Guide to the John William Harrelson Papers, 1908-1955

Collection Number MC 1

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Collection Information
Abstract:

The John William Harrelson Papers contain correspondence, speeches and writings, reports, minutes, clippings, certificates, scrapbooks, financial records, and photographs. The collection provides information about Harrelson's military career, his tenure as a faculty member and administrator at North Carolina State College (later North Carolina State University), and his service as director of the North Carolina Department of Conservation and Development. The materials also relate to Harrelson's membership in various civic and professional organizations.

John William Harrelson (1885-1955) was a member of the faculty and administrator at North Carolina State College (later North Carolina State University) and was director of the North Carolina Department of Conservation and Development.

Contact Information:
Special Collections Research Center
NCSU Libraries
Campus Box 7111
Raleigh, North Carolina
27695-7111 USA
Phone: (919) 515-2273
Fax: (919) 513-1787
URL: http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/specialcollections/
Web Contact Form
Processed by:
Lea Jordan
Encoded by:
Lea Jordan

Descriptive Summary

Repository

North Carolina State University Libraries, Special Collections Research Center

Creator

Harrelson, J. W. (John William), 1885-1955.

Title

John William Harrelson Papers, 1908-1955

Call Number

MC 1

Extent

10.5 linear feet, 22 boxes

Location

For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Special Collections Research Center Reference Staff.

Language of Material

English

Information for Users

Restrictions to Access

This collection is open for research; access requires at least 24 hours advance notice.
Acquisitions Information

Gift of Elizabeth Harrelson, 1968.
Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], John William Harrelson Papers, MC 1, Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC
Copyright Notice

The nature of the NCSU Libraries' Special Collections means that copyright or other information about restrictions may be difficult or even impossible to determine despite reasonable efforts. The NCSU Libraries claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials.

The materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source.

Biographical Note


John William Harrelson was born on June 28, 1885, in Double Shoals Community, Cleveland County, North Carolina. He graduated from North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts (later North Carolina State University) in 1909 with a Bachelor's degree in engineering. In 1915 he received a master's degree in mechanical engineering from the same school.

After graduation, Harrelson joined the military. Harrelson was actively employed in the military from 1917 to 1919, and remained a reserve officer after his active service was completed. During this period, Harrelson was a lieutenant in the Coast Artillery, North Carolina National Guard, when the United States entered World War I in April 1917. He was in active service for two years, before being returned to reserve status. While in the reserves, he was promoted to the rank of colonel in 1923.

After completing his active military service, Harrelson chose to stay at his alma mater as an instructor in the Mathematics Department. By 1921, he had risen to the rank of full professor. He was granted a leave of absence from the college in 1929, when Governor O. Max Gardner appointed him director of the North Carolina Department of Conservation and Development. Harrelson remained there from 1929 to 1933, promoting wildlife awareness and sound hunting and fishing practices. Harrelson returned to the college in 1933, and resumed his post as head of the Mathematics department.

In 1934, he was appointed Dean of Administration at North Carolina State College. The name of the position was changed to Chancellor in 1945. Harrelson held this position until his retirement in 1953. Harrelson guided the university through many difficult changes, such as the consolidation of the University of North Carolina system and the student population boom after World War II due to the G.I. Bill.

In 1935 Harrelson married Elizabeth Connor, but the couple had no children. He served on many governmental and private boards, committees and councils, primarily focusing on education and health care. After his retirement, Harrelson was instrumental in working for and promoting the new library on State College Campus, and worked to help start the special collections. He died in Raleigh on March 13, 1955.

Scope and Content Note


The John William Harrelson Papers contain a wide variety of materials including: correspondence, speeches and writings, reports, minutes, newspaper clippings, pamphlets, photographs, certificates, citations, commissions, appointments, scrapbooks, and other paraphernalia. The collection provides information about Harrelson's military career with the United States Army, his work as a professor and administrator at North Carolina State College, and his service as Director of the North Carolina Department of Conservation and Development. The materials also relate to Harrelson's membership in various civic organizations and participation on certain boards, commissions, and councils, which were often associated with colleges and private schools, including Saint Mary's School, the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, and the Kiwanis Club.

