondence, October-December 1977.
Correspondence, January-March 1978.
Correspondence, April-June 1978.
Correspondence, July-September 1978.
Correspondence, October-December 1978
Correspondence, January-March 1979.
Correspondence, April-June 1979.
Correspondence, July-September 1979.
Correspondence, October-December 1979

Box 12

Correspondence, January-February 1980.
Correspondence, March-April 1980
Correspondence, May-June 1980.
Correspondence, July-September 1980.
Correspondence, October-December 1980
Downtown Richmond Development Corporation, 1976.
East Central Kentucky Development Council, 1971.
Eastern Activities, 1962-1965
Eastern Activities, 1966-1969.
Eastern Activities, 1969-1977
Fantus Company, 1967-1968.
Federal Building
Financial, 1963.
Financial, 1964.

Box 13

Financial, 1965.
Financial, 1966.
Financial-Income Tax, 1962-1966
Fire Prevention, 1963
Fire Prevention, 1964.
Fire Prevention, 1965
Fire Prevention, 1966.
Florida Tile
Fort Boonesborough Restoration, 1971-1973.
General, 1970-1975
Girl's State Basketball Tournament, 1978.
Governor s Tour, 1963.
Highway and Safety, 1963-1964.
Highway and Safety, 1965.
Highway and Safety, 1966.
Highway and Safety, 1967-1969
Highway Newsletter, 1968.
Historical Articles and Literature.
H.K. Porter Plant, 1975.

Box 14

Incorporation Charter
Industrial Appreciation Dinner, 1967
Industrial Appreciation Luncheon, 1976
Industrial Appreciation Luncheon, 1977
Industrial Appreciation Week, 1967-1969
Industrial Appreciation Week, 1970.
Industrial Appreciation Week, 1971
Industrial Foundation
Industrial Resources Book
Industry, 1963.
Industry, 1964.
Industry, 1965.
Industry, 1966
Industry, 1967-1969.
Industry, 1970-1972.
Industry, 1973-1974
Industry, 1975-1976
Internal Revenue Service, 1975-1979
KEOS Newsletter, 1967.
KY Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, 1968-1969.
KY Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, 1971-1976.

Box 15

Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, 1963.
Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, 1964.
Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, 1965.
Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, 1966
Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, 1967.
Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, 1968.
Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, 1969.
Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, 1970-1972.
Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, 1973-1976.
Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, 1977-1979.
Kentucky City Bulletin, 1966-1968.
Kentucky-Commerce Department, 1966-1969.
Kentucky-Commerce Department, 1971-1976.

Box 16

Kentucky-Governor s Office, 1972-1980.
Kentucky-Human Resources Department, 1973.
Kentucky Retail Federation, 1964.
Kentucky Retail Federation, 1965.
Kentucky Retail Federation, 1966.
Kentucky Retail Federation, 1967.
Kentucky Retail Federation, 1968.
Kentucky Retail Federation, 1969.
Kentucky Retail Federation, 1973-1976.
Kentucky-Secretary of State, 1976.
Kentucky Travel Council, 1965.
Labor Marketing Information, 1967-1969.
Legislative and National Affairs, 1963-1964.
Legislative and National Affairs, 1965-1968.

Box 17

Legislative Committee, 1970-1976.
Legislative Committee, 1977-1978.
Legislative Conference, 1971-1972.
Madison County Association for Retarded Children, 1971.
Member Relations, 1961-1966.
Membership Committees, 1963.
Membership Drive, 1971-1977.
Membership Dues, 1963-1969.
Membership Lists, 1971-1976.
Newsclippings, 1931-1963
Okonite Company, 1968
Oldham, C.D., 1963.
Open Concern, 1971
Publicity and Promotion, 1963-1965.
Publicity and Promotion, 1967-1969

Box 18

Publicity Brochure, 1963-1964
Radio Auction, 1966.
Realtors
Retail Division-Alert Bulletins, 1969.
Retail Division-Alert Bulletins, 1971-1976.
Retail Division-Calendar of Events, 1968-1969.
Retail Division-Calendar of Events, 1971-1972
Retail Division-Downtown Richmond Association, 1976-1977.
Retail Division-Eastern Student Appreciation Day
Retail Division-General, 1963.
Retail Division-General, 1964.
Retail Division-General, 1965.
Retail Division-General, 1966
Retail Division-General, 1971-1972.
Retail Division-Richmond Day, 1966-1969
Retail Division-Richmond Day to Sidewalk Sales.
Retail Division-Store Hours, 1968-1969
Retail Notes, 1964-1965
Retail Notes, 1967-1969.

