Call Number:

29

Repository:

Historical Society of Montgomery County

Extent:

2.9 linear feet

Language:

English

Date:

1907-1994 (inclusive)

Creator:

Thompson, John S., 1902-1997

Abstract:

John S. Thompson (1902-1997) was a life-long resident of Norristown, Pennsylvania. After retirement, he earned college degrees and volunteered with the Christ Church United Church of Christ, Norristown State Hospital, and Boy Scouts of America. The John S. Thompson papers, 1907-1994, consist of two boxes of materials relating to family history, local music, and community involvement. There are also photographs, correspondence, and music programs from time periods throughout his life.

John Sterling Thompson (1902-1997) was a life-long resident of Norristown, Pennsylvania. He married Naomi Cassel Wurtz in 1926, and the couple had four children. During World War II, Thompson volunteered as an air raid warden. He worked for several different companies over the course of his life, including Westfield River Paper Company, Inc., until he retired in 1971. He was involved in volunteer work with the Christ Church United Church of Christ, Norristown State Hospital, and Boy Scouts of America. After retirement, Thompson returned to school and earned Associate's and Bachelor's degrees.

Bibliography:

Lowe, Anthony A. "One of Montgomery's 643,621." Norristown Times Herald. Clipping found in collection.

The bulk of this collection is genealogical research conducted by Thompson; it also contains writings by Thompson, correspondence, clippings, pamphlets, a scrapbook, photographs, and one VHS tape.

Thompson's personal files are composed of correspondence, newspaper clippings, pamphlets, and other miscellaneous documents, and cover subjects such as retirement, music, and Thompson's return to college at age 82. The scrapbook contains clippings, correspondence, etc. relating to the Orpheus Club of Philadelphia (the oldest mens' singing group in America), 1924-1925. There are copies of several writings by Thompson in this collection, including "Observations of a Volunteer Mental Health Worker," and other pieces written by Thompson for his post-retirement college classes. The photographs in the collection date from the 1950s, and the VHS tape depicts Thompson's college graduation.

Some additions to Thompson's papers were added by his daughter, Mary T. Beyer.