William G. Barthold Papers

Collection

Identifier: SC MS0282

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection is comprised of information, through various mediums, concerning the life and work of William G. Barthold. It contains biographical information, both full newspapers and excerpted clippings from them, political posters and advertisements, photographs of Barthold, his family, and other Lehigh University students, and a large collection of family scrapbooks documenting nearly his entire career. Oversize material such as framed diplomas and certifications are also included. The earliest document in the collection is Barthold’s 1914 diploma from Bethlehem High School, and material in the collection runs right up to his death in 1969 with obituaries and condolences to family. Besides information about Barthold, the collection contains relevant informational booklets and pamphlets about the city of Bethlehem and Northampton County, written and circulated during his time period.

Dates

Creation: 1914 - 1969

Creator

Barthold, William G. (William Gregory Barthold) (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection housed remotely. Users need to contact 24 hours in advance.

Conditions Governing Use

Collection is open for research. Please inquire about copyright information.

Biographical / Historical

William G. Barthold (1897-1969) was, during his lifetime, prominent as both a legal and political figure for the city of Bethlehem and county of Northampton, Pennsylvania. Since the beginning of his career as Assistant District Attorney in 1928, he took on numerous roles, acting as the Solicitor-Sheriff of Northampton County (1934-1935), the Solicitor of Bethlehem School District (1934-1938), and ultimately as a Judge from 1938 until his retirement after thirty years of service. Among these, he also served as State Senator from 1937-1938.

Before his professional career, Barthold was an accomplished student. He graduated as valedictorian from his Bethlehem High School class in 1914, from Lehigh University in 1918, and from Harvard University, where he received his degree in law, in 1922. Later, in 1948, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Moravian College in acknowledgement of his accomplishments and contributions to the community -especially his successful efforts to lower youth crime in the Bethlehem area.

Extent

6 linear feet (+ 1 flat box (2 linear feet), 6 cartons)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection documents the life and accomplishments of the Honorable William Gregory Barthold (1897-1969): Northampton County Judge, Pennsylvania State Senator, and Lehigh University Class of 1918. Material includes newspaper excerpts from local area publications, certifications and awards, personal correspondence, political advertisements and endorsements, and photographs.

Arrangement

Scrapbook material is arranged chronologically; other material is arranged by subject: Box I Folders Series 1: Education Series 2: Photographs Series 3: Invitations and Certifications Series 4: Local Information and Career Series 5: Political and Senatorial Career Series 6: Biography Box II-VII Scrapbooks Series 7: Local Newspaper Excerpts, Judge Career Series 8: Miscellaneous; or other Scrapbooks Oversize Material Series 9: Framed Photographs, etc. Series 10: Degrees, Diplomas, and Certifications

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated by Bill Vogler (grandson of William G. Barthold). November 14, 2014

Separated Materials

1919 Lehigh University Epitome Yearbook was added to the existing collection of Epitome Yearbooks Lehigh University Centennial Convocation book and Asa Packer Centennial Plaque were added to the existing collection of Lehigh Centennial material