Benjamin O. Van Hook Papers
Scope and Contents
This collection consists of materials pertaining to the personal and professional activities of Benjamin Ormond Van Hook, who served as a professor of mathematics and golf coach at the University of Southern Mississippi from 1950 – 1969. Items in the collection include biographical documents, correspondence, congratulatory letters, newsclippings, photographs, certificates, a scrapbook, and a variety of other items.
Correspondence in the collection includes congratulatory letters for Van Hook’s induction into the Sports Hall of Fame, Millsaps College Hall of Fame, and USM Hall of Fame, plus letters and cards regarding his death.
Newspaper clippings in the collection include articles related to Van Hook’s accomplishments in connection with the USM Golf Team, his retirement, and awards.
The scrapbook contains a wealth of information about Mr. Van Hook and his accomplishments, while photographs in the collection primarily portray his activities as an instructor and coach at USM.
This collection should be of interest to anyone researching the history of USM, especially in the area of golf.
Dates
- Creation: circa 1893-1988
Creator
Conditions Governing Access
Noncirculating; available for research.
Conditions Governing Use
This collection may be protected from unauthorized copying by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code).
Biographical / Historical
Benjamin Ormond “B.O.” Van Hook was born in Biloxi, Mississippi, on November 15, 1899, the son of Rev. and Mrs. Henry W. Van Hook. He graduated from Seashore Campground High School in Biloxi, in 1915. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in 1918 from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, and his Master of Arts degree in 1922 from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. He completed all the requirements for a Ph.D at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, except his dissertation.
His first marriage was to the former Helen Hart, and two daughters, Alma and Lane, were born of the union. After he and Helen were divorced, he married his second wife, Mae. Mae, had one son, Cecil Wilson, and a daughter, Juanita Streuding.
Throughout his professional career, Van Hook held many different positions. From 1921-1923 he taught math at Vanderbilt University. He was professor of mathematics and coach at Seashore Campground School in Biloxi from 1923–1925, and math teacher, Athletic Director and Football and Basketball Coach at Millsaps College from 1925–1945. Between 1948 and 1950 he was on active duty with the U. S. Maritime Service, and was discharged with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. During his term of service, he was professor mathematics and physics at the U. S. Merchant Marine Academy, Pass Christian, Mississippi. In 1950 he joined the faculty of Mississippi Southern College (now the University of Southern Mississippi), as an assistant professor of mathematics, and during his tenure, he served twice as Head of the Mathematics Department. He was selected Professor of the Year in 1969, which was also his final year at USM. Following his retirement he served as a Lecturer at Mobile College in Mobile, Alabama (1969– 1974).
Van Hook began coaching the golf team on a volunteer basis in 1951, and continued doing so for 19 seasons. In 1951 USM only had a nine-hole golf course. Consequently, President William D. McCain asked Van Hook to design and construct an 18-hole course on the College Farm, just west of campus. The sale of timber from the location paid for the course, which opened in 1959. On November 28, 1981, the facility was officially named the Benjamin Ormond Van Hook Golf Course in honor of the man who designed and built it. Sadly, Van Hook Golf Course was closed permanently on March 31, 2004, due to lack of usage and persistent financial problems. A commercialization park will be built on the property.
During his coaching career, Van Hook established the University of Southern Mississippi Invitational Golf Tournament in 1966, which was renamed the B. O. Van Hook Invitational in 1969. A passionate, devoted golfer himself, Van Hook is known to have made at least three holes in one in his career.
Van Hook was active in a number of organizations. He was involved with the formation of the Mississippi Seniors Golf Association, and served as its president in 1954. He was a member of Kappa Sigma, Omicron Delta Kappa, Phi Delta Kappa, Pi Mu Epsilon, and the American Mathematical Society. He was also a Mason, a Rotarian, a Life-Time Honorary Member of the Mississippi Sports Writers Association, and a member of Main Street Methodist Church. Among the honors bestowed on him were induction into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, the Sports Hall of Fame at Millsaps College, and the USM Sports Hall of Fame.
B. O. Van Hook died June 11, 1988, at the age of 88, following a lengthy illness. He is interred in Roseland Park Cemetery, Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Extent
.80 Cubic Feet
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
A collection of materials relating to the life and work of B. O. Van Hook, former math instructor and golf coach at The University of Southern Mississippi.
Provenance
Donated by Mae Van Hook, wife of Benjamin O. Van Hook, on July 1, 1988.
