Guide to the Alvin Marcus Fountain Papers, 1889-2002

Collection Number MC 7

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Collection Information
Abstract:

The Alvin Marcus Fountain Papers (1889 - 2002) contain records relating to Fountain's career at North Carolina State College and North Carolina State University as a student, faculty member, and alumnus. Although a majority of the documents relate to the university, the Papers also include records describing Fountain's community involvement. A small number of the documents concern Fountain's wife Maxine and other family members.

Alvin Marcus Fountain (1900-1989), was an educator, technical writer, author, and statistician. He was a member of the English faculty at North Carolina State College of Agriculture and Engineering (later North Carolina State University), 1925-1965, and developed courses in technical writing and public speaking for engineering students. Fountain received the Watauga Medal from North Carolina State University in 1985.

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
Special Collections Research Center Staff
Revised by
Stephanie A. Horowitz
Date Revised
March, 2005
Encoded by
Stephanie A. Horowitz

Descriptive Summary

Repository

North Carolina State University Libraries, Special Collections Research Center

Creator

Fountain, Alvin Marcus

Title

Alvin Marcus Fountain Papers, 1889-2002

Call Number

MC 7

Extent

2 linear ft.

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

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

Gift of Alvin Marcus Fountain, 1968, 1974, 1977, 1984, 1985, 1987; Harlan Brown, December 3, 1970; Maxine Taylor Fountain, 1987, 1990, 1992, 1993; and Ben Horne, 1991.
Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Alvin Marcus Fountain Papers, MC 7, 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


Alvin Marcus Fountain was born in Onslow County, North Carolina, in 1900. He entered North Carolina State College in 1919 after having heard the stories of his cousin Kit Bryan, who had graduated from the college in 1911. Fountain majored in electrical engineering and participated in a number of extracurricular activities: he was an Intersociety debater, a member of the Leazar Literary Society, a member of the Quill Club, and the 1923 class poet. When the student newspaper, the Technician, was started in 1919, Fountain became a regular writer for the newspaper. He wrote both serious stories and humorous pieces, which he wrote under a pen name, Zippy Mack. Fountain eventually became editor-in-chief of the Technician as well as commencement orator in 1923.

After graduation, Fountain became a statistician for the Carolina Power and Light Company. The following year, while putting his older brother Robert Roy (R.R.) through school at N.C. State, Fountain decided to return to N.C. State as well and received a fellowship to do graduate work. Fountain received a master's degree in sociology in 1925 but found himself without any job prospects. Therefore, he wrote to N.C. State's president explaining his situation and offering to teach freshman courses, whereupon the president offered him a job teaching freshman English. At the same time, during summers, Fountain took English courses at the University of North Carolina to acquire the credentials necessary to teach college-level English. During this same period, in 1925, Fountain composed the lyrics to N.C. State's new alma mater, still in use 80 years later.

From 1929 to 1930, Fountain took a year off from teaching to acquire a master's degree in American literature from Columbia University in New York. He returned to teaching duties for several years and then, from 1935 to 1938, again returned to school, this time to receive a doctorate in technical writing from Peabody College in Nashville, Tennessee. While researching for his dissertation, Fountain came across the American Society for Engineering Education, an organization with which Fountain would be associated for over 30 years.

Upon returning once more to N.C. State, Fountain began developing courses in technical writing and in public speaking for engineering students. In 1943, Fountain co-authored the third edition of The Engineer's Manual of English. Later, he co-authored The Manual of Technical Writing. Fountain retired from teaching in 1965, but remained active in the N.C. State community by researching and composing a book on the history of place names at the university.

Fountain was also involved in the community outside the university. He was an active member and church elder in the Hillyer Memorial Christian Church, which he joined in 1923. He also was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. He was deeply committed to his family history, doing a great deal of genealogical research and organizing annual family reunions. Fountain married Maxine Taylor, a native of Halifax County, North Carolina, in 1937. They had two children, Marcia and Alvin II (known as Mark). Fountain died in 1989.

Scope and Content Note


The Alvin Marcus Fountain Papers include correspondence, writings, publications, poetry, minutes, programs, brochures, reports, newspaper articles, photographs, memoranda, newsletters, notes, and slides. The Papers are organized into three series: North Carolina State University, Personal, and Writings and Publications.

