Harold Roe Bartle (1901-1974) Papers (KC154)

H. Roe Bartle was born in Richmond, Virginia and received his preparatory education at Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia. He later received an LL.B. from the University of Chattanooga in 1920 and a J.D. from the Hamilton College of Law in Chicago. He was admitted to the bar in Kentucky in 1920 and entered the firm of Russell and Taylor in Lebanon, Kentucky. In 1921 he entered the Missouri bar but did not practice law in Missouri because in 1923 he became a professional scout serving as Boy Scout executive in three councils. From 1923-1925 he served in Casper, Wyoming; from 1925-1928 in St. Joseph, Missouri; and from 1928 to 1955 in Kansas City, Missouri.

While a Scout executive, Bartle served as a public speaker, financial counselor and in public relations. His single greatest source of income was public speaking. Bartle was active in the Presbyterian Church and served as president of the Board of Trustees and later as president of the Missouri Valley College, a Presbyterian College in Marshall, Missouri. He founded the American Humanics Foundation, a philanthropic and educational foundation providing specialized education for young people desiring to enter youth agency leadership as a professional field. He served as an administrator for the Foundation until 1957 and then continued as a member of the Board and the Executive Committee until his death.

In 1955, Bartle ran for Mayor of Kansas City on the Citizens Association ticket. He had no previous political experience but ran a successful campaign. He continued in that office until 1963.

This collection contains biographical material, correspondence files, news clippings, awards and tributes to Bartle, and photographs. Material in the collection refers to Bartle's career as a Scout executive, civic leader, public speaker, mayor, church leader, and educator. 1937-1974

13 cubic feet

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