Harold B. Lee Library

Franklin S. Harris and Brigham Young University

Introduction

Brigham Young University is a private university that seeks to develop students of faith, intellect and character who have the skills and the desire to continuing learning and to serve others throughout their lives. Tracing its roots to Utah’s rich pioneer heritage and to Brigham Young Academy, the original school established in 1875, the university continues to provide an outstanding education in an atmosphere consistent with the ideals and principles of its sponsor, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Franklin S. Harris was the fifth president of Brigham Young University, serving from 1921 to 1945.  His vision for the university was unsurpassed by his predecessors or successors.  He felt that Brigham Young University and its students had the greatest potential of all the world’s universities. Under his presidency, Brigham Young University gained national accreditation and gained significant academic prestige as a result.  His remarkable impact on Brigham Young University can be uncovered through many of the collections held in the University Archives.  The following source materials can get you started on your exploration of Franklin S. Harris’ legacy.

Secondary Sources and General information

Collections held by the University Archives will be more useful to your specific research topic after you understand more about the general history of the university. The following resources are available to help you develop that understanding.

• Histories of Brigham Young University
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. Brigham Young University: The First One Hundred Years (4 volumes). Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1975 (see index for Harris, Franklin S.)
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. and W. Cleon Skousen. Brigham Young University: A School of Destiny.  Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1976 (see index for Harris, Franklin S.)

Primary Sources

• Sample materials dealing with Franklin S. Harris: A sample of the materials that contain information about Franklin S. Harris follows. To map out a research strategy, please schedule an appointment with the University Archivist at 422-5821 or gordon_daines@byu.edu for additional help in discovering what other collections we may have that pertain to your research topic.
  • UA 1106 Janet Jenson Collection of Franklin S. Harris materials, 1847-2002 This collection contains materials gathered by Janet Jenson in the course of writing a biography of her grandfather Franklin S. Harris. The materials include articles by or about Franklin S. Harris, Franklin S. Harris’ testimony in the Confederated Bands of Ute Indians vs. the United States, some business records of Franklin S. Harris, newspaper clippings about Franklin S. Harris, correspondence of Franklin S. and Estelle S. Harris, certificates of Franklin S. and Estelle S. Harris, and the typescripts or copies of the diaries of Estelle S. Harris and Eunice S. Harris. It also contains a draft of the biography of Franklin S. Harris written by Janet Jenson and audiocassettes of oral histories with people who knew the Harris family as well as the research notes compiled by Jenson to write the biography.
  • UA 452 Some activities at Brigham Young University during the presidency of Franklin S. Harris, 1921-1945 Documents the growth of the University during the presidency of Franklin Harris.
  • UA 1089 Brigham Young University President’s Records, 1921-1945 The presidential papers of Franklin Stewart Harris consist largely of correspondence and some budget files that document his administration of the university.
  • MSS 344 Papers, 1931-1960 Notes, miscellaneous correspondence, and typed programs of the KSL radio series: “The Book of Mormon: Messages and Evidences.” Also included are notes and an original draft of Harris’ book by the same title. The materials also relate to archaeology, the Word of Wisdom, and other Mormon Church topics.
  • LD 571 .B6717 H378 1960 Memorial services for President Franklin Stewart Harris: George Albert Smith Fieldhouse, Monday, May 23, 1960, 10:00 a.m. Includes a biographical sketch given by Karl E. Young, an address given by Ernest L. Wilkinson, and tributes given by friends and university associates.
  • LD571 .B6716 H368 1965 Franklin Stewart Harris: educator, administrator, father, friend, vignettes of his life A compilation of the memories and recollections family, friends and colleagues had of Brigham Young University President Franklin S. Harris. Includes information on his ancestry, his work at Brigham Young University and Utah State University, and the many different roles he played throughout his life.
  • BX 8622 .W63s 1937 Seven claims of the Book of Mormon: a collection of evidences Written by Franklin S. Harris, discusses the evidence that supports the Book of Mormon and Mormonism.

• Sample materials related to Franklin S. Harris:
  • UA OH 101 Oral history interview, March 13, 1977 Interview by Martha Bradley with Mildred Bradley, housewife and daughter of BYU President Franklin S. Harris. She discusses her family background, education, marriage and children.
  • MSS SC 2945 Chauncy D. Harris interview, 1986, Chicago, Illinois Comments on his early life and on the influence of his father, Franklin S. Harris, president of Brigham Young University (BYU). Also comments on attendance at the following institutions of higher learning: BYU, 1930-1934; University of Chicago, 1933, 1934, and 1937-1939; Oxford University, 1934-1936; London School of Economics, 1936-1937; and Kent State University, 1937. Includes comments on his early interest in geography, some of his teachers at BYU and the University of Chicago, and his receipt of a Rhodes Scholarship in 1934. Interview recorded by Christopher Kimball as part of a University of Chicago Oral History Project. Includes a table of contents.

This Popular Search Topics page offers only samplings of materials included in the University Archives that document the life of Franklin S. Harris. Be sure to visit Special Collections to discover other material.