• Inventory

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, OK.  

Continued success in the oil business prompted him to organize and become president of 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.  For the College of St. Thomas campus he contributed financing toward the construction of  O'Shaughnessy Hall in 1943, the Stadium in 1946, Albertus Magnus Hall in 1947, the O'Shaughnessy Library in 1959, and the O'Shaughnessy Educational Center in 1968.  All told he gave nearly $5 million to the College. 

He was also a major contributor to the University of Notre Dame and the College of St. Catherine.  I. A. was also instrumental in the building of 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 in 1943.  He received the Laetare Medal from the University of Notre Dame as the Outstanding Catholic Layman of the year.   He was also granted the 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 made a papal count in 1967.

O'Shaughnessy married Lillian Smith on October 7, 1908 and had five children (Laurence, John, Donald, Eileen and Marion) .   They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1958 and 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: 4/11/78 with an addition 6/10/80

INVENTORY:

Box/Folder

I. O'Shaughnessy Biographical Material

2/3    O'Shaughnessy family history, family coat of arms, miscellaneous biographical information

2/32     "Minnesota's Twelve Wealthiest: Who Are They?" Corporate Report, Nov. 1973

2/9    Estimates of the value of the O'Shaughnessy estate, 1957

2/1    Correspondence regarding O'Shaughnessy's final illness and death - primarily letters of condolence, Nov. 1973 - January 1974

2/17    Eulogies and testimonials, 1973

2/24     Eulogy: Notre Dame Magazine,   February 1974, p.41

II. Papal Honors

A. Papal Orders

1/4     Correspondence, letters of appointment and other documents, 1945-59

2/58    Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, 1946

3/1    Sovereign Military Order of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem and Malta - Official General Roll of the Grand Magistry. Milan: Ciarrocca, 1949

2/57    Association of Master Knights of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in the U.S.A.

Oversized 4     Certificate from Fr. Ludovico Chigi Ullani, Master of the Knights Hospitaliers of St. John of Jerusalem, etc. to I. A. O'Shaughnessy acknowledging O'Shaughnessy's membership in the order, 1945

Oversized 12    Certificate naming Mrs. Lillian Gertrude O'Shaughnessy Dame and member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, April 1959

3/2    Photographs of I. A. O'Shaughnessy in uniforms of various papal orders. Large dark red notebook of photographs

3/11     Photographs of I. A. O'Shaughnessy in uniforms of various papal orders. Small tan notebook of photographs

B. Photographs

Oversized 3     Pius XII with text of I. A. & Lillian O'Shaughnessy's supplication for an "Apostolic Blessing and a Plenary Indulgence at the hour of death ..." October 7, 1958

2/51     Paul VI, Father T. Hesburgh, the O'Shaughnessy's and an unidentified priest

2/52    Paul VI, Father T. Hesburgh & I.A.O.

3/3    Paul VI, Father T. Hesburgh & I.A.O. (framed)

3/4    Paul VI, Father T. Hesburgh, the O'Shaughnessy's and an unidentified priest

4/8    Autographed photo of Paul VI to I.A.O. with "Special Paternal Apostolic  Blessing," May 6, 1967

C. Other documents

4/13    Grant of perpetual membership to I.A.O. in the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith, March 1, 1954

1/9    Two copies of a document noting transfer of a relic of St. Pius X, July 10, 1958

2/19     Appointment chit for I.A.O. and   Fr. Hesburgh's audience with Paul VI, August 28, 1964

III. College of St. Thomas

A. O'Shaughnessy Library

1/13 - 1/14  Red notebook of correspondence regarding  the dedication of the library, September - October 1959

4/4    Scrapbook of correspondence and clippings regarding dedication of the Library

1/15    Red/brown notebook of texts of addresses given upon dedication of the Library

1/18     Notebook of interior photographs of   the Library

2/50    Green album of photographs

B. O'Shaughnessy Education Center

1/5    Clippings and articles regarding the building & dedication of the Center, ca. September 1972

2/54     Books of photographs, September 1971

2/39    Commemorative notebook of photographs & floorplans

C. Athletics

Oversize 4    Photo of the 1904 football team

5/2    Trophy naming I.A.O. honorary captain of the 1956 football team

Oversized 7    Certificate naming I.A.O. to the College Athletic Hall of Fame

D. Other items

2/46     Framed photograph of O'Shaughnessy Hall

2/44    Album of post-World War II photographs of the campus

2/43    Wine-colored album of photographs chronicling General Alfred Gruenther's visit to CST

IV. University of Notre Dame

A. O'Shaughnessy Hall of Liberal and Fine Arts

2/26     Article in Notre Dame Alumnus, v.28, #3, May-June, 1950, p.3

2/15    Compendium of news releases, 1952-53

2/23    Article in Notre Dame Scholastic, May 8 1953, p.22

1/16     Blue notebook of testimonials and letters accepting the invitation to the dedication, May 15 and 16, 1953

