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L. Robert Oaks papers

Creation: 1944-1963 Creation: undated
 Collection
Accession: 2773

Abstract

L. Robert Oaks (1906-1981) worked for the National Association of Manufacturers for eighteen years, directing its audiovisual programs. This collection contains some of his papers from his tenure and includes NAM News, films, speeches, motion picture bulletins, pamphlets, scripts, and more general information about NAM.

Dates

  • Creation: 1944-1963
  • Creation: undated

Creator

Extent

2.5 Linear Foot

Biographical Note

L. Robert Oaks (1906-1981) worked for the National Association of Manufacturers for eighteen years, directing its audiovisual programs. They included educational motion pictures and ABC Radio network programs, “It’s Your Business,” and “The Voice of NAM.”

Lucian Robert Oaks was born December 13, 1906, in North Rose, New York, to Robert Oaks (1878-1940) and Laura (Osgood) Oaks (1881-1940). He graduated from Colgate University in 1929, where he was a public information executive and the first graduate director of student activities. He continued to serve the university over the course of his life as an adviser and writer and was awarded the Maroon Citation in 1969 and the Alumni Award in 1971 for distinguished service.

Oaks went to work for NAM in 1947 in the Motion Picture Department. During his eighteen years there, he directed the audiovisual programs, including educational motion pictures, “It’s Your Business,” and “The Voice of NAM.” He edited several national publications dealing with business management and other special interest readerships and wrote educational materials. Oaks retired from NAM in 1965 and worked as a self-employed writer and public relations consultant.

During his lifetime, Oaks was a writer, author, and public relations consultant and worked with newspapers, radio, and motion pictures. He served in public relations assignments with education, business, and professional organizations. Additionally, he was editor and publisher of the Fredonia Censor and the Waverly Sun in New York, and reporter for the Rochester Times-Union.

In 1935, Oaks married Ester Sessions (1915-2005), which ended in divorce five years later. On December 24, 1940, he married Matilda Vaschak, MD (1910-1996), and they had one son: Dr. John A. Oaks. Robert Oaks died on February 1, 1981, in Plainfield, New Jersey.

Scope and Contents

Papers from L. Robert Oaks (1906-1981), director of National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) film library and in some cases the producer for the films, as well as director of the Motion Picture Department. Items include NAM News, films, speeches, motion picture bulletins, pamphlets, scripts, and more general information about NAM.

Access Restrictions

No restrictions on access; this collection is open for research.

Film material (Film Cans 1-11) is located in remote storage. Please contact staff 48 hours in advance of research visit at askhagley@hagley.org

Related Materials

National Association of Manufacturers records (Accession 1411), Manuscripts and Archives Department, Hagley Museum and Library.

National Association of Manufacturers photographs and audiovisual materials (Accession 1973.418), Audiovisual Collections and Digital Initiatives Department, Hagley Museum and Library.

Language of Materials

English

Related Names

Subject

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title:
L. Robert Oaks papers
Author:
Ashley Williams
Date:
2021
Description rules:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description:
English
Script of description:
Latin

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the Manuscripts and Archives Repository

Contact:
PO Box 3630
Wilmington Delaware 19807 USA
302-658-2400