Collections

Papers include family genealogical materials, Tuma's biographical materials, awards and certificates, photographs, DVDs and a cassette tape of anniversary and reunion celebrations, large framed photographs, and other materials documenting the Embers Restaurants in Mount Pleasant and Traverse City, Michigan..

The Clarence Tuma Papers consist of the Tuma family genealogy, newspaper clippings, magazine articles, speeches, recipes, menus, bank statements and awards and certificates. The topically grouped material is arranged alphabetically. Newspaper clippings,1960 – 2007, include information on Tuma’s World War II Service, The Embers, and the Rashid Family. Photographs consist of Tuma’s service in World War II, family, The Embers, and Rashid Family Reunions. A special note is to be given to three photographs in the collection of a funeral of an unidentified individual. Also included are awards and certificates, 1964-2007, and plaques comprising of the Trustee Appreciation Award, the Salut Au Restaurateur Award, and the Alumni Recognition Award. Oversize Folder 1 contains oversized documents such as bank statements and certificates. Oversize Folder 2 contains family photos. Oversize Folder 3 contains a photograph of the Embers Restaurant in Traverse City, Michigan. Oversize Folder 4 contains photos of the Rashid Club of America.

Electronic sources include DVDs of Clarence Tuma’s 80th Birthday, the 75th Reunion of the Rashid Club of America and the Lion’s Club Farewell to the Embers. A cassette tape is also included, which is titled “Congratulations Clarence and Janet Tuma.” A later addition includes a thank you note from Rosalynn Carter, 2015.

Papers include biographical information, personal correspondence, photographs, clippings, writings about Japan and some in Japanese, and World War II memorabilia. One notebook is written in German, 1884, with later cake recipes written in English in the back.

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.