Archives West Finding Aid
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Edgar B. Brossard addendum, 1889-1980
Overview of the Collection
- Title
- Edgar B. Brossard addendum
- Dates
- 1889-1980 (inclusive)18891980
- 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.