Robert Dechert Collection
Scope and Contents
The bulk of the Robert Dechert Collection consists of letters to Dechert's parents in which he describes his experiences at The Lawrenceville School. Some letters from Head Master McPherson are combined with the letters from Dechert to his parents. Also included are essays and student work, notebooks, event and sport programs, and term reports. The bulk of the material dates from Dechert's fifth form year.
Dates
- 1911 - 1912
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research use.
Conditions Governing Use
Single photocopies and digital photographs may be made for research purposes. Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Archivist. Researchers are responsible for determining any other copyright questions.
Biographical / Historical
Robert Dechert was born in Philadelphia, PA in 1895. He graduated from The Lawrenceville School in 1912. He would later serve the School as an alumni trustee (1931-1936), a charter trustee (1942-1944, 1950-1970), and a trustee emeritus to the time of his death. He also served as the chairman of the Legal Committee of the Board and served on the committee which selected Allan V. Heely as Head Master in 1934.
After graduating from Lawrenceville, Dechert attended the University of Pennsylvania. His studies were interrupted by World War I. After his distinguished war service, Dechert returned to the University of Pennsylvania earning his L.L.B. in 1921. Dechert went on to become one of Philadelphia's most prominent lawyers and civic leaders. Dechert also served as General Counsel for the Defense Department under President Eisenhower.
He died on November 8, 1975.
Extent
0.42 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
The original order of this collection has been maintained.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The collection was a gifted to the Archives by Mrs. Helen Dechert in May of 1981.
Appraisal
Appraisal has been conducted in accordance with The Lawrenceville School Stephan Archives guidelines.
Bibliography
Processing Information
The collection was processed by Casey Babcock in February of 2014.
- Education, Secondary -- United States Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- High school students -- United States -- Conduct of life. Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- High school students -- United States -- Social conditions. Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- High school students -- United States -- Social life and customs. Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- High school teachers -- United States. Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- High school teaching -- United States. Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Housing -- Study and teaching. Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Lawrenceville (N.J.) Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Lawrenceville School -- History Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- The Lawrenceville School Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- correspondence Subject Source: Art & Architecture Thesaurus
- printed ephemera Subject Source: Art & Architecture Thesaurus
- Title
- Robert Dechert Collection: Finding Aid
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Casey Babcock
- Date
- February 24, 2014
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- English
Repository Details
Part of the The Lawrenceville School Stephan Archives Repository