Organization of the Collection


The collection is arranged into three series:
MC 7 Series 1. North Carolina State University
MC 7 Series 2. Personal
MC 7 Series 3. Writings and Publications

Online Catalog Terms

  • Fountain family--Genealogy.
  • Fountain, Alvin Marcus.
  • Fountain, Maxine Eleanor Taylor.
  • North Carolina State College--Faculty--History.
  • North Carolina State University--Faculty--History.
  • Raleigh (N.C.)--Social life and customs.
  • College teachers--North Carolina--History.

Detailed Description of the Collection


  • MC 7 Series 1:North Carolina State University, 1889 - 1991


    1.5 linear feet, 2.5 boxes

    This series contains the records of Alvin Marcus Fountain's career at North Carolina State College (later North Carolina State University) as a student, faculty member, and alumnus. It is divided into subseries based on the aforementioned delineations. Within subseries, folders are arranged alphabetically.


    • Subseries 1: Student, 1919 - 1923
      • Commencement Program, 1923 [MC 0007 Box 1, Folder 1]
      • Coursework, 1920, undated [MC 0007 Box 1, Folder 2]
      • Grade Reports, 1920, 1922 [MC 0007 Box 1, Folder 3]
      • Recommendation Form, undated [MC 0007 Box 1, Folder 4]
      • State College Record, 1919 Mar. [MC 0007 Box 1, Folder 5]
      • Writings, 1921, 1923 [MC 0007 Box 1, Folder 6]
      • Writings, Agromeck, 1921, 1923 [MC 0007 Box 1, Folder 7]
      • Writings, Technician, 1920-1923 [MC 0007 Box 1, Folder 8]

    • Subseries 2: Faculty, 1938 - 1974
      • American Society for Engineering Education, Annual Meeting, 1952 [MC 0007 Box 1, Folder 9]
      • American Society for Engineering Education, Annual Meeting, 1953 [MC 0007 Box 1, Folder 10]
      • American Society for Engineering Education, Annual Meeting, 1957 [MC 0007 Box 1, Folder 11]
      • American Society for Engineering Education, Annual Meeting, 1958 [MC 0007 Box 1, Folder 12]
      • American Society for Engineering Education, Papers by Alvin Marcus Fountain, 1958, 1961, undated [MC 0007 Box 1, Folder 13]
      • American Society for Engineering Education, Technical Writing Articles, 1950 - 1952 [MC 0007 Box 1, Folder 14]
      • Correspondence, 1953 - 1974 [MC 0007 Box 1, Folder 15]
      • Faculty Publications Form, circa 1938 [MC 0007 Box 1, Folder 16]
      • Phi Kappa Phi, 1942, undated [MC 0007 Box 1, Folder 17]

