Mr. and Mrs. Earle Shaw collection

Collection

Identifier: COU:1453

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Earle L. Shaw collection consists of one box containing six photo album/scrapbooks and one envelope filled with personal papers. The albums are in chronological order, starting with Mr. Shaw’s early years and working towards his later years of travel and life in Denver.

Book 1 contents: Photographs of Mr. Shaw’s family; including a great grandmother, grandparents, great uncles and aunts, and many photos of his mother. Included is a handwritten tribute to his mother and a brief history of her life by Mr. Shaw. Other items in the book include; letter pertaining to Mrs. Shaw’s employment, membership cards of her involvement in political organizations, and travel photos. The remainder of the papers and cards concerning Mrs. Shaw’s death.

Book 2 contents: A hand written autobiography of Mr. Shaw’s life. Photographs include shots around Colorado, of Mr. Shaw’s early years, school years, war years, and with his mother, Mrs. Stella Shaw. Also included are miscellaneous newspaper clippings, letter of correspondence, brochures and certificates.

Book 3 contents: Mr. Shaw’s employment and related papers, including letters of recommendation. Miscellaneous papers contain letters of appreciation from items Mr. Shaw donated to various organizations.

Book 4 contents: The scrapbook contains mementos from the many clubs and organizations Mr. Shaw belonged to; The Pioneer Men and Women of Colorado, Masonic Temple, Episcopal Men of Colorado, and Boy Scouts.

Book 5 contents: Includes hand written accounts of Mr. Shaw’s recreational endeavors as well as typed reading Mr. Shaw recited for pleasure. This album also includes many photos, cards, and newspaper clippings.

Book 6 contents: This album is dedicated to the many travel adventures Mr. Shaw from his college days to his retirement days. The many photos included in this book are early ski shots around the Boulder area and the travel in the western U.S. and Canada.

Envelope contents: Personal letters from Mr. Shaw’s Grandmother, Mother, and Father. Included are legal papers from his Mother’s death.

Dates

1893 - 1980

Biographical Note

Earle Lionel Shaw, a University of Colorado at Boulder graduate and Denver lawyer, was of pioneer stock, born in Orient, Colorado July 1893. Born in a log cabin at the tiny iron camp of Orient in the hills of Saguache County, his family soon moved to Victor where he spent his early childhood. Economic circumstances forced Mr. Shaw's father to move back east so he and his mother lived with family in the booming mining town of Victor until labor wars compelled them to move to the calmer atmopshere of Denver. In Denver he was employed at the Nevins Candy Company and later at the Denver Post. Mr. Shaw attended Manual Training High School graduating in 1913. Earle Shaw enrolled the following fall at the University of colorado in Boulder. He was active in several organizations including: the Drama Club, the Boulder Civic Symphony, the Boulder City Band, and Friar Fraternity, and was a leader for the Rocky Mountain Climbers Club. He enrolled in Law School here at CU in 1916. World War I ended his studies for two years. In 1917 he served in France with Company E, 109th Supply Train, 34th Division. Mr. Shaw aws honorably discharged after serving two years on July 2, 1919. In later years he was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Leigon. After serving in the war Mr. Shaw re-entered Law School at CU where he graduated in June 1921 with a Bachelors of Law. Mr. Shaw went to work as a lawyer in the Legal Divisions of the United States Department of Agriculture and Veterans Administration after passing the Colorado Bar. He worked with this organization until his retirement in 1956. In 1968 Mr.Shaw writes that he recieved his Doctorate of Jurisprudence from CU. After years of study he earned his BA in 1969, graduating in cap and gown with the sernior class in Boulder. In 1971, he was awarded an Honorary Life Membership to the University of Colorado at his 50th year reunion. Upon Mr. shaw's retirement a new phase of his life would begin. In 1960 (possibly 1959), he was married for the first time to Cecile F. Shaw (no information on her maiden name). The Shaws traveled extensively for several years after their marriage, traveling to more than 22 foreign countries and through the United States. The Shaws were members of the Sherwood Folk and Square Dance Club, traveling in the western states for competitions and entertainment. Mr. Shaw was, in his later years, a member of many organizations including: The City Club of Denver, Pioneer Men and Women of Colorado, Mikanakawa Club-Business men in association with the Boy Scouts, and the Episcopal Men of Colorado. The Mr. Shaw donated his collection of letters, photos, mementos, and papers to the University of Colorado - Archives in 1980. It is not known when Mr. Shaw passed away - there are no further listings of he or his wife in the Denver telephone book after 1984.

Extent

1.5 linear feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Earl Lionel Shaw Collection, 1893-1980, contains family and personal records relating to his life in Colorado. Included in the papers is a handwritten autobiography, family photos, personal papers, correspondence letters, newspaper clippings, and miscellaneous items reflecting Mr. Shaw's early days growing up in Oreint and Victor, Colorado. In addition to these, mementos of his high school days in Denver, his college days in Boulder at the University of Colorado, and his life as a lawyer, married man, and traveler are included.