Edgar B. Brossard addendum, 1889-1980

Overview of the Collection

Title
Edgar B. Brossard addendum
Dates
1889-1980 (inclusive)
Quantity
7 boxes, (3 linear ft.)
Collection Number
UUS_COLL MSS 220
Summary
The Edgar B. Brossard addendum collection contains personal items relating to the civic, religious, and business aspects of Dr. Brossard's work and that of his wife, Laura Cowley Brossard, as he traveled throughout the world fulfilling his duties both as a member and chairman of the United States Tariff Commission and as a tireless leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This collection offers a wonderful insight into a man who was influential in both civic and religious matters in Utah and in Washington, D.C. from 1924 to his death in 1980. The collection contains letters, photographs, post cards and newspapers about Dr. Brossard's personal interests, especially in his church service. Many of Laura Brossard's letters, articles, and personal letters are also included.
Repository
Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections and Archives Division
Special Collections & Archives
Merrill-Cazier Library
Utah State University
Logan, UT
84322-3000
Telephone: 4357978248
Fax: 4357972880
scweb@usu.edu
Access Restrictions

Open to public research.

Languages
English.
Sponsor
Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant, 2007-2008

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

Edgar B. Brossard was born on April 1, 1889 in Oxford, Idaho to Amable Alphonse and Mary Catherine Hobson Brossard. He was the eighth of twelve children. In 1889 Brossard's mother passed away, and two years later, his father remarried and moved the family to Logan, Utah. Brossard attended the prep school for the Utah Agricultural College (now Utah State University). He graduated in 1911 from USU in economics, having lettered in four sports as well.

In late 1911, Brossard accepted a call to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Swiss-German mission. He was assigned to France and later became president at age twenty-three of the newly organized mission in Paris, France.

He was released in 1914 and returned to Logan where, under the direction of the Department of Agriculture and the UAC, he led a farm management program designed to teach farmers how to better manage their finances. In 1915 he married Laura Parkinson Cowley. Brossard eventually continued his education at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, where he earned an MA in 1917 and a PhD in 1920. Laura also continued her education, earning an MA degree from the University of Chicago.

In 1923 Brossard was appointed to the staff of the U.S. Tariff Commission to help research the effects of tariffs on U.S. agriculture. In 1925 President Coolidge nominated him to fill a vacancy on the commission. Democrats vigorously opposed his appointment because of his protectionist leanings, and he was not confirmed until 1927. Brossard continued serving on this board until his retirement in 1959. During that time, he traveled abroad many times for tariff and trade conferences, both with foreign governments and with the United Nations. He also became a personal acquaintance of five U.S. presidents and was chairman of the commission for seven years. Also during his time in Washington, he held many positions in the LDS Church and oversaw the construction of the now-famous LDS Chapel in Washington, D.C. During these years, Mrs. Brossard worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Home Economics and held many church positions.

Edgar Brossard retired in 1959 and government, civic, religious, and international leaders, including President Dwight D. Eisenhower, paid many tributes to him. Brossard planned to retire to Utah, but he was asked to serve as a mission pPresident in the New England Mission of the LDS Church. In one year, he oversaw substantial growth both in members and in church organization, and he also participated in the construction of a monument in Sharon, Vermont to honor Joseph Smith, founder of the LDS Church. In 1959 Brossard was suddenly transferred to Paris to "clean up" the Paris, France mssion. Nine missionaries were excommunicated and various church members were disciplined for teaching doctrine that was not in harmony with the church's official canon before the situation calmed. Brossard remained mission president in Paris until 1961. His administration in France yielded impressive growth in membership, and those he served commended his leadership.

In 1961 Brossard and his wife retired to Salt Lake City, Utah, where they continued to be active in many clubs and organizations in addition to many Church functions. He served on the Sunday School General Board for the LDS Church, as a bishop, and as a worker in the Salt Lake Temple. Laura Brossard passed away on March 6, 1976. She was 83. Edgar Brossard died four years later on August 23, 1980. He was 91. Both are buried in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.

Sources:

Knowles, Eleanor, "Biography of Edgar B. Brossard: Government, Church & Civic Leader," 1974 (SC call # 920 B793-K)

Mehr, Kahlile, "The Trial of the French Mission," Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought, Vol. 21, No. 3, Autumn 1988 (SC call # 289.305 D541, 1988)

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The Edgar B. Brossard addendum collection contains personal items relating to the civic, religious, and business aspects of Dr. Brossard's work and that of his wife, Laura Cowley Brossard, as he traveled throughout the world fulfilling his duties both as a member and chairman of the United States Tariff Commission, and as a tireless leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This collection offers a wonderful insight into a man who was influential in both civic and religious matters in Utah and in Washington, D.C. from 1924 to his death in 1980. The collection contains letters, photographs, post cards and newspapers about Dr. Brossard's personal interests, especially in his church service. Many of Laura Brossard's letters, articles, and personal letters are also included.

