Harold B. Lee Library

Gerrit de Jong, Jr. 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. A Dutch immigrant and convert to the church, Gerrit de Jong, Jr. was the first dean of the College of Fine Arts, established in 1925. He served in this capacity until 1960. During this time he taught piano, organ, aesthetics, phonetics, and religion classes but the area that he is best known for is linguistics. Of all the important things that de Jong had done, the longest lasting was the impact he had on his students.  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 Gerrit de Jong, Jr.’s 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 de Jong, Gerrit, Jr.)
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. and W. Cleon Skousen. Brigham Young University: A School of Destiny.  Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1976 (see index for de Jong, Gerrit, Jr.)

Primary Sources

• Sample materials dealing with Gerrit de Jong, Jr.: A sample of the materials that contain information about Gerrit de Jong, Jr. 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 909 Box 50-51 Brigham Young University Faculty Papers Includes articles written by and in tribute of Gerrit de Jong, Jr., brief biographies, recorded memories of, awards and honors, letters to, “journalets” of, College of Fine Arts pamphlets and information, and music and records by the esteemed faculty member.  Also includes copies of the three books written by Thelma de Jong regarding her husband: Retrospectus Epilogue, A True Renaissance Man: the Story of Gerrit de Jong, Jr., and Grandpa de Jong.
  • UA 1167 Miscellaneous Writings, 1924-1977 This volume contains miscellaneous writings (articles, papers for classes at the University of Utah, addresses, etc.) of Gerrit De Jong.
  • MSS 1837 Papers, 1949-1978 Correspondence, musical scores, essays, and speeches. The materials relate to family matters and to education and religious topics.
  • UA 722 Papers, 1950s-1970s Includes professional correspondence, publications, teaching materials, speeches, and musical drafts and publications.
  • UA 567 Dean’s Office Files, 1952-1975 Includes files and correspondence of the administration of the College of Fine Arts and Communication. Includes records of the Mormon Arts Festival, Banyan, Daily Universe, and other facets of the College.
  • MISS 6815 Gerrit and Thelma de Jong papers The collection contains bound volumes of materials written or collected by Gerrit and Thelma De Jong from 1972-1979.
  • BX 8688.4 .D368s 1971 Selected writings A collection of articles, poetry, and hymns written by Gerrit de Jong, Jr.
  • BX 8630 .D36L Living the gospel Written by Gerrit de Jong, Jr., it was the study material used in Sunday School courses at the time, intended to make members conscious of the advantage and necessity of immediate and continuous application of the gospel in their lives.

This Popular Search Topics page offers only samplings of materials included in the University Archives that document the life of Gerrit de Jong, Jr. Be sure to visit Special Collections to discover other material.