The Homann papers consist primarily of correspondence and documents relating to his career as a professional Scouter, plus letters and memorabilia pertinent to his family life. These papers are divided
into three series: Personal Files, Professional Files and Scrapbooks. Those interested in the history of scouting and education as well as social and cultural history of the mid-twentieth century will find the Professional series particularly useful. Homann's belief that scouting served to build character and prepare youth for a future as citizens and leaders is reflected in his speeches, scripts, and articles.
PERSONAL FILES contain information on Harold J., his wife Faye, and their son Harold W. A few papers, primarily letters, involve Homann's parents and grandmothers and Faye's siblings. Financial, real estate, and medical data, educational records, obituaries, the log of Homann's boat, and other papers are included. Mementos from college and courtship, and various other items will be found in Family Miscellany. Correspondence to Faye after Harold's death (excepting condolence correspondence) is included in Faye Homann Correspondence.
Most of the PROFESSIONAL FILES deal specifically with Homann's scout executive work and his state fair projects. The first portion of the series, designated “Administrative Records,” consists of memoranda, notices, and bulletins. Articles by Homann and extensive files of speeches reflect his emphasis on scouting as a character builder. Materials which could not be readily identified as a speech or an article may be found under Miscellaneous Writings. Speech Materials by Others is a collection of speeches, articles, and quotes used by Homann in developing his own material. Soliloquys were year-end thoughts distributed to friends and members of the Blackhawk Area Council. Materials filed under Clippings primarily concern the Boy Scouts; however, the few clippings that might have been filed in the Personal Files are included here to avoid duplication. Materials such as programs, scripts, instructions, and correspondence related to the numerous jamborees and festivals in which Homann participated are filed by name of event and express Homann's optimism for the future of youth.
SCRAPBOOKS are on microfilm. They document the scouting movement in Milwaukee, in the Alton Area Council, and in the Rockford Area Council, and contain clippings and memorabilia. The books are arranged in a roughly chronological order.
