• TitleWilliam Huelster Journals, 1880-1925 NCCA.RG07.S02.SS06
  • PublisherNorth Central College Archives
  • LanguageEnglish
  • RepositoryNorth Central College Archives
  • Physical Description.42 Linear Feet
  • Date
    • 1880-1925
    • 1917-1925
    • 1841-1883

William Huelster was the son of German pioneer parents who moved to Wisconsin during the early settlement of that state. In 1869, William Huelster was selected by the North-Western (now North Central) College Board of Trustees as the agent in charge of the general financial program. Huelster was involved in gaining financial stability for the new college through the second decade of the College's existence. He raised funds and oversaw the construction of Old Main in 1870. In 1877, Huelster and Professor Heidner raised money for the installation of boardwalks on campus. Huelster resigned in 1879 amidst difficulties with Bishop Escher, a member of the Board of Trustees, and was succeeded by Jesse Lerch. William Huelster's brother, Anton Huelster, also served the College as Professor of Greek Languages and Literature beginning in 1871.

This collection was received from Charles Sickels in October 2002 (ACC number 2002-09). Photographs sent to the Archives by Charles Sickels via email were printed and placed in this collection.

For preservation purposes, researchers should use the photocopied journals (Folders 1-3) rather than the original journals (Folders 5-7) whenever possible.

This subseries consists of three journals written by William Huelster from 1880 to 1925. The bulk of these journals is an autobiography written from 1917 to 1925, largely based on translations of his German journals, which covers the period from his birth in 1841 until 1883. The autobiography includes many details of both his personal and professional life. It records his activity as a parish pastor in Wisconsin and his decision to accept the position at then North-Western College (now North Central College). The journals include information about his parents' and brothers' lives, including Anton Huelster, a professor at North-Western at the same time. Details about his wife's activities and his children's health and activities are also found, including his feelings about his oldest daughter's death. In regard to Huelster's position at the College, entries contain information related to college finances, operating costs, operations of the college, and interactions with the Board of Trustees.

Journals 1 and 2 include sermon notes in English and German (not included in photocopies) that are unrelated to the autobiography and appear to have been written around 1880.