2018.009.033 [Print, Photographic]

This photo of Conger Reynolds was taken around 1950, when he was working for the Standard Oil Company. Born on a farm in Dallas County, Iowa, on March 23, 1891, Conger Reynolds grew up in the small town of Dexter, Iowa. He attended the University of Iowa where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1912. His first job was as a reporter with the Des Moines Register and Leader. In 1915, he became publicity director at the University of Iowa, and also taught journalism. Reynolds enlisted when World War I began, and served as an intelligence officer in France. After the war, he remained in France as managing editor of the Chicago Tribune, Paris edition. In 1922, he was appointed vice-consul to Halifax, Nova Scotia for two years, then as vice-consul and later consul in Stuttgart, Germany. While serving as a consuls, Reynolds specialized in trade promotion. In 1929, Reynolds became the director of public relations for the Standard Oil Company, from which he retired in 1955. Moving to Washington, DC, Reynolds joined the US Information Agency as director of the Office of Private Cooperation. There he worked with the Eisenhower administration to launch the People-to-People program which was designed to promote international understanding. He worked in this capacity until he retired in 1961. Conger Reynolds died in 1971. Content can be used with the following standards: SS-WH.9-12.26 Iowans Influence World History in a lesson on Reynold's involvement in the war and working with communications through the newspaper industry. Others objects related to Conger Reynolds can be found in relations. For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item regarding copyright restrictions.