University of St. Thomas

Ignatius Aloysiuys (I. A.) O'Shaughnessy Papers

Biography: 

Ignatius Aloysius (I.A.) O'Shaughnessy was born in Stillwater, MN on July 31, 1885.  He entered St. John's University in Collegeville, MN in 1901, staying only one semester.  He then entered the College of St. Thomas in January 1902 where I.A. was a star football player and member of the Philomathic Debating Society.
 
After completing his studies at the college in 1907, I.A. joined his brother John in the insurance business.   I.A. was not particularly successful in this venture and soon turned his attention to the oil business as a wildcatter. In 1910, he struck oil with his first well located just outside of Blackwell, Oklahoma.

Continued success in the oil business prompted him to organize the Globe Oil and Refining Company in 1917.  By 1927, he had established the Lorio Oil and Gas Company and by 1934 he was known as the head of the largest oil refineries owned by an individual in the world.

O'Shaughnessy was well known for contributing his wealth to worthy organizations. On the College of St. Thomas campus, he contributed financing toward the construction of O'Shaughnessy Hall (1939), the O'Shaughnessy Stadium (1940), Albertus Magnus Hall (1947), the O'Shaughnessy Library (1959), and the O'Shaughnessy Educational Center (1968). In all, he donated nearly $5 million to the College of St. Thomas during his lifetime. 

O'Shaughnessy was also a major contributor to the University of Notre Dame and the College of St. Catherine.  He was instrumental financing in the Ecumenical Institute for Advanced Theological Study in Israel.

For his philanthropic efforts, I.A. was widely known as the largest single benefactor to Catholic education. He was the recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the College of St. Thomas (1943), the University of Notre Dame (1947), Loyola University (1959) and DePaul University (1964).  He received the Laetare Medal from the University of Notre Dame as the Outstanding Catholic Layman of the year in 1953.   He was named a Knight Commander Order of St. Gregory (the highest papal honor given to a layman who is not a head of state) by Pope Pius XII in 1958 and was designated a papal count by Pope Paul VI in 1967.

O'Shaughnessy married Lillian Smith on October 7, 1908 and had five children (Lawrence, John, Donald, Eileen and Marion). Lillian passed away on April 14, 1959.  He married Mrs. Blanche Finn on November 16, 1966.  I.A. O'Shaughnessy died on November 21, 1973 in Miami, FL.

Scope/Content:  This collection contains biographical information, papal orders, photographs, correspondence, memorabilia and information relating to O'Shaughnessy's philanthropic endeavors.

Processed:  In 1978 and an addition in 1980.  Reprocessed and updated in 2006.

 

INVENTORY:

Series I. Biographical Material

1/1 O'Shaughnessy family history, family coat of arms, miscellaneous biographical information

1/2 "Minnesota's Twelve Wealthiest: Who Are They?" Corporate Report, Nov. 1973

1/3 Estimates of the value of the O'Shaughnessy estate, 1957

1/4 Correspondence regarding O'Shaughnessy's final illness and death - primarily letters of condolence, Nov. 1973 - January 1974

1/5 Eulogies and testimonials, 1973

1/6 Eulogy in  Notre Dame Magazine,   February 1974, p.41

1/7 General correspondence file, 1930-71

1/8 Democratic Party, correspondence regarding meetings with Presidents Truman and Roosevelt possible ambassadorial appointment, January 1937, 1945-46

1/9 Archbishop John G. Murray, correspondence, 1937-40

1/10 Letters of condolence on the death of Mrs. Lillian O'Shaughnessy, May, 1959

1/11 Correspondence with and about Dr. James P. Shannon, 1969 and 1972

1/12 Correspondence regarding wills, 1958 and 1968

1/13 Miscellaneous Photographs (includes IAO, Mrs. Blanche O'Shaughnessy and Fr. Theodore Hesburgh)

Series II. Papal Honors

A. Papal Orders and Honors

1/14 Correspondence, letters of appointment and other documents related to papal orders and honors 1925-59

1/15 Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, 1946

4  Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith, Grant of perpetual membership to I.A.O. in the, March 1, 1954