Photograph Log
8 x 10 B&W May 1963
B.O. Van Hook presents State Intercollegiate Championship trophy to President William D. McCain. (Box 1, Folder 2)
Photographer: Dixie Photo Service
M441-2 B. O. Van Hook
2 X 2 B&W circa 1960s
B. O. Van Hook with unidentified male on golf course. (Box 1, Folder 2)
M441-3 B. O. Van Hook With Cake
3 ½ x 3 ½ B&W circa 1960s
B. O. Van Hook standing behind a cake with golf decorations and photo album on table. (Box 1, Folder 2)
M441-4 Benjamin O. Van Hook
3 ½ x 4 ½ B&W undated
Benjamin Van Hook on golf course. (Box 1, Folder 2)
M441-5 Benjamin O. Van Hook
3 ½ x 4 ½ B&W undated
B. 0. Van Hook with two unidentified males on a golf course. (Box 1, Folder 2)
M441-6 Van Hook with USM Golf Team
4 ½ X 6 ½ B&W 1961-62
B. O. Van Hook standing behind four male members of USM golf team, kneeling with golf clubs extended out in front of them. Pictured are: B. O. Van Hook, Robbie Webb, unknown, unknown, Roy Smith. (Box 1, Folder 2)
M441-7 1964-65 USM Golf Team
8 X 10 B&W 1964-65
1964-65 USM Golf Team photographed at Van Hook Golf Course. Pictured are: 1st row: Joe Williams, Mike Gallagher, Gene Yandell, Bill Applewhite, Bubba Akins, Kirby Manning. 2"ct row: Coach Van Hook, Bill Yandell, Wayne Mateer, Royce Wilkerson, James Butler, James Ray Carpenter. (Box 1, Folder 2)
M441-8 USM Golf Team
8 x 10 B&W circa 1960s
USM Golf Team photographed in front of College Hall. Pictured are: 1st row: Terry Crawford, Bruce Garrett, unknown. 2nd row: Don Rutt, Tim Malinoski, Coach Van Hook. (Box 1, Folder 2)
Photographer: The University of Southern Mississippi Photo Service
M441-9 Van Hook With Golfers
8 X 10 B&W circa 1960s
B. O. Van Hook, holding toy golf club, standing with five male golfers on golf course. Coach B. O. Van Hook, Mike Gallagher, unknown, unknown, Wayne Mateer, unknown. (Box 1, Folder 2)
Photographer: U.S. Air Force by Photography Section Keesler Air Force Base
M441-10 Van Hook Receiving Golf Gifts
8 x 10 B&W undated
B. O. Van Hook receiving silver bowl and golf balls with two unidentified males. (Box 1, Folder 2)
Photographer: Marion Trikosko
M441-11 B. O. Van Hook
3 x 4 ½ B&W circa 1960s
B. O. Van Hook head and shoulders photo sitting behind his desk at USM, talking on the phone. (Box 1, Folder 3)
M441-12 B. O. Van Hook
5 X 3 ½ B&W circa 1960s
B. O. Van Hook sitting with others in a classroom, eating cake. (Box l, Folder 3)
M441-13 Van Hook Receives 1969 Distinguished Professor of the Year Award
4 X 6 ½ B&W 1969
B. O. Van Hook receives 1969 distinguished Professor of the Year Award. Dr. William D. McCain presents the plaque. (Box 1, Folder 3)
M441-14 Group Photo With B. O. Van Hook
6 ½ x 4 ½ B&W circa 1960s
Group of men standing in front of building, dressed in suits. (Box 1, Folder 3)
M441-15 Group Photograph
9 ½ x 8 ½ B&W circa 1960s
Unidentified group with B. O.Van Hook sitting second from left.(Box 1, Folder 3)
M441-16 1940-1941 Championship Millsaps Basketball Team Members
8 x 10 B&W December 2, 1974
Photo taken at Dedication of Activities Center at Millsaps College. Team members as identified on back of photo are Willard Samuels, Oscar Tynes, Wiley Williams, Coach Bernie Ward, Curtis Lee King, Charles Kemmitzer, Coach B.O. Van Hook, Charles Ward, Van Richardson, Willie Carter, Willie Branch, Clifton Jones, and Ira Hudson. (Box 1, Folder 3)
Photographer: M.D. Herbert
M441-17 Van Hook Math Department Function
8 x 10 B&W circa 1960s
B. O. Van Hook stands with Dr. William McCain and unidentified male and female. (Box 1, Folder 3)
M441-18 Mae and B.O. Van Hook
8 X 10 B&W circa 1960s
Mae and B. O. Van Hook standing behind cake in math department classroom. (Box 1, Folder 3)
M441-19 Dr. William McCain
8 X 10 B&W circa 1960s
Dr. John Allen and Dr. William McCain stand in line with an unknown female for cake at a function honoring B. O. Van Hook in USM math classroom. Math figures on blackboard in background. (Box 1, Folder 3)
M441-20 Senior Bowl GolfTournament
8 X 10 B&W 1972
36-hole Fourth Annual Senior Bowl Golf Tournament at the Azalea City Golf Club in Mobile, Alabama. (Box 1, Folder 3)
Photographer: Aaron O. Teshey
M441-21 Honoring Van Hook
3 ½ x 4 ½ Color circa 1960s
B. O. Van Hook and Ted Schroder standing behind golf trophy award at West Hills Golf and Swim Club. (Box 1, Folder 3)
