Brecheen Collection

The Brecheen Collection consists of materials pertaining to multiple members of the Brecheen family including Billy Brecheen, his mother Stella, and relative Roy Young.

Billy Brecheen’s adulthood as a student at East Texas Normal College and Spartan Aircraft School, his time as an Airman during World War II, and his personal life and family life. Along with materials pertaining to him, the collection also contains materials from his mother, Stella, as well as a man by the name of Roy Young. The collection is organized into several series: East Texas Normal College; Spartan Aircraft; Stella Brecheen; Roy Young.

Series I. Personal Papers contains items related to the daily lives of Billy and Stella Brecheen. Among the items are education records and graduation programs from Billy's school days, letters from Billy to Stella, cards received by both, other correspondence, and newspaper clippings. It also contains a set of owner's manuals, calendars, almanacs, and nutrition pamphlets.

Series II. World War II/Spartan Institute includes materials from Billy's time in the Army Air Corps and attempting to become a pilot as well as general documents from the era. Items include recommendation letters, military reporting assignments, flight training documents, war bonds and ration stamps, and Billy's flight log book.

Series III. East Texas contains materials related to the early history of the college. It includes newspaper clippings and copies, programs and newsletters, issues of The Varsity, and images from the dedication of the historical marker noting the Cooper Campus location.

Series IV, Roy Young contains materials that pertain to Roy Young and his hospital stays as well as notes that served as reminders for Young and family photographs.