1/17     Blue notebook of letters of regret to the invitation to attend dedication, May 15 and 16, 1953

2/53     Remarks by I.A.O. (and others?) on the dedication of the Hall

2/35    Dedication program

4/1    Dark green scrapbook of items relating to the dedication of the Hall

2/30    Article in Notre Dame Scholastic, May 22, 1953, p.17

2/28    Article in Notre Dame Magazine, v.6, #3, Fall 1953, p.6

1/10     Article in Catholic Buildings and Maintenance, September/November 1954, p. 25-28

2/41    Notebook of artists' drawing

1/12    Photographs of the dedication ceremonies

2/40    Notebook of photographs of the Hall

2/36     Dedication program of University Art Gallery (located in Hall)

2/29    "Reproductions of Portraits from the Permanent Collection of the Art Gallery"

2/33     "Medieval Manuscripts from the Lessing J. Rosenwald Collection" October 1 - November 19, 1972, University Art Gallery

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

2/7     Congratulatory correspondence, March -  April, 1953

2/31    Article in Notre Dame Scholastic,   May 20, 1953, p.10

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

Oversized 6    Citation

4/3    Light blue miscellaneous scrapbook of correspondence & clippings, primarily related to the Award of Doctors of Laws, 1947-52

D. Other Items

3/12    Metal plate in small gray/blue case. An award to Trustees of the University,November 1945

Oversized 11    Spiritual Bouquet presented by the student body of the University to the O'Shaughnessy's, May 16, 1953

Oversized 13     Framed picture of the University

V. Globe Oil and Refining Company & the Oil Industry

A. Globe Oil and Refining Company (Oklahoma)

2/45     Album of photos of fire damage to the Globe Oil Works, 1929

Oversized 20    Certificates from the U.S. Navy to the Globe Oil Refining Company, December 7, 1945

Oversized     Long framed photo of the Globe Oil Works

2/37     Photograph of the Globe Oil Works

B. Oil Industry

2/34    Article "Builders of the Industry" in Petroleum Age, March 1, 1923, p.35

2/25    "Highlights of the Byrd Antarctic   Expedition" Tidewater Oil company, 1930

2/18    International Petroleum Exposition "Grand Old Man" award to I.A.O., May 1971

2/55    "25 Year Club of the Petroleum Industry" letter and testimonial, January 21, 1974

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

1/1    Clippings regarding establishment of the Institute by Paul VI, ca. September 1964

2/4    Correspondence regarding construction (1970) and dedication (1972) of the Institute

1/3    Clippings regarding dedication of the   Institute

VII. Miscellaneous Correspondence files

1/7     General correspondence file, 1930-71

2/11    Archbishop John G. Murray, 1937-40

2/8     Democratic Party, correspondence regarding meetings with Presidents Truman and Roosevelt possible ambassadorial appointment, January 1937, 1945-46

2/10    I.A.O. wills, 2 letters, 1958 and 1968

2/12    Letters of condolence on the death of Mrs. Lillian O'Shaughnessy, May, 1959

2/13     Correspondence with and about Dr. James P. Shannon, 1969 and 1972

VIII. Philmont Boy Scout Ranch, Arizona

Oversized 8  Replica of plaque commemorating the O'Shaughnessy's donations to Philmont,  1973

Oversized 14    Framed citation to I.A.O. accompanying Norman Rockwell print "Challenge," May 23, 1973

Oversized 9     "Challenge" by Norman Rockwell

4/5     Scrapbook of items relating to Philmont

IX. National Conference of Christians and Jews

4/10    National Brotherhood Award, June 10, 1971

2/16     Clippings regarding and program from dinner at which I.A.O. received the National Brotherhood Award, June 1971

X. Minnesota Orchestra

Oversized 15    Brown scrapbook "In Grateful Appreciation  from the Symphony Ball Committee,"  May 16, 1970, Photos

2/6    Clippings and programs regarding various I.A.O. gifts to the Minnesota Orchestra, October 1970 and May 1971

XI. St. Joseph's Hospital, St. Paul

3/5    Plaque presented to I.A.O. by St. Joseph Hospital Lay Advisory Board, 1971

4/12     Citation presented to I.A.O. for his support of St. Joseph's

XII. National Council of Catholic Men

4/6     Certificate to I.A.O., December 1952

2/21    Certificate to I.A.O., December 10, 1970

XIII. Testimonial or Recognition Dinner, June 18, 1966

2/56    Guest book

1/2    Clippings regarding the dinner, June 1966

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

XIV. St. Francis Hospital, Miami Beach, Florida

5/12    Small bronze plate inscribed with prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, and an appreciation of I.A.O. on the Hospital's  35th anniversary

