Menninger Family Archives
Menninger Family [MF]
1. Papers processed by the Menninger Archives
Genealogical information, biographical information of members of Menninger
family, including Julia Menninger Gottesman, Connie Menninger, Pearl
Menninger, Dr. Robert Menninger, and Rosemary Menninger. 102-05-07-[13-14]
See Menninger Archives finding aid “Menninger Family” in
“Menninger Family Archives Lists” for contents list by box.
104-03-02-04
Catharine “Cay” Wright Menninger
[CWM]
Catherine Menninger was born September 22, 1902. On December 11, 1925,
she married William C. Menninger. Interested in missionary work abroad,
Catharine earned a graduate degree in religious education from Columbia
University in 1927. She and Dr. Will had three children: Roy Wright,
born in 1926, Phillip, in 1928, and William Walter, in 1931. Following
her love of travel, Catharine accompanied Dr. Will, representative of
the Menninger Foundation’s Development Services Office, on his
fundraising trips during the 1950s and 1960s. After her husband’s
death in September 1966, Catharine became involved in several non-profit
foundations, among them People to People International. She died September
6, 1994.
The Catharine Wright Menninger papers are split into two parts, which
overlap both in chronological and subject scope. For this reason both
portions of records should be consulted; their contents are not mutually
exclusive. Material in the first part dates 1940s-1970s; material in
the second part dated 1910s- 1980s, with the majority of the material
dating 1960s-80s.
See Also: Menninger, Roy W.
Menninger, William C
1. Papers processed by the Menninger Archives
Series include Interests, Personal Papers, and Professional Papers.
102-06-01-[04-09]
See Menninger Archives finding aid “Menninger, Mrs. Cay”
in “Menninger Family Archives Lists” for contents list by
box. 104-03-02-04
2. Miscellaneous Records
This portion of the Catharine Menninger papers is a compilation of
several groups of records deposited at various times in the Menninger
Archives. Series include Personal Papers, Correspondence, Professional
Papers, and Slide Carousels. Various locations.See
Appendix “Menninger, Catharine”
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Charles Fredrick Menninger [CFM]
Charles Fredrick Menninger was born at Tell City, Indiana, on July
11, 1862 to August Valentine Menninger and Katherine Schmitberger Menninger.
After graduating from Central Indiana Normal School in Danville, Indiana
in 1882, Charles traveled west to teach sciences at Campbell College
in Holton, Kansas, where he remained for five years. On January 15,
1885, he married Florence “Flo” Vesta Knisley. They had
three sons, Karl, Edwin, and William; in 1920, Karl and William established
the Menninger Clinic with their father. On June 15, 1948 Charles married
Pearl Boam, a life-long family friend, following the death of Flo in
1945.
Dr. Menninger began study at Hahnemann Medical College, a homeopathic
school in Chicago, in 1887; he graduated two years later as a doctor
of medicine. That same year Dr. Menninger started to practice medicine
in Topeka, being particularly interested in internal medicine, especially
in diabetes and metabolic disturbances. He continued his formal study
at the Kansas Medical College, then a division of Washburn University,
and graduated in 1906, when he was also elected to the faculty of the
medical college.
Dr. Menninger first became interested in mental illness in the 1890s,
fostered by a friendship with Dr. B.E. Eastman, then superintendent
of Topeka State Hospital. Charles continued post-graduate studies in
Chicago, Michigan, and New York. Throughout his life, he conducted classes
in gardening, mineralogy and conchology as part of the adjunctive therapy
program at the Menninger Foundation, and remained active in the medical
as well as local community until his death on November 28, 1953.
(from obit in Topeka Capitol Journal and MS material in CFM-Pro-4)
See Also: Historical Records, The Menninger
Clinic, MF Corporate Archives
Menninger, Florence Vesta
Menninger, Karl A.
Menninger, William C.
