GUIDE TO THE PAPERS OF PRESLEY McCORKLE GRISE
1931 - 1978


Compiled
by
Bonnie K. Northcutt
Eastern Kentucky University Archives

1982
R.G. 82
Grise, Presley McCorkle, 1894-1981
Papers, 1931-1978
25 cubic feet
750 items
1 box
86A5


TABLE OF CONTENTS       


Introduction to the Presley McCorkle Grise Papers
Biographical Sketch
Important Dates in the Life of Presley McCorkle Grise 
Correspondence Series


INTRODUCTION TO THE PRESLEY McCORKLE GRISE PAPERS

The Presley M. Grise papers were donated to the Eastern Kentucky University Archives by Mrs. P. M. Grise in 1981. The papers consist only of a correspondence series. Most of the material dates from Grise's tenure as a teacher at Model High School and a teacher and department head at Eastern Kentucky University's English and Language Departments. Most of the papers touch upon some facet of his work in these departments. Some exceptions are: letters to the editors of various newspapers, program folders, and some inter-university correspondence These papers also prove interesting to study in terms of the effects of the Depression and World War II upon the University. There is evidence of economic strain, a drop in enrollment, a smaller faculty, a lack of equipment, and small salaries.

PRESLEY McCORKLE GRISE:  A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

Presley McCorkle Grise was born in Logan County, Kentucky on October 6, 1894. He graduated from Western Kentucky State College in 1926 with an A.B. degree. He attended graduate school at George Peabody Teachers College where he received his masters degree in English with minors in Latin, Social Science, and Education in 1930. He completed his doctorate in English at the University of Kentucky in 1940. Grise taught school and was a principal in Logan County and Warren County from 1915-1928. This time was interrupted by his service in the United States Army Field Engineers in France and Germany in 1917-1919. Grise became an assistant professor at Eastern Kentucky State Teachers College in 1930. At that time, he was a supervisory teacher at Model High School. He stayed in that capacity until he was transferred to the English Department of the college in 1939. In 1942, Grise received the title associate professor and, in 1946, was promoted to professor. In 1954, Grise was named the head of the English Department and chairman of the Division of Languages and Literature at Eastern Kentucky State College. In 1963, his position as chairman in the latter department was changed to head of the Language Department. Grise retired on April 14, 1965, after 35 years at the institution. While at Eastern he was also active in numerous professional organizations and committees, the Little Theatre, and the First United Methodist Church

Presley M. Grise died in Richmond, Ky., on May 29, 1981. His wife, Stella Louise Colton Grise, resides in Richmond. Their three sons are William Presley, Robert Newman, and Thomas Mack.

IMPORTANT DATES IN THE LIFE OF PRESLEY McCORKLE GRISE (1894 - 1981)


October 6, 1894  Born in Logan County, KY
1915 - 1916      Taught in Logan County, KY.
1917             Factory Worker
1917 - 1919      US Army as a Field Engineer in France and Germany
1919 - 1920      Office worker at Ford Motor Co. plant, Detroit, MI
1921 - 1922      Taught in Warren County, KY
1922 - 1923      Taught in Logan County, KY
1920 - 1926      Attended Western KY State College.  Received A.B. degree
1926 - 1928      Grade and high school teacher in Oakland, Warren Co, KY
1929             Taught H.S. English and Social Science in Bowling Green, KY.
1929             Son, William Presley, born.
1928 - 1930      Attended George Peabody Teachers College.  
                 Received M.A. degree in English in 1930
1930             Began teaching at Model High School-
                 Eastern KY State Teachers College.  
                 Title Assistant Professor
1930             Son, Robert Newman, born.
1931             Son, Thomas Mack, born.
1936             Named an Assistant Professor.
1939             Transferred to English Dept of Eastern KY State 
                 Teacher College
1936 - 1940      Attended the University of KY.  Received Ph.D.
1942             Named Associate Professor
1943             Named Professor
1954             Head of the English Dept and chairman of 
                 Division of Language and Literature
1963             Named head of Language Department
April 14, 1965   Retired from Eastern Kentucky State College.
November, 1965   Lecture hall in Combs building named in Grise' S honor
May 29, 1981     Died in Richmond, KY

*Corresspondence Series*

Description: This box contains the Correspondence Series. The Correspondence Series, Folders 1-5, consists of letters, memoranda, programs, etc., arranged chronologically. Folder 6 contains two pieces of undated material. Folders 1-5 contain letters, etc. pertaining to Grise's work at Eastern Kentucky State College. Much of the communication is to or from Presidents Donovan, O'Donnell, and Martin, various deans, and staff members. Folder one contains a letter from Paul G. Blazer, chairman of the Campaign for A Kentucky Constitutional Convention asking for Grise's support. Folder five contains a copy of a letter from Jesse Stuart, noted Kentucky author, to Carl Sword - a student of Grise s. It is in reference to a letter Sword sent Stuart asking questions about his life and education.

Inventory

Box 1

Folder 1:  March 24, 1931 - April 1, 1948
Folder 2:  September 7, 1950 - November 19, 1959
Folder 3:  January 4, 1960 - November 19, 1962
Folder 4:  February 8, 1963 - May 20, 1965
Folder 5:  January 13, 1966 - Summer 1978
Folder 6:  Undated