Jeannette and Irving Reuter Collection – M2012.08

Table of Contents

Summary Information

Repository
UNC Asheville Special Collections and University Archives
Title
Jeannette and Irving Reuter Collection
ID
M2012.08
Date [inclusive]
1986-2016
Extent
1.5 Linear feet
Location note
Located in Special Collections in Row 4, Section 6
Language
English
Preferred Citation –

[identification of item]; Jeanette and Irving Reuter Collection, D.H. Ramsey Library Special Collections, University of North Carolina at Asheville 28804

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Bibliography/ Historical Information note

Irving Jacob Reuter grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he met and married Jeannette (or Janet) on Feb. 24, 1909. He was an executive with the General Motors Corporation and was named general manager and president of Oldsmobile in 1925

In 1927 at Eaton Rapids, Michigan, Reuter and his wife, Janet Reuter (1886–1984), built a lavish country home they called Medovue. The Reuters resided there from 1928 to 1935 and hosted many prominent members of American business and automotive companies. In 1935, Irving retired at the age of 50, where after he and Jeannette lived in Florida, and then moved to Asheville, NC in 1937. Irving and Jeannette remained in North Carolina until Irving passed away in 1972, and Janet followed in 1984.

In accordance with their wishes, their estate was used to found the Janirve Foundation, a philanthropic group whose name was derived from the combination of their first names. In 2005, there were 78 organizations that received grants in nine different categories that include Arts and Culture, Children and Youth, Community Projects, Education, Environment, Healthcare and Shelter, Social Services, and Miscellaneous. The University of North Carolina  Asheville has been the recipient of large grant funds as well, resulting in the Reuter Center for Creative Retirement, which has since been re-titled the Osher Institute for Lifelong Learning. The Janirve Foundation was disbanded in 2012, though a legacy fund ensures established recipients will continue to receive funding. During the course of its existence, the foundation contributed over $100 million to local organizations.

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Scope and Contents

Contains photographs, newspaper clippings, documents, bank records, business records, and other materials related to the professional and philanthropic work of Irving and Janet Reuter.

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Administrative Information —

Publication Information

UNC Asheville Special Collections and University Archives

Ramsey Library, CPO # 1500
One University Heights
Asheville, North Carolina, 28804-8504
828.251.6645
speccoll@unca.edu

Access note

The collection is available for research.

Custodial History

Original donation by Sharon Fahrer in 2012, An extensive amount of additional materials was donated by Glenn Wilcox in 2022.

Accruals note

Additional accruals are not expected.

Processing Information

Processed by Special Collections staff, 2012. Additional processing by Gene Hyde, 2022.

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Collection Inventory

Box 1: Photographs and documentation

  • Folder 1: General information, news clippings, insurance documents
  • Folder 2: General Motors Executive Conference program, 1930, Miami Beach Garden Club Roster, 1927, greeting cards from Irving to Janet, other memorabilia
  • Folder 3: Reuter family photos
  • Folder 4: Unidentified photos, mostly Reuter family
  • Folder 5: Unidentified photos, mostly Reuter family
  • Additional unidentified photos and small photo book of unidentified photos

Box 2: Reuter Investment documents

  • Contains receipts, stock statements, bond statements, and other documents related to Reuter investments