Box 19

Richmond Citizen Advisory Committee
Richmond City Ordinances and By-Laws, 1948-1956.
Richmond Data, 1958-1968
Richmond Data, 1971-1976
Richmond Mayor and City Council, 1967-1968
Rural-Urban, 1964-1966.
Schools, 1968.
Schools and Kindergartens, 1974-1976.
Secretaries of other Chambers of Commerce, 1963-1966
Service Clubs Council, 1963
Shopping Centers, 1967-1969.
Small Fry Bowl Game, 1966.
Solicitation, 1968-1969
Solicitation, 1976.
Solicitation, 1977-1978
Solicitation, 1979-1980

Box 20

Standard Market Data, 1958.
Sunday Closing Laws, 1971.
Survey Trading Area, 1965.
Thien, Maurice P., 1977-1978.
Tobacco Sales Reports, 1965-1968.
Todd, Russell I., 1978.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 1964.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 1965
U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 1966.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce, January-April, 1967
U.S. Chamber of Commerce, May-December, 1967

U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 1969.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 1970.
U.S. Highway 25 Association, 1964-1969.
Wilderness Road, 1979-1980.
Workshop

The Scrapbook Series consists of fr wrapped packets consisting primarily of newsclippings from the Richmond Register covering the years 1934 to 1975. The materials cover a wide range of Chamber activities and document major developments in the history of the city of Richmond.

Inventory:

Wrapped Packet 1
  A. Scrapbooks:  1934-1941.

1. Newsclippings covering government and civic affairs, prominent citizens, local businesses and
        organizations, Eastern, Pattie  A. Clay hospital.
        December 1934 to December 1935; 10 x 15
2. Newsclippings covering Chamber of Commerce activities and a  letter signed by Guy B. Parks,
        Governor of Missouri.
        November 1935.  8 x 12
3. Newsclippings covering local businesses and organizations,  prominent citizens, telephone company rate
        hike, flood relief,  urban development and improvement, Madison Co sesquicentennial
        celebration, Eastern.
        October 1936 to December 1937.  10 x 14
4. Newsclippings covering local businesses and organizations,  education, World War II, prominent
        citizens, urban development and improvement, Eastern, Madison County Fair.
        1941. 12 x 15

Wrapped Packet 2
  B. Scrapbooks:  1952-1959.

1. First annual report in the KY Community Development Project of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
       consisting of newsclippings covering Eastern, businesses and organizations, Bluegrass Army  Depot,
       local issues, education, Pattie A. Clay hospital.
       April 1, 1952 to February 1953.  11 x 13
2. Second annual report in the KY Community Development Project of the Kentucky Chamber of
       Commerce consisting of newsclippings covering civic affairs, Bluegrass Army Depot, businesses and
       organizations, education, Eastern.
       March 1953 to March 1954.  11 x 13
3. Third annual report in the KY Community Development Project of the Kentucky Chamber of
       Commerce consisting of newsclippings covering civic improvement, education, rural development,
       industrial development, Main Street modernization.
       March-December 1955.  11 x 13
4. Fourth annual report in the KY Community Development Project of the Kentucky Chamber of
       Commerce consisting of newsclippings covering civic affairs, local businesses and organizations,
       education, urban development and improvement.
       1956.  13 x 20
5. KY Chamber of Commerce Community Development contest entry consisting of newsclippings covering
       civic affairs, rural development, education, Main Street modernization, tourist  promotion, industrial
       development, organizations.
       1957.  14 x 17
6. KY Chamber of Commerce Community Development contest entry consisting of newsclippings
        covering civic improvement, rural development, education, Main Street modernizations, tourist
        promotion, and organizations.
        1958.  14 x 17
7. KY Chamber of Commerce Community Development contest entry consisting of newsclippings
        covering aspects of community life such as the Madison County fair, local businesses, urban and rural
        development, education, organizations, industrial development.
        1959. 14 x 17

Wrapped Packet 3
  C. Scrapbooks:  1960-September 1971

1. Street Plan for Richmond prepared for the KY Department of Highways in cooperation with U.S. Dept
        of Commerce, Bureau of Public Roads and City of Richmond by Wilbur Smith and Associates.
        1962.  10 x 15.
2. Richmond Chamber of Commerce Fire Prevention report comprised of various pamphlets,
        newsclippings and other materials
        October 3-9, 1965. 12 x 13
3. Newsclippings covering governmental affairs, various organizations, Pattie A. Clay hospital, Eastern,
        Bluegrass  Army Depot, urban development and improvement, prominent citizens, education,
        historical buildings.
        January-September 1970.  12 x 14.
4. Newsclippings covering local businesses and organizations, education, urban development and
        improvement, cultural events, local issues, Pattie A. Clay hospital, Sunday closing law, Bluegrass
        Army Depot, White Hall.
        September 1970 to September 1971.  13 x 13.

Wrapped Packet 4
  D. Scrapbooks:  October 1971-July 1975.

1. Newsclippings covering Eastern, Boonesborough, prominent  citizens, urban development and
        improvement, local schools, businesses and organizations, local and state elections, Madison County
        Airport, Pattie A.Clay hospital, Bluegrass Army Depot, local issues and events, Sunday closing law.
        October 12, 1971 to September 30, 1972.  12 x 14.
2. Newsclippings covering local organizations, businesses and
        schools, Eastern, prominent citizens, local issues and events, Bluegrass Army Depot, Kentucky
        Bicentennial celebration.
        October 1972 to February 7,  1973.  11 x 13.
3. Newsclippings covering local organizations, events,businesses,  schools, urban development and
        improvement, local issues and Eastern, prominent citizens, weather, Pattie A. Clay hospital,
        Bluegrass Army Depot, historical buildings, Boonesborough.
        January 1-July 24, 1975. 11 x 13.