3/6    Plaque "In Memory of Mr. I. A. O'Shaughnessy, Member, Board of Advisors"

XV. Miscellaneous Awards and Honors

4/9    Certificate of appointment to the Committee of Founders of the Mayo Memorial (clinic) July 20, 1944

Oversized 17 Franciscan Award "for contribution to the American family," 1959 oversized 17

2/49    Pax Christi Award, pamphlet, 1963

4/7    1966 Daniel A. Lord, S.J. Award

2/27    WCCO "Good Neighbor Award," July 6, 1971

4/14    Award of "Honorary Membership in the St. Paul United Fund, United Fund Counsel," May 22, 1972

2/22    St. Mary-of-the-Woods College testimonial - "Recognition Day 1972"

Oversized 18    Junior Achievement citation

2/48    Minnesota Medical Foundation "recognizes I. A. O'Shaughnessy as a member of the Centurian Club"

3/10     "Our Lady of Peace Citation" for "advancement of the cause of Catholic education"

1/11     Smithsonian Institute award naming I.A.O. "patron"

2/14    Mounted color photographs of many of the awards and honors given I.A.O. includes some display material from O'Shaughnessy Education Center

2/47    Mounted color photographs of many of the awards and honors given I.A.O. includes some display material from O'Shaughnessy Education Center

XVI. Other Miscellaneous Documents (not awards or honors)

2/38     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

2/42    Brown leather photograph album of the O'Shaughnessy's at Visitation Convent, July, 21 1957

3/13    . 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

1/8    St. Paul Opera Association and St. Paul Civic Opera, clippings regarding several events, 1967-72

1/6    Clippings regarding the Mother Antonia McHugh Fine Arts Center and O'Shaughnessy Concert Hall, September and October, 1970

2/5    Correspondence, clippings, picture, and photographs regarding the O'Shaughnessy  Plaza in St. Paul, ca. October 1972

4/11     Blessing for a home. Hand printed in Gaelic script with Irish illustration

4/2     Red scrapbook containing correspondence and clippings regarding many of O'Shaughnessy's bequests and honors

2/20    Two copies of a carton of I.A.O. beating a "Cleveland Indian" for the teams 10-1/2  game deficit

XVII. O'Shaughnessy Memorabilia (artifacts)

3/7    Brown desk plaque with 8 scenes from the life of Christ

3/8    Wooden and ceramic "key" to the St. Paul Hilton, September 1966

3/9    Leo XII medal in small glass case

5/1    Cast iron statuette of monk or Christ

5/3    Trowel used for laying the cornerstone of the O'Shaughnessy Library, June 5, 1959

5/4    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)

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

5/6    Small empty black box which held one of the medals on display in OEC

5/7    Small green box containing Thomas D'Arcy McGee medal

5/8    Small red box containing gold medal of   Paul VI

5/9    Mounted medal of St. Louis IX naming I.A.O."Associate of the President of St. Louis University"

5/10    Small white box containing white crucifix

5/11    Small white box containing gold medal of Paul VI with ring on top

5/13    Small metal "key" to the St. Paul Hilton, September 16, 1966

5/14     Small round remembrance of Oberammergau containing a small wooden head a Christ

5/15    Small metal crucifix with portrait of   Pius XII

5/16     Small round plastic cylinder with metal  Christ figure

Oversized 10     Two small stained glass windows or plates wrapped in newspaper

Oversized 16     Large framed ink drawing with copper divisions by (?) Peter Dohmen. Blue borders,  science motif

XVIII. Art Reproductions

4/15    "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"

XIX. Clothing (on rack in Memorabilia Room)

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

** Note: Boxes 6, 7, and 8 are used to store Mr. I. A. O'Shaughnessy's papal garments when they are not displayed in the OEC foyer.

XX. Miscellaneous Photographs

9/3    "Dedication of the I. A. O'Shaughnessy Plaza (downtown St. Paul), September 29, 1973"

9/4     "The Ecumenical Institute at Jerusalem, In Statu Nascendi, The University of Notre Dame, June 1, 1972

9/5    Photograph of Mr. I.A. (standing) and Mrs. Blanche O'Shaughnessy (seated)

9/6    Photograph of Mr. and Mrs. O'Shaughnessy (both standing, in evening dress)

9/7     Photograph of Mr. And Mrs. O'Shaughnessy (standing, in auditorium)

9/8     Photograph of Mr. and Mrs. O'Shaughnessy  with Pope Paul Vi, ca. 1972 ? ?

9/9    Photograph of downtown St. Paul ? ?

Bact to Manuscript Collections Index