Papers of Ruth J. Wattles

Ruth Jocelyn Wattles (1888-1985) was a native of Colorado who became the first official historian of Colorado State University. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Colorado and completed a Master of Arts degree at the University of California. In 1918, she moved to Fort Collins and as an instructor in the English department at Colorado State University. From 1919 through 1930, she served as an assistant professor of English and led the school's drama club. Her drama students toured the state and performed for many small towns throughout the 1920s. Wattles also supported local theater and worked diligently to provide scripts to high schools and 4-H clubs throughout Colorado.

From 1930 through 1950, Wattles was an associate professor of English. In 1943, the State Board of Agriculture appointed her to write an official history of Colorado State University for its 75th Anniversary celebration. She was relieved of teaching duties from 1943 through 1946. Wattles diligently researched and corresponded with alumni to construct the school's history. This work resulted in the unpublished manuscript "Mile High College."

In 1950, Wattles is listed as a professor; she retired three years later. She continued to serve Colorado State University until 1958. Her forty years of service to the school and community of Fort Collins are still evident. In 1964, a plaque in her honor was placed in the University Theater at Johnson Hall and Dr. Thomas H. Napicienski announced the R. J. Wattles Fellowship, established by the CSU drama board. Wattles attended the event and was photographed with the plaque.