4 Relic of St. Ignatius, Certificate, 1938

1/16 Relic of St. Pius X, document noting transfer, July 10, 1958

1/17 Appointment chit for I.A.O. and  Fr. Hesburgh's audience with Paul VI, August 28, 1964

OVER  Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, certificate naming Mrs. Lillian Gertrude O'Shaughnessy Dame and member of the society, April 1959

OVER  Master of the Knights Hospitaliers of St. John of Jerusalem, certificate acknowledging O'Shaughnessy's membership in the order, 1945

OVER  Pro Ecclessia et Pontifice, certificate of membership, 1958.

OVER  Papal blessing in honor of the O'Shaughnessy?s 47th wedding anniversary, 1955.

OVER  Certificate from Pope Pius XII in honor of the O'Shaughnessy's Golden Wedding Anniversary, October 7, 1958

OVER  Certificate from Pope Paul VI designating IAO a papal count, 1967.

B. Photographs

1/18 Photographs of Pope Paul VI, the O'Shaughnessy's, Father Theodore Hesburgh, and an unidentified priest, 1972.

1/19 Photographs of I. A. O'Shaughnessy in uniforms of various papal orders. Large dark red notebook of photographs

1/20 Photographs of I. A. O'Shaughnessy in uniforms of various papal orders. Small tan notebook of photographs

4  Autographed photo of Paul VI to I.A.O. with "Special Paternal Apostolic Blessing," May 6, 1967.

 
Series III. College of St. Thomas

A. O'Shaughnessy Library

1/21 & 1/22 Correspondence regarding  the dedication of the library, September - October 1959

4 Scrapbook of correspondence and clippings regarding dedication of the Library

1/23     Texts of addresses given upon dedication of the Library

1/24 Notebook of interior photographs of the Library

1/25 Green album of photographs

B. O'Shaughnessy Educational Center

1/26 Clippings and articles regarding the building & dedication of OEC, ca. September 1972

1/27 Book of photographs of OEC, September 1971

1/28 Commemorative notebook of photographs & floorplans

C. Other items

1/29 Photograph of O'Shaughnessy Hall

1/30 Album of post-World War II photographs of the College of St. Thomas campus

1/31 Album of photographs chronicling General Alfred Gruenther's visit to CST

Series IV. University of Notre Dame

A. O'Shaughnessy Hall of Liberal and Fine Arts

2/1 Article in Notre Dame Alumnus, v.28, #3, May-June, 1950, p.3

2/2 Compendium of news releases, 1952-53

2/3 Article in Notre Dame Scholastic, May 8 1953, p.22

2/4 Testimonials and letters accepting the invitation to the dedication, May 15 and 16, 1953

2/5 Letters of regret to the invitation to attend dedication, May 15 and 16, 1953

2/6 Dedication program

2/7 Dedication program of University Art Gallery (located in Hall)

2/8 Photographs of the dedication ceremonies

4  Scrapbook of items relating to the dedication of the Hall

2/9 Article in Notre Dame Scholastic, May 22, 1953, p.17

2/10 Article in Notre Dame Magazine, v.6, #3, Fall 1953, p.6

2/11 Article in Catholic Buildings and Maintenance, September/November 1954, p. 25-28

2/12 Notebook of artists' drawing

2/13 Notebook of photographs of the Hall

2/13b Remarks by IAO at the dedication of the Hall, 1953

B. Award of the 1953 Laetare Medal to I.A.O.

2/14 Congratulatory correspondence, March -  April, 1953

2/15 Article in Notre Dame Scholastic,   May 20, 1953, p.10

5 Laetare Medal - framed

C. Doctor of Laws Award to I.A.O., 1947

OVER  Doctor of Laws citation

4     Scrapbook of correspondence & clippings, primarily related to the award of Doctors of Laws, 1947-52

D. Other Items

6    Metal plate in small gray/blue case. An award to Trustees of the University, Nov. 1945

 
Series V. Globe Oil and Refining Company & the Oil Industry

A. Globe Oil and Refining Company (Oklahoma)

2/16 Album of photos of including fire damage to the Globe Oil Works, 1929

Map Case    Panoramic photograph of the Globe Oil Works

2/17 Photographs of the Globe Oil Works

B. Oil Industry

2/18 Article "Builders of the Industry" inPetroleum Age, March 1, 1923, p.35

2/19 International Petroleum Exposition "Grand Old Man" award to I.A.O., May 1971