Organization of the Collection


This collection is organized into six series:
  • 1. Correspondence
  • 2. University Papers
  • 3. Department of Conservation and Development
  • 4. Military Records
  • 5. Membership in Organizations
  • 6. Personal Papers

Online Catalog Terms

  • Harrelson, J. W. (John William), 1885-1955.
  • North Carolina. Dept. of Conservation and Development--History.
  • North Carolina State University--Faculty--History.
  • North Carolina State College--Faculty.
  • Artillerymen--United States--History.
  • College administrators--North Carolina--History.
  • College teachers--North Carolina--History.
  • Universities and colleges--North Carolina--Faculty--History.

Detailed Description of the Collection


  • MC 1 Series 1 : Correspondence, 1923-1955


    0.5 linear feet , 1 archival box

    This series contains congratulatory letters upon Harrelson's nomination as Dean of North Carolina State College, as well as personal and family notes, including those to informal business relations.

    • Congratulatory Letters, 1934 June - 1934 July 4 [MC 1 Box 1, Folder 1]
    • Congratulatory Letters, 1934 July 5 - 1934 July 9 [MC 1 Box 1, Folder 2]
    • Congratulatory Letters, 1934 July 10 - 1934 July 31 [MC 1 Box 1, Folder 3]
    • Congratulatory Letters, 1934 Aug. - 1934 Dec. [MC 1 Box 1, Folder 4]
    • Responses to Congratulations, 1934 [MC 1 Box 1, Folder 5]
    • General Correspondence, 1923 - 1935 [MC 1 Box 1, Folder 6]
    • General Correspondence, 1936 - 1949 [MC 1 Box 1, Folder 7]
    • General Correspondence, 1953 [MC 1 Box 1, Folder 8]
    • General Correspondence, 1954 Jan - 1954 June [MC 1 Box 1, Folder 9]
    • General Correspondence, 1954 July - 1955 Jan [MC 1 Box 1, Folder 10]

    [Return to Descriptive Summary]


  • MC 1 Series 2: University, 1921-1955


    2 linear feet , 3 archival boxes , 1 oversized box

    This series contains minutes, reports, and correspondence dealing with Harrelson's service to North Carolina State College (later North Carolina State University). It includes Alumni Association correspondence, the committee on University of North Carolina system consolidation, correspondence involving the bequest program, and notes from the North Carolina General Assembly of 1955. It also includes speeches and publications created by Harrelson while he was involved with the university, his retirement papers, and recommendations and introductions written for individuals within the university. A scrapbook detailing the 50th Anniversary of North Carolina State College is also included. The bulk of the materials date from 1930-1950.

    • Alumni Association, 1921 - 1934 [MC 1 Box 1, Folder 11]
    • Alumni Association, 1935 - 1944 [MC 1 Box 1, Folder 12]
    • Alumni Association, 1952 - 1954 [MC 1 Box 1, Folder 13]
    • Alumni News, 1933 - 1934 [MC 1 Box 1, Folder 14]
    • Committee on Consolidation, Letters, 1931 - 1932 [MC 1 Box 2, Folder 1]
    • Committee on Consolidation, pamphelets, 1931 - 1932 [MC 1 Box 2, Folder 2]
    • Consolidation, 1932 [MC 1 Box 2, Folder 3]
    • Consolidation, 1933 [MC 1 Box 2, Folder 4]
    • Consolidation Publications [MC 1 Box 2, Folder 5]
    • Bequest Program Papers [MC 1 Box 2, Folder 6]
    • General Assembly, 1955 [MC 1 Box 2, Folder 7]
    • General Assembly, 1955 [MC 1 Box 2, Folder 8]
    • General Assembly budget, 1955 [MC 1 Box 2, Folder 9]
    • Speeches and Writings, 1935 - 1936 Sept [MC 1 Box 3, Folder 1]
    • Speeches and Writings, 1936 Oct - 1938 [MC 1 Box 3, Folder 2]
    • Speeches and Writings, 1940 - 1941 [MC 1 Box 3, Folder 3]
    • Speeches and Writings, 1942 - 1944 [MC 1 Box 3, Folder 4]
    • Speeches and Writings, 1953 - 1954 [MC 1 Box 3, Folder 5]
    • Retirement, 1950 - 1954 [MC 1 Box 3, Folder 6]
    • Retirement, Publications [MC 1 Box 3, Folder 7]
    • Recommendations and Introductions [MC 1 Box 3, Folder 8]
    • Recommendations and Introductions [MC 1 Box 3, Folder 9]
    • N.C. State 50th Anniversary Scrapbook [MC 1 Flat Box 20]

