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Kleinheksel, J. Harvey (1900-1965). Papers, 1919-1973.

 Collection
Identifier: H88-0086

Scope and Contents

The collection includes articles, biographical information, Kleinheksel's signed copy of the book Handbook of Chemistry and Physics (1919), and photographs. The subjects of the articles include science and religion, chemistry, and the role of research in college instruction.

Dates

  • Creation: 1919 - 1973

Creator

Biography

John H. Kleinheksel was born in Holland, Michigan, on September 1, 1900, to Bert and Minnie (Koops) Kleinheksel. He attended elementary school in Fillmore Township, Michigan, from 1905-1914. In 1914, he entered Hope Preparatory School and graduated from there in 1918. That fall, he enrolled at Hope College for a four-year degree. There he earned an A.B. in 1922. He was also granted two degrees from the University of Illinois (M.S., 1925; Ph.D., 1927).

Kleinheksel began his professional career at Hope College as a professor of chemistry and zoology in 1928 when there was only one other department colleague, his former teacher Dr. Gerrit Van Zyl. Together they were known as Big Doc (Kleinheksel) and Little Doc (Van Zyl). To earn extra money during the early years of teaching, he worked as an embalmer at his wife’s (Ethyl Dykstra) family funeral business, Dykstra Funeral Home. Besides teaching (instructor, assistant professor, associate professor 1944-1948, professor 1948-1965), he also served as co-sponsor of the Chemistry Club and faculty advisor for the Blue Key fraternity for fourteen years. While advising the latter organization, the college’s first second-hand bookstore was opened. In 1965, he retired after 37 years of service, but continued teaching freshman honors chemistry, quantative analysis and history of chemistry at Hope College until his death on December 21, 1965, in Dallas, Texas.

Extent

0.25 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Hope Preparatory School class of 1918 and Hope College class of 1922; Hope College professor of chemistry (1928-1965). The collection includes articles, biographical information, Kleinheksel's signed copy of the book Handbook of Chemistry and Physics (1919), and photographs. The subjects of the articles include science and religion, chemistry, and the role of research in college instruction.

Provenance

J. Harvey Kleinheksel

Photographs

6 images

Source

Status
Completed
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Hope College Archives and Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Van Wylen Library
53 Graves Place
Holland Michigan 49423 United States
616-395-7798