M441-22 Honoring Van Hook
3 ½ x 4 ½ Color circa 1960s
Dick Potter, B. O. Van Hook, and Ted Schroder at West Hills Golf and Swim Club, standing behind golf trophy award. (Box 1, Folder 4)
M441-23 Honoring Van Hook
3 ½ x 4 ½ Color circa 1960s
B. O. Van Hook, Ted Schroder, Dr. John Allen, and unknown male standing in front of white curtains. (Box 1, Folder 4)
M441-24 Honoring Van Hook
3 ½ x 4 ½ Color circa 1960s
Appreciation banquet honoring B. 0. Van Hook at West Hills Golf and Swim Club. (Box 1, Folder 4)
M441-25 Honoring Van Hook
3 ½ x 4 ½ Color circa 1960s
Appreciation banquet honoring B. 0. Van Hook at West Hills Golf and Swim Club (Box 1, Folder 4)
M441-26 Honoring Van Hook
3 ½ x 4 ½ Color circa 1960s
Appreciation banquet honoring B. 0. Van Hook at West Hills Golf and Swim Club. (Box 1, Folder 4)
M441-27 Thomas Lowry Bailey Christening
3 ½ x 5 B&W September I 946
Thomas Lowry Bailey II christening. Pictured are: B. 0. Van Hook (grandfather), H. Bailey (grandfather), Harold Bailey (father) holding Thomas Lowry Bailey II in christening robe, Henry Ware Van Hook (great grandfather). (Box 1, Folder 5)
M441-28 Young Girl
3 ½ x 5 B&W circa 1940s
Unidentified young adolescent female, head and shoulders photograph. (Box l, Folder 5)
M441-29 Teenage Female
3 ½ x 5 B&W September 1948
Unidentified teenage female sitting in doorway. (Box 1, Folder 5)
M441-30 Group Photo - Women
7 ½ x 9 ½ B&W circa 1950s
Group of women photographed in front of building. Some are standing, some sitting. All are wearing hats and gloves. (Box 1, Folder 5)
M441 -31 Backyard Celebration
8 X 9 ½ B&W undated
Mae Van Hook standing with two females in backyard celebration. (Box 1, Folder 5)
M441-32 Backyard Celebration
8 X 9 ½ B&W undated
Two unidentified women standing behind a table. (Box 1, Folder 5)
M441-33 Van Hook's 56th Birthday
8 x 10 B&W November 1955
B. O. Van Hook sitting behind birthday cake with family, friends, and coworkers on his 56th Birthday. (Box 1, Folder 5)
Photographer: Max Hertweck
M441-34 Van Hook's 80th Birthday
8 x 10 B&W November 1979
B. O. Van Hook sitting outside in chair celebrating his 80th birthday. Unknown elderly male sitting next to him. (Box 1, Folder 5)
M441-35 Preparing for Appreciation
3 ½ x 4 B&W April14, 1966
Mae Van Hook making arrangements for B. O. Van Hook's Appreciation Party. (Box 1, Folder 15)
M441-36 Mae and B. O. Van Hook
3 ½ x 4 B&W April 14, 1966
Mae and B. O. Van Hook at Van Hook's Appreciation Night Celebration. (Box 1, Folder 15)
M441-37 Appreciation Night With Family
3 ½ x 4 B&W April 14, 1966
B. O. and Mae Van Hook standing between two family members at the Appreciation Night celebration for B. O. (Box 1, Folder 15)
M441-38 Van Hook Receives Engraved Metal
8 x 10 B&W April14, 1966
Ted Schroder presents B. O. Van Hook with engraved metal on Appreciation Night. (Box 1, Folder 15)
M441-39 Van Hook Receives Plaque
8 x 10 B&W April 14, 1966
Dick Potter presents B. O. Van Hook with a plaque on behalf of the USM Golf Association on Appreciation Night. (Box 1, Folder 15)
M441-40 B. O. Van Hook With Dick Potter
8 x 10 B&W April 14, 1966
B. O. Van Hook shakes hands with Dick Potter. (Box 1, Folder 15)
M441-41 Appreciation Night
8 x 10 B&W April 14, 1966
B. O. Van Hooks receives a gift from Robert "Ace" Cleveland. Dick Potter is seated in the foreground. (Box 1, Folder 15)
M441-42 Van Hook Receives Budweiser Folding Chair
8 x 10 B&W April14, 1966
James Ray Carpenter awards B. 0. Van Hook with a folding Budweiser chair, as Ted Schroder (seated) applauds. (Box 1, Folder 15)
M441-43 Mae Van Hook- Appreciation Night Honoring B. O. Van Hook
8 x 10 B&W April 14, 1966
Mae Van Hook, standing with hands on hips, appears to be speaking. Guests are laughing. (Box 1, Folder 15)
M441-44 Mae Van Hook- Appreciation Night
8 x 10 B&W April 14, 1966
Mae Van Hook sitting at the end of the table on Appreciation Night honoring B. O. Van Hook. (Box 1, Folder 15)
- Title
- Benjamin O. Van Hook Papers
- Author
- Processed by Jill Kochom.
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
Repository Details
Part of the Historical Manuscripts and Photographs Repository
118 College Drive - 5148
Hattiesburg MS 39406-0001
601.266.4345