Clipping Scrapbooks, Records of the Museum &
Archives, Central Administration, Menninger Foundation Corporate Archives
Winslow, Walker, Historic Psychiatry Collections
1. Papers processed by the Menninger Archives
Series include Personal Papers, Professional Papers (including a series
regarding his collaboration with Walker Winslow), Manuscripts and Speeches,
and Interests. 102-05-06-01 thru102-05-07-05
See Menninger Archives finding aid “Menninger, C.F.” in
“Menninger Family Archives Lists” for contents list by box.
104-03-02-04
2. Material relating to horticulture 102-5-06-06
3. Menninger Genealogy 102-5-06-10
4. Material relating to mineralogy 102-05-05-07
5. Medical records Restricted Until Further Notice.
Do Not Issue.
Case notes, 1920s. 102-05-07-05
Patient Records, 1919-1925. 102-05-05-[08-10]
6. Miscellaneous Includes case notes, horticulture, CFM 90th Birthday.
102-5-06-11
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Edwin A. Menninger [EAM]
Edwin A. Menninger was born on March 18, 1896 in Topeka, Kansas, the
second son of Dr. Charles F. and Flo Vesta Menninger. He suffered an
accident in 1915, losing his right eye and right hand to an explosion
during a chemistry experiment at Washburn College. Though he did not
share the same interest in medicine as his father and brothers did,
Edwin did enjoy writing, majoring in journalism at Washburn College
and earning an advanced degree from Columbia University’s Pulitzer
School of Journalism. During his years in New York, as a cable editor
for the Herald Tribune, he married Ella Waldron and had two children.
In 1922, Edwin bought a newspaper and moved his family to Florida,
making the state his permanent home – an ideal location in which
to devote himself to his interests in flowering trees; he eventually
became the local authority on the subject, an interest he shared with
his father. Edwin divorced in 1926, marrying again in 1928 to Patricia
Underhill. Died February 1995.
(Winslow and Friedman)
See Also: Menninger, Karl A.
Menninger, Florence Vesta
1. Papers processed by the Menninger Archives
Manuscripts and miscellaneous personal papers. 102-5-07-[08-12]
See Menninger Archives Finding Aid “Menninger, Edwin”
in “Menninger Family Archives Lists” for contents list by
box. 104-03-02-04
2. Correspondence with Dr. Karl Menninger 102-5-07-06
3. Material regarding EAM family 102-5-07-07
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Florence “Flo” Vesta Menninger [FM]
Florence Vesta Kinsley was born on April 23, 1863 in Pennsylvania,
the first of eight children. Her mother, Amanda, was widowed ten years
later and in 1878 moved her family west to an eighty-acre farm near
Abilene, Kansas. Flo taught in Clay Center, Kansas, for two years before
enrolling in 1883 at Campbell College in Holton, where she met Charles
F. Menninger. They married in January 1885. Throughout the years of
Charles’ medical studies and practice, Flo taught school until
she became pregnant with her first child, Karl, born in 1893. Sons Edwin
and William were born in 1896 and 1899, respectively. While her husband
and sons founded the Menninger Clinic in Topeka and developed their
own medical careers, Flo, an advocate for practical Christian values,
devoted herself to teaching Bible study courses until the end of her
life on February 9, 1945. Her memoir, Days of My Life, was published
in 1939.
(Friedman and MSS)
See Also: Menninger, Karl A.
1. Papers processed by the Menninger Archives
Miscellaneous/ephemera.Diaries 1883, 1923-27, 1936-38, 1940-41. Days
of My Life memoir notes, manuscripts, and reviews.Bible study material.
102-06-01-[01-03]
See Menninger Archives Finding Aid “Menninger, Flo” in
“Menninger Family Archives Lists” for contents list by box.