    [Return to Descriptive Summary]


  • MC 1 Series 3 :Conservation and Development, 1929-1941


    3 linear feet , 3 archival boxes , 3 oversized boxes

    This is a large portion of the collection, spanning Harrelson's years as the director of the North Carolina Department of Conservation and Development. It includes correspondence, reports (both typed and published), speeches, scrapbooks, and papers written while he was in office. It also includes publications of the North Carolina Club, and the Atlantic Sportsman. Colonel Harrelson's original order has been preserved, save the organization by date.

    • Conservation and Development correspondence, 1929 [MC 1 Box 4, Folder 1]
    • Conservation and Development correspondence, 1930 - 1931 Aug. [MC 1 Box 4, Folder 2]
    • Conservation and Development correspondence, 1931 Sept. - 1931 Dec. [MC 1 Box 4, Folder 3]
    • Conservation and Development correspondence, 1932 [MC 1 Box 4, Folder 4]
    • Reappointment as Director, 1932 - 1933 [MC 1 Box 4, Folder 5]
    • Conservation and Development Reports, [MC 1 Box 4, Folder 6]
    • Conservation and Development, late correspondence, 1933 Jan - 1933 Aug [MC 1 Box 4, Folder 7]
    • Letters Upon Losing Post, 1933 Aug [MC 1 Box 4, Folder 8]
    • Conservation and Development, correspondence after leaving, 1934 [MC 1 Box 4, Folder 9]
    • Conservation and Development, correspondence after leaving, 1935 - 1941 [MC 1 Box 4, Folder 10]
    • Reports (typed), 1930 [MC 1 Box 5, Folder 1]
    • Reports (published), 1930 [MC 1 Box 5, Folder 2]
    • Reports (typed), 1931 - 1933 [MC 1 Box 5, Folder 3]
    • Reports (published), 1931 - 1933 [MC 1 Box 5, Folder 4]
    • Reports (typed), 1935 - 1937 [MC 1 Box 5, Folder 5]
    • Reports (published), 1935 - 1937 [MC 1 Box 5, Folder 6]
    • Reports (typed), 1939 - 1941 [MC 1 Box 5, Folder 7]
    • Speeches and Writings (1 of 4) [MC 1 Box 6, Folder 1]
    • Speeches and Writings (2 of 4) [MC 1 Box 6, Folder 2]
    • Speeches and Writings (3 of 4) [MC 1 Box 6, Folder 3]
    • Speeches and Writings (4 of 4) [MC 1 Box 6, Folder 4]
    • North Carolina Club [MC 1 Box 6, Folder 5]
    • North Carolina Club Publications [MC 1 Box 6, Folder 6]
    • Atlantic Sportsman [MC 1 Box 6, Folder 7]
    • Conservation Clippings Scrapbook 1 [MC 1 Flat Box 17]
    • Conservation Clipping Scrapbook 2 [MC 1 Flat Box 18]
    • Conservation Clipping Scrapbook 3 [MC 1 Flat Box 19]

    [Return to Descriptive Summary]


  • MC 1 Series 4 : Military, 1921-1954


    2.5 linear feet , 3 archival boxes , 1 oversized box

    This series contains correspondence, memos, and calls to service arranged by date, dealing with Colonel Harrelson's time in the United States Army. It also includes correspondence regarding the Reserve Officer's Association, and the Council of Defense. Where possible, these documents have been arranged by date. It also includes Harrelson's American flag materials, which include military instructions for flag respect and care for civilians.

