Harold B. Lee Library

T. Earl Pardoe 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. T. Earl Pardoe taught at Brigham Young University beginning in 1919, establishing himself as a distinguished musician.  He participated in the faculty quartet, was a professor of public speaking and dramatic arts, founded the Department of Speech and later served as the chairman of the Department of Speech and Dramatic Arts. From 1951 to his death, he served as the BYU Historian under the Alumni Association.  Though he had officially retired as a professor, he also continued to teach drama classes to the many students that had come to love him. The remarkable history of Brigham Young University and the people that shaped it 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 T. Earl Pardoe’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 Pardoe, T. Earl)
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. and W. Cleon Skousen. Brigham Young University: A School of Destiny.  Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1976 (see index for Pardoe, T. Earl)

Primary Sources

• Sample materials dealing with T. Earl Pardoe: A sample of the materials that contain information about T. Earl Pardoe. 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 988 Scrapbook, 1910-1915 This scrapbook contains newspaper clippings and other memorabilia collected by Pardoe. Materials are mostly cultural: musical performances, plays, speeches, etc.
  • MSS 3283 T. Earl Pardoe scrapbook, 1912-1920 The scrapbook contains newspaper clippings commenting on Dr. Pardoe’s performances from 1912 to 1920.
  • UA 185 Records, 1922-1950 Records of T. Earl Pardoe. Collection includes correspondence, newspaper clippings, programs, plays, pictures, and pamphlets concerning the Public Speaking and Dramatic Arts Department.
  • UA 557 T. Earl Pardoe papers, 1930-1970 Includes correspondence with associations and organizations, e.g. Rotary Club, Boy Scouts. Also includes correspondence with servicemen and veterans, personal, professional and travel correspondence, and a collection of slides documenting his travels throughout the world.
  • MSS 131 Scrapbook, 1955-1961 Scrapbook compiled by T. Earl Pardoe of newspaper clippings, typewritten speeches, pamphlets, photographs, and miscellaneous items relating to the dedications of monuments and historical sites relating to the early years of the first president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith (1805-1844).
  • MSS 321 Scrapbook, 1959-1961 Christmas cards glued into a scrapbook. There are about a hundred of these items in the book. These cards were received by Pardoe from 1959 to 1961 and were signed by various friends and associates including David Oman McKay, president of the Mormon Church, and J. Reuben Clark, an Apostle in the Mormon Church.
  • MSS OH 1903 Interview, ca. 1971 In an interview with Merrill Bradshaw, T. Earl Pardoe discusses pantomime, the basics of singing, speech, and the dramatic arts. He also discusses some of the fine arts performers and artists of early Provo including Anton Lund, John J. McClellan, Willard Andolin, Charles Miller, John Hafen, J. B. Fairbanks, Samuel Jefferson, William King Driggs, Willard Weighe, and Dean de Jong.
• Writings and works of T. Earl Pardoe:
  • PN 4121 .M58 1931 This speaking world: a text on the subject of speech Published in 1934. Discusses public speaking in both study and teaching.
  • BX 8670.1 .F24L Lorin Farr, pioneer Published in 1953.  Details the history of Lorin Farr and his interactions with the early LDS church.
  • BX 8670 .P214s 1969 The sons of Brigham Published c. 1969. Details the history of the early presidents of BYU and of many professors and graduates.
  • AC 901 .A1a no.83 Provo’s pleasure and drama: a brief drama history of Provo Publishing date unknown.

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