The papers are arranged in two series, one of which has been further arranged in sub-series. The contents of the each series, including sub-series 1-3, have been kept in the arrangement made by previous archivists during a minimal processing project. Series 1, sub-series 4 has been arranged alphabetically, then chronologically, and finally alphabetically again where needed.

Collection of documents from the Harpool Seed and Grain Company and the personal papers of Tom Harpool from 1942-2008.

Tom Harpool (1918-2009) lived his entire life in Denton, Texas. He graduated from Denton High School in 1935 and North Texas State Teachers College (NTSTC, now University of North Texas) with a degree in Economics in 1939. Harpool met his wife of 67 years, Rebecca Moseley Harpool, in the NTSTC library, where she was working as a librarian.

In 1938 Harpool established Harpool Seed with his father. With the involvement of his brothers Albert and Pinky and his sons Bob and John, the family business grew into one of the top ten lawn and garden suppliers in the nation. Harpool retired from his company in 1989 after a 50 year career.

Harpool's motto, according to Harpool's obituary in The Dallas Morning News, was "The best thing to live for is service to our fellow man." During his lifetime he served on the Denton ISD School Board, the Denton Utilities Board, the Texas Municipal Power Agency Board, and as a President of the North Texas State University Alumni Association. Harpool helped organize the Upper Trinity Regional Water Supply District and is credited with helping Denton move from well water to surface water through the construction of Lake Ray Roberts. Harpool was also active in the Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club, Boy Scouts of America, United Way, Good Samaritan Village, Denton Citizens Water Commission, Denton City Charter Commission, Men's Garden Club, and the Denton State School.

A water treatment plant in Lewisville, Texas and a Denton ISD middle school are named in Harpool's honor.

Author: Julie Judkins