    • General Records, 1921 - 1923 [MC 1 Box 7, Folder 1]
    • General Records, 1924 [MC 1 Box 7, Folder 2]
    • General Records, 1925 Jan - 1925 July [MC 1 Box 7, Folder 3]
    • General Records, 1925 Aug - 1925 Dec [MC 1 Box 7, Folder 4]
    • General Records, 1926 Jan - 1926 July [MC 1 Box 7, Folder 5]
    • General Records, 1926 Aug - 1926 Dec [MC 1 Box 7, Folder 6]
    • General Records, 1927 [MC 1 Box 7, Folder 7]
    • General Records, 1928 - 1934 [MC 1 Box 7, Folder 8]
    • General Records, 1935 [MC 1 Box 8, Folder 1]
    • General Records, 1936 - 1937 [MC 1 Box 8, Folder 2]
    • General Records, 1938 [MC 1 Box 8, Folder 3]
    • General Records, 1939 - 1940 [MC 1 Box 8, Folder 4]
    • General Records, 1941 [MC 1 Box 8, Folder 5]
    • General Records, 1942 - 1943 July [MC 1 Box 8, Folder 6]
    • General Records, 1943 Aug - 1943 Dec [MC 1 Box 8, Folder 7]
    • Travel Vouchers, 1943 - 1944 [MC 1 Box 8, Folder 8]
    • General Records, 1944 Jan - 1944 Apr [MC 1 Box 8, Folder 9]
    • General Records, 1944 May - 1944 June [MC 1 Box 8, Folder 10]
    • General Records, 1944 July [MC 1 Box 9, Folder 1]
    • General Records, 1944 Aug - 1944 Dec [MC 1 Box 9, Folder 2]
    • General Records, 1945 [MC 1 Box 9, Folder 3]
    • General Records, 1948 - 1954 [MC 1 Box 9, Folder 4]
    • Reserve Officer's Association, 1925 [MC 1 Box 9, Folder 5]
    • Reserve Officers Association, 1926 - 1934 [MC 1 Box 9, Folder 6]
    • Reserve Officer Publications, 1923 - 1932 [MC 1 Box 9, Folder 7]
    • Military National Defense, 1925 - 1933 [MC 1 Box 9, Folder 8]
    • Council of Defense, 1940 [MC 1 Box 9, Folder 9]
    • Council of Defense, 1941 [MC 1 Box 9, Folder 10]
    • Council of Defense, 1942 [MC 1 Box 9, Folder 11]
    • American Flag Materials [MC 1 Box 9, Folder 12]
    • "The Flag of the United States" [MC 1 Box 9, Folder 13]
    • Oversized Military [MC 1 Flat Box16, Folder3]

    [Return to Descriptive Summary]


  • MC 1 Series 5 : Membership in Organizations, 1929-1955


    3.5 linear feet , 4 archival boxes , 1 oversized box

    This series contains reports, notes, publications, budgets, scrapbooks, and correspondence related to the various boards, committees and councils that Colonel Harrelson sat on during his lifetime. These groups include private schools, colleges, the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, and the Merit System Council. These organizations are arranged alphabetically, and by date when possible within groupings.

