Preston Ensign, 1912 - 2006, graduated from University High School and Illinois State Normal University. He began his career in 1935 making theater posters with a friend. He founded “States Display” a commercial art business. He lectured on the silk screen process and its use by manufacturers, the textile field, and that the army used the method to make posters. In 1944, he accepted a position as business manager at Illinois State University and remained there until retirement in 1977. During this time he helped with the expansion of the campus and became known among his colleagues as the “idea man.” Ensign’s hobby was photography and belonged to the Koda Roamers Club.  He was an active member of the community, serving as chairman of the Normal Planning Commission, and the Y.M.C.A.

The posters in this collection are from the 1930s and 1940s.

The collection contains folders of newspaper clippings and small posters. There are 80 posters listed in the categories of events, fund raiser, community, and business/products.