104-03-02-04
2. Days of My Life manuscript material 102-10-01-15
3. Kinsley and Heikes Genealogy 102-05-07-14
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Jeanetta Lyle Menninger [JLM]
Jeanetta Lyle Menninger was born on November 20, 1901 in St. Louis,
Missouri, the daughter of Edward G. and Jeanetta Patterson Lyle. She
attended Park College in Parkville, Missouri, earning an undergraduate
degree in English in 1923. Jeanetta came to Topeka in 1932, after writing
to Dr. Karl Menninger suggesting that he hire her to help with correspondence
related to his monthly column in the Ladies Home Journal. This collaboration
led to the creation of the Menninger professional journal, the Bulletin
of Mennniger Clinic, of which Jeanetta was the editor from 1936-1970;
she also served as the Director of the Division of Publications from
1946-64. On September 8, 1941 Jeanetta and Dr. Karl Menninger were married,
little more than six months after his marriage to his first wife, Grace,
ended. The couple adopted a daughter, Rosemary Jeanetta Karla Menninger,
born February 2, 1948. Died December 6, 1994.
(Curriculum Vita and obit press release in MSS)
See Also: Records of the Division of Scientific
Publications, Education Division,
Menninger Foundation Corporate Archives
Menninger, Karl A.
1. Papers processed by the Menninger Archives
Series include Personal Papers and Professional Papers. 102-06-01-[10-13]
See Menninger Archives Finding Aid “Menninger, Jean” in
“Menninger Family Archives Lists” for contents list by box.
104-03-02-04
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Karl A. Menninger [KAM]
Karl Augustus Menninger was born in Topeka on July 22, 1893. He studied
at Washburn College in Topeka, Indiana University, and University of
Wisconsin before finally graduating cum laude from Harvard Medical School
in 1917. Dr. Karl became interested psychiatry and mental health during
his medical internship at Boston Psychopathic Hospital where he met
his mentor, Elmer Ernest Southard, who also encouraged him to consider
the mental health need of children.
Dr. Karl returned to Topeka and began practicing medicine with his father,
C.F. Menninger; together the two opened the Menninger Diagnostic Clinic
in 1919. By 1925, the two doctors opened the Menninger Sanitarium, a
private facility that served as alternative to state hospitalization.
After securing the services of William Menninger, Karl’s younger
brother, the Menninger Foundation was created, offering a variety of
mental health services and programs for both adults and children. Dr.
Karl also helped to establish, with collaboration from the federal government,
the Winter VA Hospital, whose potential as a training ground for students
of psychiatry became the impetus for the creation of the Karl Menninger
School of Psychiatry.
Menninger was married, in 1916, to Grace Gaines, with whom he had three
children, Julia Menninger Gottesman, Robert Gaines Menninger, Martha
Menninger Nichols; they divorced in February 1941. On September 9, 1941,
Menninger married again, this time to Jeanetta Lyle. The two adopted
daughter Rosemary Menninger in 1948.
In addition to playing roles as doctor and educator, father and husband,
Karl Menninger authored several books on psychiatry. His first, The
Human Mind, published in 1930, became one of the first works of popular
literature about mental hygiene and psychiatry. Dr. Karl’s following
works include Man Against Himself, Love Against Hate, The Vital Balance,
and The Crime of Punishment.
Throughout his life, Dr. Karl was committed in many causes pertinent
to mental health outside of his involvement with the Menninger Foundation.
He was a consultant on prison affairs as well as assisted in the development
of the Stone-Brandel Center, Chicago. In 1964, he founded the Village,
Inc. organization, which provided housing for children who had been
abused, neglected, or abandoned. Dr. Karl was also an active member
of 35 professional groups, including a term as president of the American
Psychoanalytic Association from 1941 to 1942, held a seat on the board
of directors of 22 organizations, and accepted professorships at six
universities and training centers. For his dedicated service, Dr. Karl
was recognized as the recipient of many major awards before his death
on July 18, 1990, including the Medal of Freedom, the United States’
highest civilian honor, from President Jimmy Carter.
(obituary, Topeka Capital-Journal, 7-19-1990; Menninger Clinic website:
www.menningerclinic.com/about/early-history.htm)
See Also: Historical Records, The Menninger
Clinic, MF Corporate Archives
Menninger, Charles F.
Menninger, Florence
Menninger, William C.
