J. B. Crenshaw Papers

The J. B. Crenshaw papers include administrative materials from the Department of Modern Languages, correspondence, a eulogy for Dean W. H. Emerson, and histories of Georgia Tech authored by Crenshaw. The academic papers include papers on the subject of Modern Languages in higher education, as well as a history of the Department of Modern Languages at Georgia Tech. The annual reports outline the courses taught during the current school year as well as the number of students enrolled in German, French, or Spanish classes. Until 1926, these reports were delivered to the Board of Trustees. President M. L. Brittain received them in subsequent years.

The correspondence, primarily between Dr. J. B. Crenshaw and President M. L. Brittain or the Board of Trustees, deals with the employment, salaries, or recommendations of the professors in the Modern Language Department. Dr. Crenshaw's interest in athletics is evidenced by the use of Georgia Tech Athletic Association stationery in a letter dated October 10, 1923 and by a question he posed to a new employee on July 17, 1928. He ended the letter by asking, "Are you athletic in any way and if so what sport do you like."

Dr. Crenshaw prepared a memorial for Dr. W. H. Emerson, head of the Department of Chemistry (1888-1924) and dean of the school (1909-1924). He also wrote several papers on the history of Georgia Tech, including one that was used for the school's fiftieth anniversary in 1938. Handwritten notes accompany the histories.