The minutes of the May 28, 1945 meeting of the Board of Trustees of Hardin-Simmons University. Rupert N. Richardson, President of the University, gave his annual report on the condition of the school. "Hardin-Simmons University now has some 1,350 men representing her on the battle fronts all over the world. There are some 40 gold stars on our service flags now." Mr. T. N. Carswell then took the floor and made two suggestions: "(1) It would be well to add to this project―a museum or archives building on the campus. (2) It would also be good to have a man on staff whose sole duty would be raising money."

A letter written to Mr. T. N. Carswell, Abilene, Texas, from Rupert N. Richardson, President, Hardin-Simmons University dated April 28, 1945. Richardson outlines the approved expansion plans for HSU. He advises that the named projects are important to meet requirements for their part in serving "the compelling needs of our post-war youth. War years of tension and anxiety, the dislocation of family life, due to military source and war industry, have strained spiritual and moral ties. The Church must move forward now in a program to repair the damage done."