Clipping Scrapbooks, Records of the Museum and
Archives, Central Administration, MF Corporate Archives
General Records, Central Administration, MF Corporate Archives
Records of the President, Central Administration, MF Corporate Archives
Southard, Elmer Ernest, Historical Psychiatry Collections
Winslow, Walker, Historic Psychiatry Collections
The Karl Menninger papers are split into two parts, which overlap both
in chronological and subject scope. For this reason both portions of
records should be consulted; their contents are not mutually exclusive.
Material in the first part dates generally 1900-1970; material in the
second part from 1920s-1990s, with the majority dating 1960s-1980s
1. Papers processed by the Menninger Archives
Series include Manuscripts, Interests, Personal Papers, and Professional
Papers; subseries include Great People and Tribute and Signature Letters.
102-01-03-09 thru 102-03-03-05
See Menninger Archives finding aid “KAM Collections” for
list of contents by box. “KAM Collections” also includes
a list of Karl Menninger’s publications through 1969. 104-03-02-04
2. Miscellaneous Records
The second part of the Karl Menninger papers consist of several groups
of records deposited at various times in the Menninger Archives.
Series include Personal Papers (subseries KAM Library and Menninger
Family), Correspondence, Professional Papers – Menninger Foundation,
Professional Papers – Non-Menninger Foundation, Trips and Public
Appearances, Speeches, Manuscripts, and Subjects. Various locationsSEE
APPENDIX“Menninger, Karl”
Some material in this portion of the Karl Menninger papers roughly correspond
to folder lists in a Menninger Archives finding aid “Carney Index”.
Where this index might be most helpful, a note see carney index is included.
The Carney index is intended to provide an outline of the contents of
the corresponding Karl Menninger papers; the arrangement of the material
may not reflect that of the finding aid. 118-01-01-01 thru118-01-04-20
Consult Carney Index where directed for box contents list. 104-03-02-04
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Philip Menninger [PM]
Philip Menninger [PM]
Philip Bratton Menninger was born in 1928 to Dr. William C. and Catherine Menninger. In 1959 he married Georgia Wilma Haid. He received his degrees in business administration and, like his brothers, applied his talents to the work of the Foundation. He was a Menninger trustee for 40 years and on the administrative staff in various capacities, such as director of development services and director of employee wellness.
(Friedman, clippings, family information)
See Also: Menninger, Karl A.
Menninger, Florence Vesta
1. Papers processed by Menninger Archives
Miscellaneous records, including correspondence 1957-1966. 102-06-01-14
thru 102-06-02-03
See Menninger Archives Finding Aid “Menninger, Philip”
in “Menninger Family Archives Lists” for contents list by
box. 104-03-02-04
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Roy W. Menninger [RWM]
Roy Wright Menninger was born in Topeka, Kansas, in 1926, the oldest
son of Catharine and William C. Menninger. Following in the footsteps
of his father, uncle Karl, and grandfather C.F., he too became a psychiatrist,
graduating from Cornell Medical School and completing his residency
at Boston Psychopathic Hospital. After completing his formal education,
Dr. Roy returned to Topeka and practiced clinical psychiatry at the
Menninger Foundation. He began his administrative role in the Foundation
as cochairman of the Division of School Mental Health, and served in
various administrative capacities until he was appointed President in
1967, succeeding his father, William, in the post after his death in
1966. Under Dr. Roy’s leadership, the Foundation expanded their
approach to psychiatry, shifting emphasis from psychoanalytic theory
to group therapies and community psychiatric services. Dr. Roy lead
the organization until his retirement in 1993, but continued to be active
in Foundation operations as a member of the Board of Directors. He also
promoted human rights, practiced clinical work part-time, and served
as a visiting professor. Dr. Roy also co-edited the book, American Psychiatry
After World War II, published in 2000.
(Friedman, Winslow, and Menninger Clinic website: www.menningerclinic.com/about/roy-bio.htm)
See Also: Administrative Records, Central
Administration, Menninger Foundation
Corporate Archives.
Menninger, William C.
Menninger, Catharine W.
1. Miscellaneous Records
Series include Personal Papers, Professional Papers, and Subjects.
Subseries within the Professional Papers include Trustee Relations,
Administration, Organizations and Conferences, Correspondence, and Travel.
