Jon L. Young papers, 1986.

This collection contains the reminiscences of Jon L. Young, based on diaries he kept while a student at Michigan State College (now Michigan State University) from 1931 to 1935. Young talks about classes, work, and social activities as well as his family which lived in and around the Lansing area. His memoirs also include photographs of himself, brother, and college friends, and an epilogue which briefly summarizes Young's life after college. Young describes classes taken, grades received, and devotes considerable mention to what he is reading, in class and for personal pleasure, giving his thoughts and often writing bits of poetry. Young also talks about the almost nightly lectures attended, listening to such speakers as Will Durant. Additionally, Young writes about the unsettled international events, an area of interest to him as a member of the International Relations Club, and also about the effects of the Depression, especially on his family. His father worked at the REO Motor Company, and because of reduced hours was forced to sell their farm and move to the city in order to make ends meet. With little available money, Young worked throughout his college years to help meet college expenses. He describes living and working in boarding room houses and quotes two conversations with Michigan State College President Shaw about the lack of available loans to continue his education. Young also describes his ROTC activities, freshmen/sophomore hazing rituals, college dances, night outings, and life with various roommates. Working as a teaching assistant in the history department his senior year, Young talks about various professors, teaching about World War I, and the lack of employment opportunities for history teachers after graduation.

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: "Item title, Collection title, Collection Identifier, Michigan State University Archives & Historical Collections, East Lansing, Michigan."

Finding aid available in 101 Conrad Hall.

Additional diaries are held at the Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Jon L. Young graduated from Michigan State College with a bachelor's degree in liberal arts in 1935. He was a member of ROTC and the International Relations Club. After graduating from MSC, Young earned an MA from the University of Michigan. He served in World War II as a special agent in military intelligence. Born in Lowell, Michigan, Young spent most of his life in Lansing, Michigan. He was a teacher and counselor in the Lansing School District for nearly 30 years. At his retirement in 1976, he was given a key to the city of Lansing and the auditorium at Eastern High School was named in his honor. He was active with the Lansing Civic Players. Jon L. Young died in 2004 at the age of 92.