5    International Petroleum Exposition Grand Old Man medal, 1971

2/20 "25 Year Club of the Petroleum Industry" letter and testimonial, January 21, 1974

 
Series VI. Ecumenical Institute for Advance Theological Studies, Tantur, Jerusalem

2/21 Clippings regarding establishment of the Institute by Paul VI, ca. September 1964

2/22 Correspondence regarding construction (1970) and dedication (1972) of the Institute

2/23 Clippings regarding dedication of the Institute

4        Album of photographs of "The Ecumenical Institute at Jerusalem, In Statu Nascendi, the University of Notre Dame, June 1, 1972

 
Series VII. Philmont Boy Scout Ranch, Arizona

OVER  Replica of plaque commemorating the O'Shaughnessy's donations to Philmont,  1973

4 Scrapbook of items relating to Philmont Boy Scout Ranch

 
Series IX. Minnesota Orchestra

OVER Scrapbook of photographs "In Grateful Appreciation  from the Symphony Ball Committee,"  May 16, 1970

2/24 Clippings and programs regarding various I.A.O. gifts to the Minnesota Orchestra, October 1970 and May 1971

Series X. St. Joseph's Hospital, St. Paul

6 Plaque presented to I.A.O. by St. Joseph Hospital Lay Advisory Board, 1971

4 Citation presented to I.A.O. for his support of St. Joseph's

 
Series XI. National Council of Catholic Men

4 Certificate to I.A.O., December 1952

2/25 Certificate to I.A.O., December 10, 1970

 
Series XII.  Minnesota Club Dinner, June 18, 1966

2/26 Clippings regarding the dinner, June 1966

2/27 Correspondence regarding the dinner, June/August 1966

2/28 Guest book
 

Series XIII. St. Francis Hospital, Miami Beach, Florida

5 Small bronze plate inscribed with prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, and an appreciation of I.A.O. on the Hospital's  35th anniversary

6 Plaque "In Memory of Mr. I. A. O'Shaughnessy, Member, Board of Advisors"

Series XIV. Miscellaneous Awards and Honors

2/29 Ancker Research Center, Certificate of Appreciation, nd.

2/30 DePaul University, Honorary Doctor of Laws given to IAO, 1964.

2/31 Loyola University, Honorary Doctor of Laws given to IAO, 1959

2/32 Minnesota Medical Foundation, certificate which "recognizes I. A. O'Shaughnessy as a member of the Centurian Club"

2/33 Minnesota Sheriffs Boys Ranch,Certificate of Appreciation, 1971

2/34 National Conference of Christians and Jews, clippings regarding National Brotherhood Award, June 1971

2/35 St. Mary-of-the-Woods College testimonial - "Recognition Day 1972"

2/36 Smithsonian Institute award citation naming I.A.O. "patron"

2/37 WCCO Good Neighbor Award, 1971

2/38 Mounted color photographs of many of the awards and honors given I.A.O. 

4 Committee of Founders of the Mayo Memorial (clinic), certificate, July 20, 1944

4 Crippled Children?s Society ? Award of Appreciation, 1968

4 Daniel A. Lord, S.J. Award, citation, 1966

5 Daniel A. Lord Award, medal, 1966

4 Minnesota Orchestral Association ? I. A. O?Shaughnessy Principal Clarinetist Chair designation, 1968

6 Patron of the Catholic Committee on Scouting, plaque,  1971

6 "Our Lady of Peace Citation" for "advancement of the cause of Catholic education"

6 "Honorary Membership in the St. Paul United Fund, United Fund Counsel," May 22, 1972

OVER Franciscan Award "for contribution to the American family," 1959

OVER  Institute des Freres des Ecoles Chretiennes ? certificate of gratitude, 1962.