Addendum to the Edgar B. Brossard papers (COLL MSS 4).

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances. Permission to publish material from the Edgar B. Brossard addendum must be obtained from the Special Collections and Archives manuscript curator and/or the Special Collections and Archives department head.

Preferred Citation

Edgar B. Brossard addendum, 1889-1980. (COLL MSS 220). Utah State University. Special Collections and Archives Department.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Arrangement

Arranged in numeric sequence according to Box and Folder.

Acquisition Information

Donation

Related Materials

Edgar B. Brossard collection COLL MSS 4

Edgar B. Brossard photograph collection P0111

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Washington D.C., church and government activities, undatedReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box Folder
1 1
Luggage stickers from Europe
1927
1 2
Passenger list
1927
1 3
Guide book for Rock Creek Church Yard, Washington, D.C.
1933
1 4
Caricature of E.B.B. from Washington Post
1934
1 5
Letters and a telegram to Mrs. Cowley, mother-in-law of EBB
undated
1 6
The Instructor magazine, October
1937
1 7
The Utah Stater, V. III, n. 3
February, 1940
1 8
Missionary pamphlet from LDS Washington Stake
1942
1 9
The Millennial Star
September 3, 1942
1 10
Book of Thank-yous from Brossard church congregation
1942
1 11
LDS Church News
September 2, 1944
1 12
Testimonies of six men regarding LDS Church
undated
1 13
Copy of USU Student Life, April 16, 1915; Utah State Alumnus
December 1950
1 14
Times-Herald article (photocopy) regarding LDS chapel in D.C.
1952
1 15
Funeral program for Virginia Driggs
undated
1 16
Letter from Harris & Ewing Photographers
1953
1 17
Nov. 1956 issue of The Instructor
undated
1 18
Christmas card from Dwight D. Eisenhower
undated
1 19
Church program for EBB as he left to preside in New England
1959
1 20
Biography of EBB
1949
1 21
Guest book for EBB from reception
1961
1 22
Programs for dedicatory services of LDS chapel in Washington D.C.
undated
1 23
Postcards
undated
1 24
Master Calendar
undated
1 25
Business and place cards
undated
1 26
United Nations Pin
1947
1 27
Postcards from England
undated
1 28
Newspaper articles about EBB
undated
1 29
Postcards from New York
undated
1 30
Envelopes from US Tariff Commission office
undated
1 31
Letter from EBB concerning Washington D.C. LDS chapel
undated
1 32
Church program
1973
1 33
Church programs, 1975; history of LDS Church in D.C.
undated
1 34
Newspaper articles on LDS Church and personal history
undated
1 35
Church Program
1975
1 36
Checks and receipts from donations to LDS Church
undated
1 37
Checks and receipts from donations to USU and BYU
undated

Laura Parkinson Cowley Brossard, undatedReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box Folder
2 1
Family History of Laura Brossard (LCB)
undated
2 2
Copies of LCB's patriarchal blessing
1912
2 3
Calendar for Western Cultus Club
undated
2 4
Letter to LCB from her brother, LDS Apostle Matthew Cowley
undated
2 5
Women's Relief Society directory for D.C., ca. 1937; certificate from Red Cross
undated
2 6
Letters from Relief Society and RS magazine
undated
2 7
Text of address by Amy Lyman
1945
2 8
Personal letters from Grace Colton
1934
2 9
Personal letters from Leah Widtsoe
1945
2 10
Church Newsletters with article of LCB
undated
2 11
Guest lists
1966
2 12
Mission call, identity cards, and certificate
1949
2 13
Blessing given to LCB by LDS President David O. McKay
1959
2 14
Mission identity card for LCB
1959
2 15
Blessing given to LCB by Henry D. Moyle
1959
2 16
Poem by Elouise Bell
1961
2 17
Articles and letters for and about The Instructor
undated
2 18
Education and work résumé
undated
2 19
Menu for Wisteria Garden restaurant
undated
2 20
Articles and materials relating to Bureau of Home Economics
undated
2 21
Efficiency exam results
1927
2 22
Piano recital program from A.C. School of Music
undated
2 23
Papers, letters, and miscellaneous relating to LCB's education
undated
2 24
Letters relating to Bureau of Home Economics
undated
2 25
Notarized letter regarding thesis
undated
2 26
Convocation program, University of Chicago
undated
2 27
Transcripts from University of Minnesota and Stayer College
undated
2 28
Various Articles
undated
2 29
Photocopied pictures of LCB
undated
2 30
Personal letters
1927
2 31
Letters and miscellaneous items
undated
2 32
Thank-you cards
undated
2 33
Poems and music
undated
2 34
Personal correspondence, EBB to LCB
undated

