The Robert Knott Papers consist of biographical information, high school related records, personal correspondence, photographs, newspaper clippings, individual writings and World War II memorabilia. The topically grouped material is arranged alphabetically. Photographs include the Knott family, the Knott family farm, and Robert Knott’s military service. Personal writings cover Knott’s childhood, teaching in Japan and working on the family farm. Correspondence includes letters and postcards to Robert Knott from family and acquaintances. This collection contains a World War II Victory Pack. This collection also includes Robert Knott’s dog tags, World War II pins, and a World War II honor medal. A special note is given to a notebook dated 1884 written in German, which contains notes and comments on books, the 23 Psalm, poems, authors, and English recipes. One oversize folder contains a large picture of Robert Knott, materials related to Carson City High School, and baggage paperwork from his travels to Japan by ship.
Processing Note: Several hundred slides of Japan in the collection were transferred to the University of Michigan’s Center for Japanese Studies. Eight LP records and a laminated butterfly display were transferred to Central Michigan University’s Museum.
Biography:
Robert B. Knott was born in Carson City, Michigan, on August 13, 1919. He was the son of Marley and Mary Knott. He attended Carson City High School and graduated in 1937. He received a bachelor’s degree and a teaching certificate from Central Michigan College, later University, in 1941. Knott enlisted in the army on August 18, 1942 and after basic training was assigned to the WWII project of deciphering the Japanese Code. At the University of Michigan he was taught to read, speak and write the Japanese language. After his discharge from the military, he taught in the American Dependent Schools in Japan from 1950 until 1956. After his father suffered a stroke, Robert was required to return home to manage the family farm. Following his father’s death, Knott returned to Japan. At the end of his Japanese tenure he returned home and taught in Carson City, Fulton Township, and Stanton Michigan. Robert Knott was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in his late fifties and passed away on December 27, 1994. (This information is from the collection.)
