Author discusses couple legacy in Kansas

  Tuesday, October 7, 2014 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

The Leonard H. Axe Library at Pittsburg State University will host a discussion with author Kenneth Crockett at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9, in Room 115 of the library. Crockett will speak about his new book, “Kenneth and Helen Spencer of Kansas: Champions of Culture and Commerce in the Sunflower State.” Crockett’s visit is part of the annual Gene DeGruson Memorial Lecture Series.

Kenneth Spencer grew up in Pittsburg. By the 1950s, his innovations in the chemical and coal industries had earned him mention in Forbes magazine as one of the nation's great industrialists. Spencer, with his wife, Helen, also created a remarkable philanthropic and cultural legacy through such places as the Kenneth Spencer Research Library and the Helen Foresman Spencer Museum of Art. 

Ken Crockett was born in Pittsburg but raised in Walker, Mo., where his father was employed by the Pittsburg & Midway Coal Company. He earned his law degree from Washburn University and practiced law for many years. His first book was titled “Missouri Coal Miners Strike” and was an account of Spencer's seven-year conflict with the United Mine Workers of America and union president John L. Lewis. 

Axe Library is located at 1605 S. Joplin Street on the PSU campus. A reception and book signing will immediately follow the presentation.