OVER Junior Achievement citation

Series XV. Other Miscellaneous Documents (not awards or honors)

3/1 Notebook of photographs "To Ignatius O'Shaughnessy we give sincere appreciation for a most enjoyable time on our fishing trip to Canada, June 15, 1939"

3/2 Photograph album of the O'Shaughnessy's at Visitation Convent, July, 21 1957

6 Brown box containing: a model for the Archbishop John Ireland Memorial Cross, a model of a memorial ledger, a photograph of a cross, a photograph of a ledger, and a letter from Joseph E. Osborne to Leonard J. Rogge dated November 4, 1965

3/3 St. Paul Opera Association and St. Paul Civic Opera, clippings regarding several events, 1967-72

3/4 Clippings regarding the Mother Antonia McHugh Fine Arts Center and O'Shaughnessy Concert Hall, September and October, 1970

3/5 Correspondence, clippings, picture, and photographs regarding the O'Shaughnessy  Plaza in St. Paul, 1972-1973

3/6 Album of photographs regarding the dedication of the I. A. O'Shaughnessy Plaza, Saint Paul, 1973

4 Red scrapbook containing correspondence and clippings regarding many of O'Shaughnessy's bequests and honors

3/7 Copy of of a cartoon of I.A.O. beating a "Cleveland Indian" for the teams 10-1/2  game deficit

OVER Newspaper print of IAO beating a "Cleveland Indian"

 
Series XVI. O'Shaughnessy Memorabilia (artifacts)

6 Brown desk plaque with 8 scenes from the life of Christ

6 Wooden and ceramic "key" to the St. Paul Hilton, September 1966

6 Leo XII medal in small glass case

5     Cast iron statuette of monk or Christ

5    Trowel used for laying the cornerstone of the O'Shaughnessy Library, June 5, 1959

5   Trowel used for laying the cornerstone of the O'Shaughnessy Education Center (May 23,  1970), Murray Hall (Sept. 29, 1960), and O'Shaughnessy Library (June 5, 1959)

5     Box containing 2 zuccetti, one worn by Pius XII (folded) and one by Bishop James P. Shannon

5     Small green box containing Thomas D'Arcy McGee medal

5     Small red box containing gold medal of Paul VI

5     Mounted medal of St. Louis IX naming I.A.O."Associate of the President of St. Louis University"

5     Small box containing white crucifix

5     Small white box containing gold medal of Paul VI with ring on top

5    Small metal "key" to the St. Paul Hilton, September 16, 1966

5      Small round remembrance of Oberammergau containing a small wooden head a Christ

5    Small metal crucifix with portrait of Pius XII

5     Small round plastic cylinder with metal  Christ figure

5     Medal commemorating Pope Pius XII

5     Medal "Ignatius A. O'Shaughnessy, May 31, 1960"

 

Series XVII. Art Works

Projector Room Two small stained glass windows or plates wrapped in newspaper

Oversized Large framed ink drawing with copper divisions by (?) Peter Dohmen. Blue borders,  science motif

3/8  Citation accompanying Norman Rockwell Print, 1973

4     "Codex Mechitaristarum Vundobonensis 986, folio 3v" (before 1676). Opening text of Hymnarium Armenium in the Library of the Mechitarists (Armenian Benedictines)

Oversized 2     "Carte Geo-Hydrographique du Golfe, du Mexique ..." by M. Rizzi Zannoni,  ca. 1780

Oversized 22    "St. Paul 1855" by S. Holmes Andrews

Oversized 21     "St. Anthony Falls 1857"  by Ferdinand Reichart

Oversized 1 "St. Croix Valley Mural"

4 Blessing for a home. Hand printed in Gaelic script with Irish illustration 

 
Series XVIII Clothing

A. 2 pair black dress hose

B. Coordinated vest, trousers and dinner jacket

C. 2 plain black academic robes

D. 1 purple and black academic robe

E. 1 purple academic hood

F. 1 blue and black academic robe

G. 1 purple and yellow academic hood

H. 1 purple, blue and black academic hood