Material dates from 1960s-1980s. Various locations. See
Appendix “Menninger, Roy”
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William C. Menninger [WCM]
William Claire Menninger was born on October 15, 1899, at Topeka, Kansas,
to Dr. C.F. Menninger and Flo Knisely Menninger. William graduated from
Washburn University in 1919 and entered the Cornell University College
of Medicine, graduating in 1924. He married Catherine Wright on Dec.
11, 1925. After completing a two-year internship at Bellvue Hospital,
he studied psychiatry at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington,
D.C. in 1927.
That same year, Dr. Will returned to Topeka and joined his father and
older brother, Karl, in their medical practice, which by that time had
already begun to specialize in psychiatry. With his contributions, the
Menninger Clinic evolved into the Menninger Sanitarium, and eventually
into the Menninger Foundation, a non-profit organization which provided
not only clinical services to in- and out-patients, but also engaged
in research, education, and social outreach. However, Dr. Will did leave
the service of the Menninger Foundation on the outset of the Second
World War; in the office of the Surgeon General of the United States
Army, he was the Director of the Psychiatry Consultants Division.
Dr. Will’s three sons, Roy, Philip, and Walter, all continued
in service to the family legacy: Roy and Walter became staff psychiatrists,
while Philip served as an administrator. Dr. Will served as the President
of the Foundation, traveling extensively as the organization’s
primary fundraiser throughout the 1950s and 1960s, until his death on
September 6, 1966.
The Will Menninger papers are split into two parts, which overlap both
in chronological and subject scope. For this reason both portions of
records should be consulted; their contents are not mutually exclusive.
Material from both parts date generally 1900-1960s, with most material
dating 1940s-1960s.
See Also: Historical Records, The Menninger
Clinic, MF Corporate Archives
Menninger, Catharine W.
Menninger, Charles F.
Menninger, Karl A.
Menninger, Roy W.
Records of the Development Services Office, Central Administration,
MF Corporate Archives
Clipping Scrapbooks, Records of the Museum & Archives, Central
Administration, Menninger Foundation Corporate Archives
Ridenour, Nina, Historical Psychiatry Collections
1. Papers processed by Menninger Archives
Series include Interests, Personal Papers, Professional Papers, and
Manuscripts. 102-6-03-01 through 102-7-02-01
See Menninger Archives Finding Aid “Menninger, Will” in
“Menninger Family Archives Lists” for contents list by box.The
finding aid also includes a list of publications by Will Menninger,
1923-1964. 104-03-02-04
2. Miscellaneous Records
The second part of the William Menninger papers consist of several
groups of records deposited at various times in the Menninger Archives.
Series include Personal Papers, Correspondence, Professional Papers,
Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry (GAP), Other Organizations,
and Speeches and Manuscripts. various locationsSEE APPENDIX“Menninger,
William”
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William Walter Menninger [WWM]
W. Walter Menninger was born on October 23, 1931 in Topeka, Kansas,
to Dr. William C. Menninger and Catherine Menninger. On June 15, 1953
he married Constance (Connie) Arnold Libbey in Palo Alto, California.
Continuing in the family tradition, Walter received postgraduate medical
training at the Menninger School of Psychiatry, including assignments
at Topeka State Hospital and C.F. Menninger Memorial Hospital and residency
at the Topeka Institute for Psychoanalysis. He later joined the Menninger
Clinic staff. By the late 1970s, Walter had devoted several years to
directing and supervising the residency program at Topeka State Hospital,
and in 1984 was promoted first to Director of Education, then to Chief
of Staff.
See Also: Menninger, Catharine W.
Menninger, William C.
1. Papers processed by Menninger Archives
Miscellaneous material, including biographical information, manuscripts
dated from the late 1960s through the1970s, and printed material on
violence and child development. 102-06-02-[05-09]
See Menninger Archives Finding Aid “Menninger, W.W” in “Menninger
Family Archives Lists” for contents list by box. 104-03-02-04
2. Miscellaneous Records
Material regarding the American Psychiatric Association.Correspondence,
1970s. 102-06-02-10
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