Helm, John L. (1915-2008) Papers, 1925-2002

Held by The Filson Historical Society

Creator: Helm, John L., 1915-2008

Title: Papers, 1925-2002

Rights: For information regarding literary and copyright interest for these papers, contact the Curator of Special Collections.

Size of Collection: 1 cubic foot

Location Number: Mss./A/H478

Scope and Content Note

The John L. Helm IV Papers include correspondence, charts, photographs, and notes regarding Helm’s genealogy. The collection was created and assembled by Mr. John L. Helm IV who arranged the material into family-based binders. The collection also contains genealogy material for the Pope, Botts, Bohannons, McGowans, McCarroll, Hardin, and LaRue families. Additionally, collection materials provide an overview of Helm’s life and achievements. Letters, clippings, and notes document Helm’s civic engagement and detail the establishment of a permanent endowment by Helm and his wife to the Community Foundation of Louisville, Inc. (formerly Louisville Community Foundation, Inc.).

Biographical Note

John LaRue Helm IV, the son of John L. Helm III and Anne Elizabeth Botts, was born in Louisville, Kentucky on 10 July 1915. After serving in the Air Force during the Second World War he began a career in the life insurance profession and married Julia (Judy) F. McClure. John and Judy Helm had two children, Mark Botts and Elizabeth Lee.

In 1983, Helm formed the firm, Helm, Creznic, & Ward, Inc. with colleagues. Helm received many professional distinctions but is best known for his civic engagement and charitable contributions. He served on the Louisville Junior Chamber of Commerce and was integral to the establishment of a war memorial on 5th and Jefferson Streets. In 1994 John and Judy Helm set up a permanent endowment with the Community Foundation of Louisville, Inc. (formerly Louisville Community Foundation, Inc.). Their endowment funds the Starfish Flinger Award, which is distributed by the Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana, Inc, and recognizes teachers, junior achievement consultants, and others who make a difference in education. John L. Helm died at home on February 17, 2008 at the age of 92.

Folder List

Folder 1: Helm Family Genealogy Binder, Vol. I, 1987-1995

Folder 2: Helm Family Genealogy Binder, Vol. II, 1972- 2002

Folder 3: Helm Family Genealogy, 1932-1985

Folder 4: Hardin Family Genealogy Binder, 1981-1995

Folder 5: Botts Family Genealogy Binder, 1925-1990

Folder 6: LaRue Family Genealogy Binder, 1996-1999

Folder 7: Pope Family Genealogy Binder, 1971-1992

Subject Headings

Botts family

Community Foundation of Louisville – Endowment

Endowments

Hardin family

Helm, John Larue. 1915-2008

LaRue family

Pope family