New England Mission, undatedReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box Folder
3 1
Newspaper article on EBB's call to be mission president
undated
3 2
Relief Society Bulletins
undated
3 3
Programs for Relief Society Conference of New England
1959
3 4
Address given at conference
undated
3 5
Scrapbook of New England Mission
undated
3 6
Scrapbook of New England Mission
undated
3 7
Program for dedication of Joseph Smith Memorial in Vermont
undated

French Mission, undatedReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box Folder
4 1
Articles for Relief Society in French and English
1960
4 2
Relief Society manuals, one French, one English
1961
4 3
Book of Quotations
undated
4 4
French instruction manual for Relief Society
1959
4 5
Relief Society directory for France
1961
4 6
Silhouette of LCB
undated
4 7
Newspaper article on French Mission
undated
4 8
Newspapers articles on French mission
1961
4 9
Personal story about EBB
undated
4 10
Personal letters
1961
4 11
Postcards from Paris
undated
4 12
Business cards of EBB
undated
4 13
Articles from Alvin Dyer
undated
4 14
Letters from LDS Church Historical Department about donations
undated
4 15
Deseret News article about EBB
1931
4 16
LDS Church directory for France
undated
4 17
News articles on French Mission
undated
4 18
Mission Diary of Brossards'
undated
4 19
Missionary Handbook, 1961; in French and English
undated
4 20
Booklet on Apostasy and Restoration
undated
4 21
Relief Society Remembrance Book from France
undated
4 22
Photo Album of French Relief Society
1961

Retirement, undatedReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box Folder
5 1
Card for Gustave Brossard's 50th wedding anniversary
undated
5 2
Article and Christmas card relating to Gustave Brossard
undated
5 3
Letters regarding first Brossard Collection (Coll Mss 4) and Student Loan program
undated
5 4
Articles and items regarding donations to University of Utah and Republican party
undated
5 5
Program for and article on death of Walter Moyle
undated
5 6
Copy of article on Washington D.C. Temple
undated
5 7
Items regarding EBB works with Sons of Utah Pioneers
undated
5 8
Booklets about Old Main Society
undated
5 9
Invitation to USU Christmas Reception
1975
5 10
Letters and directory on Cannon-Hinckley Church History Club
undated
5 11
Copies of LDS Church News and USU Statesman
undated
5 12
Copy of Article from USU Statesman
undated
5 13
Personal address book
undated
5 14
Booklet: A Thought For Today"
undated
5 15
Collection of quotes, poetry, and inspirational stories
undated
5 16
Register of George Dollinger Pyper collection from University of Utah
undated
5 17
Brochure from first Festival of American West
undated
6 1
Names and addresses to whom book on Brossard family was sent
undated
6 2
Expanded and revised list of above
undated
6 3
Thank-you notes received regarding book
undated
6 4
Thank-you notes continued
undated
6 5
Thank-you notes continued
undated

Edgar and Laura Brossard's Families, undatedReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box Folder
7 1
1892 telegram to Joel Ricks
undated
7 2
Obituary for Franklin Parkinson
1943
7 3
LDS Articles of Faith card (in Finnish)
undated
7 4
Obituary for Eulalie Brossard
undated
7 5
Obituary for Octabe and Henriette Brossard
undated
7 6
Obituary for Marie Alice Audette
undated
7 7
Card and wedding announcement
undated
7 8
Cards memorializing Madame Octave Brossard
undated
7 9
Cards memorializing Achille Brossard
undated
7 10
Cards memorializing Thomas Maquin and Marguerite Brossard
undated
7 11
Obituary for Achille Brossard
undated
7 12
Booklet on pioneer trails
1948
7 13
Reprint of first issue of Deseret News
undated
7 14
Family papers from Brossard family, naturalization and baptismal certificates
undated

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Mormon Church--Missions--France--Paris.
  • Mormon Church--Missions--New England.
  • Mormon Church--Utah.
  • Mormon Church--Washington (D.C.)
  • Mormon missionaries.