Zech, Ralph W. Papers, 1960-1979

This collection contains newspaper articles and other papers concerning Ralph W. Zech, an educator and political figure from Illinois.

Ralph Wilbur Zech (1912-1979) attended the University of Illinois and graduated in 1938. Following his graduation, he had a thirty-year career as an educator and principal at several schools, including Bryant Elementary School in Harvey, Illinois. Following his retirement from education, Zech began a career politics, serving as Village President of Goreville, Illinois, as well as village clerk and a member of the board for the Goreville school district.

The collection contains several newspaper clippings about Zech, largely concerning his work in education, and one letter to the editor written by Zech. It also includes materials concerning his political career, including a letter about his plans to run for the Goreville Board of Education and a campaign circular for his campaign as village president, and a copy of a complaint filed by Zech with the Supreme Court of Illinois regarding a disagreement with another civil official.

Emmett Kirby of Champaign, Illinois, donated the collection to the Illinois Historical Survey, predecessor of the Illinois History and Lincoln Collections, in 1980.