William J. Sproule papers

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: MS-1009

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Research materials and personal papers, 1956-2019, of William “Bill” J. Sproule. The contents of this collection principly document Sproule’s interest, invovement, and research related to the topic of transportation (historical and contemporary) in the Copper Country and hocky history. The collection includes parking and transportation studies for Michigan Technological University and the Keweenaw National Historical Park; as well as reports and papers on transportation systems completed by Sproule's students in the department of Civil Engineering. Also included in the collection is Sproule's research for his book Copper Country Streetcars (2013), which include original photographs and photographic reproductions, newspaper clippings, reports, and maps related to Copper Country streetcars and the Houghton County Traction Company.

The collection also documents Sproule's research and affiliations related to hockey, specifically in the Copper Country. Included are research files, team posters, ephemera, programs, and photographs related to Sproule research. Also include are board minutes and other documents related to the Blue Line Club, a club that provides resources and sponsorship to Michigan Tech's hockey program.

Dates

1956-2019

Creator

Sproule, William J. (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Available for use in the Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections.

Conditions Governing Use

Various copying restrictions apply. Guidelines are available from Michigan Technological University Archives & Copper Country Historical Collections.

Biographical Note

William “Bill” J. Sproule is a Professor Emeritus, Civil and Environmental Engineering, at Michigan Technological University. Sproule holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Michigan Tech and an M.Eng. in Civil Engineering from the University of Toronto; as well as a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Michigan State University. Bill joined the Michigan Tech faculty in 1996 and has taught coursework in traffic engineering, transportation planning, airport planning, highway design, public transit, and consulting engineering and was an integral part of the development of the Rail Transportation Program at Michigan Tech. Sproule is a recognized local author, hockey historian, and Faculty Athletic Representative for Michigan Tech.