Manuscript Register

This document describes a collection of materials held by the
Special Collections Department
University of Iowa Libraries
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1420
Phone: 319-335-5921
Fax: 319-335-5900
e-mail: lib-spec@uiowa.edu

Posted to Internet: October 2002

Acquisition Note: Mr. Strickland's widow gave his papers to the University of Iowa Libraries in 1974 and 1976.

Access and Restrictions: This collection is open for research.

Digital Surrogates: Except where indicated, this document describes but does not reproduce the actual text, images and objects which make up this collection. Materials are available only in the Special Collections Department.

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Biographical Note

Kansas native Charles Edwin Strickland (1892 -- 1973) was a graduate of the University of Kansas, receiving his B.A. in 1914. That same year he began his banking career as a clerk in a Kansas bank. When he returned home after serving in the military during W.W.I, he accepted a position as vice-president of the Farmers and Merchants State Bank in Colby, Kansas. In 1924 he moved to Denver, where he was the vice-president of the Broadway National Bank. Two years later he went to work for an investment banking firm based in Cleveland and Chicago. In 1930, Strickland entered the utilities field as vice-president of the United Light and Power Company in Chicago.

Moving to Mason City, Iowa, in 1936, Mr. Strickland continued his banking and utilities career while adding new business ventures. Over a period of years he became president of the People's Gas and Electric Company, the Clear Lake Railroad, Mason City Brick and Tile Co., and Rolfe Products Co. He was also director of the Mutual Federal Savings and Loan Association, the First National Bank of Mason City, and the Iowa Terminal Railroad

Strickland was active in both professional and civil organizations. At one time or another he served as president of the Iowa Utilities Association, the Missouri Valley Electricity Association, and the Iowa Manufacturers Association. He was a national councilor of the Chamber of Commerce of the United States as well as a director of the Mason City Chamber of Commerce. At home in Mason City, Strickland belonged to the American Legion, the Rotary, the Shrine, and the Masons. Mr. Strickland also took an active interest in Republican politics in Iowa.

Scope and Content

The papers of Charles E. Strickland document his business and political interests and are arranged in a rough chronological sequence. His many business ventures are represented with correspondence and subject folders ranging from People's Gas and Electric to the Iowa Terminal Railroad. Many folders relate to political leaders in Iowa such as H.R. Gross, Bourke B. Hickenlooper, Thomas E. Martin, Norman Erbe, and James Schramm. Finally, there are biographical materials, speeches, and materials relating to the Lincoln Club.

Box List

Box 1

Correspondence

Box 2

Subject Files