    • Chamber of Commerce, Raleigh, 1946 - 1950 [MC 1 Box 10, Folder 2]
    • Chamber of Commerce, Raleigh, 1953 [MC 1 Box 10, Folder 3]
    • Chamber of Commerce, Raleigh, 1954 - 1955 [MC 1 Box 10, Folder 4]
    • Charlotte College, 1954 [MC 1 Box 10, Folder 5]
    • Cotton Grower's Co-op, 1939 - 1954 [MC 1 Box 10, Folder 6]
    • Executive's Club, 1948 - 1955 [MC 1 Box 10, Folder 7]
    • Farmer's Co-op Exchange, 1948 - 1955 [MC 1 Box 10, Folder 8]
    • Gardner-Webb College, 1942 - 1945 [MC 1 Box 10, Folder 9]
    • Kiwanis Club, 1939 - 1955 [MC 1 Box 10, Folder 10]
    • Merit System Council, 1941 [MC 1 Box 10, Folder 11]
    • Merit System Council, 1942 Jan - 1942 Aug [MC 1 Box 10, Folder 12]
    • Merit System Council, 1945 [MC 1 Box 11, Folder 1]
    • Merit System Council, 1948 - 1949 [MC 1 Box 11, Folder 2]
    • Merit System Council, 1950 - 1954 [MC 1 Box 11, Folder 3]
    • Nautical School, 1939 - 1945 [MC 1 Box 11, Folder 4]
    • Newcomen Society, 1942 [MC 1 Box 11, Folder 5]
    • Pinehurst Preperatory School, 1940 - 1941 [MC 1 Box 11, Folder 6]
    • Railroad Centennial, Raleigh, 1940 [MC 1 Box 11, Folder 7]
    • Raleigh Sesquicentennial, 1941 - 1942 Mar [MC 1 Box 11, Folder 8]
    • Raleigh Sesquicentennial, 1942 Apr - 1942 Oct [MC 1 Box 11, Folder 9]
    • Ravenscroft School, 1951 - 1952 [MC 1 Box 11, Folder 10]
    • Saint Agnes Hospital, 1942 - 1953 [MC 1 Box 11, Folder 11]
    • Saint Agnes Hospital, 1954 - 1955 [MC 1 Box 12, Folder 1]
    • Saint Agnes Hospital, bookeeper's reports, 1954 [MC 1 Box 12, Folder 2]
    • Saint Augustine's College, 1937 - 1947 [MC 1 Box 12, Folder 3]
    • Saint Augustine's College, 1949 - 1953 [MC 1 Box 12, Folder 4]
    • Saint Augustine's College, 1954 - 1955 [MC 1 Box 12, Folder 5]
    • Saint Mary's School, 1945 - 1947 [MC 1 Box 12, Folder 6]
    • Saint Mary's School, 1948 - 1954 [MC 1 Box 12, Folder 7]
    • State Planning Board, 1936 - 1937 [MC 1 Box 12, Folder 8]
    • State Planning Board, 1938 [MC 1 Box 12, Folder 9]
    • State Planning Board, 1939 - 1941 [MC 1 Box 12, Folder 10]
    • State Programming, television, WRAL, 1954 [MC 1 Box 12, Folder 11]
    • State - Professional Engineers of NC, 1954 [MC 1 Box 13, Folder 1]
    • Standard Oil Discussion Group, 1953 - 1954 [MC 1 Box 13, Folder 2]
    • Watauga Club [MC 1 Box 13, Folder 3]
    • Other Memberships, 1929 - 1955 [MC 1 Box 13, Folder 4]
    • Kiwanis Club Scrapbook [MC 1 Box 21, Folder 1]

    [Return to Descriptive Summary]


  • MC 1 Series 6 : Personal, 1908-1955


    1 archival box , 2 albums , 1 artifact box

    Harrelson marked these files "personal". They have been left as a grouping, but include citations and certificates, newspaper clippings, magazine articles, and personal financial records. This group also included a collection of personal photographs, many of which were labeled by Harrelson himself.

    • Financial Statements, 1930-1955
      • Personal Financial Records, 1929 - 1955 [MC 1 Box 13, Folder 5]
      • Paystubs and Cancelled Checks, 1930 - 1955 [MC 1 Box 13, Folder 6]
    • Citations, Certificates, and Commissions
      • Citations, Certificates, and Commissions [MC 1 Box 13, Folder 7]
      • Oversized Certificates and Citations [MC 1 Box 16, Folder 2]
    • Clippings, 1916-1955
      • Newspaper Clippings and Magazines, 1916 - 1933 [MC 1 Box 13, Folder 8]
      • Newspaper Clippings and Magazines, 1934 [MC 1 Box 13, Folder 9]
      • Newspaper Clippings and Magazines, 1935 - 1941 [MC 1 Box 13, Folder 10]
      • Newspaper Clippings and Magazines, 1943 - 1955 [MC 1 Box 13, Folder 11]
    • Photographs, 1908-1955
      • Photographs: Family, Residence, State College Campus [MC 1 Album 14, Folder 1]
      • Commencements, Military Ceremonies, Fort Bragg, Conservation and Development [MC 1 Album 15, Folder 1]
      • Oversized Photographs [MC 1 Flat Box 16, Folder 1]
    • Signature Stamp
      • Signature Stamp [MC 1 Artifact Box 22]

    [Return to Descriptive Summary]