    • Subseries 3: Alumni, 1889 - 1991
      • Alumni News, 1934 - 1968 [MC 0007 Box 1, Folder 18]
      • Attractor, 84th anniversary of North Carolina State University, 1973 Sept. 28 [MC 0007 Box 1, Folder 19]
      • Article on Yugoslav classmates, 1980 [MC 0007 Box 1, Folder 20]
      • Buildings and Grounds Committee, Minutes and Report, 1961, 1970 [MC 0007 Box 1, Folder 21]
      • Committee on the History of the College, Annual Reports, 1955 - 1957 [MC 0007 Box 1, Folder 22]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Memoranda, 1972 - 1973 [MC 0007 Box 1, Folder 23]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Minutes, 1972 - 1977 [MC 0007 Box 1, Folder 24]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Reference Material, 1967 - 1973 [MC 0007 Box 1, Folder 25]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Reference Notebook 1, undated
        File 1 of 3
        		 [MC 0007 Box 1, Folder 26]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Reference Notebook 1, undated
        File 2 of 3
        		 [MC 0007 Box 1, Folder 27]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Reference Notebook 1, undated
        File 3 of 3
        		 [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 1]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Reference Notebook 2, undated
        File 1 of 4
        		 [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 2]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Reference Notebook 2, undated
        File 2 of 4. Also contains information about genealogy and Sons of the American Revolution.
        		 [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 3]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Reference Notebook 2, undated
        File 3 of 4
        		 [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 4]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Reference Notebook 2, undated
        File 4 of 4
        		 [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 5]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Bureau of Mines Building, undated [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 6]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Burlington Engineering Laboratories, 1972 - 1973 [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 7]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Case Athletic Center, 1966, 1972 [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 8]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Cell Library, undated [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 9]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Chamberlain Street, 1972, 1982, undated [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 10]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Cox Hall, 1970, undated [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 11]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Culbreth Drive, 1971 [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 12]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Danforth Chapel, 1966 - 1972 [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 13]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Dunn Avenue, 1972 [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 14]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Forster Library, 1972 [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 15]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Fraternity Housing, 1966, undated [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 16]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Gardner Arboretum, 1972 [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 17]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Greaves-Walker Reading Room, 1946 - 1972 [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 18]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Greenhouse #1, undated [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 19]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Grinnells Animal Health Laboratory, 1972 [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 20]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Harrelson Hall, 1932, 1936 [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 21]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Heating Plant, undated [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 22]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Hill Library, 1916 [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 23]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Holladay Hall, 1895, 1972 - 1975 [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 24]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, King Religious Center, 1955, 1962, undated [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 25]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Leazar Hall, undated [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 26]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Lee Dormitory, 1966 [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 27]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Lyons Design Library, 1968, 1972 [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 28]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Magnum Hall, 1972 [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 29]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Mann Hall, 1972 [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 30]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, McKimmon Room, 1972, undated [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 31]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Old Mechanical, undated [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 32]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Pate Drive, 1971 [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 33]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Patterson and Peele Halls, 1908, 1972 [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 34]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Poe Hall, 1971, undated [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 35]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Polk Hall, undated [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 36]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Power Plant, 1972 [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 37]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Price Drive, 1971 [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 38]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Pullen Hall, undated [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 39]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Pullen Road, undated [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 40]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Randolph Reading Room, 1961 [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 41]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Robertson Laboratories, undated [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 42]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Scott Hall, 1972 [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 43]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Stephens Room, undated [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 44]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Student Supply Store, 1973 [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 45]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Summer House, undated [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 46]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Watauga Hall, undated [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 47]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Winston Hall, 1899 - 1987 [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 48]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Yates-Mill Laboratories, 1972 [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 49]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Research, Unnamed Buildings, 1972 - 1973, undated [MC 0007 Box 2, Folder 50]
      • Committee on Institutional History and Commemoration, Place Names, Progress Reports, 1971 - 1972 [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 1]
      • Founders' Day, Program and Articles, 1957 [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 2]
      • Fraternity, Alpha Lambda Tau, 1932 - 1933 [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 3]
      • Fraternity, Mu Beta Psi, undated [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 4]
      • Reunion, Class Directory, 1973 May 4 [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 5]
      • Reunion, Correspondence and Notes, 1973 [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 6]
      • Reunion, Invocation and Salute, 1973 May 4 [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 7]
      • Reunion, Photographs, undated [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 8]
      • Reunion, Research on Classmates, Correspondence and Notes, 1972 - 1973 [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 9]
      • University History Research, "Bear in the Chapel" Oral History Project, 1914, 1984, undated [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 10]
      • University History Research, Newspaper Articles, 1889 - 1991, undated [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 11]
      • University History Research, Pullen Land Grant, undated [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 12]
      • University History Research, Textile Plant Fire, 1889, 1914 [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 13]
      • Writings, 1926 - 1981 [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 14]
      • Writings, Agromeck, 1927 - 1928 [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 15]
      • Writings, Alma Mater, 1925 [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 16]
      • Writings, Technician, 1924 - 1978, undated [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 17]

    [Return to Descriptive Summary]

  • Personal, 1911 - 1992


    .5 linear feet, 1 box

    This series contains records regarding Alvin Fountain's community involvement and his research into his family history. It also includes his personal correspondence and the records of Maxine Taylor Fountain. The series is divided into five subseries: Community Involvement, Family History, Correspondence, General, and Maxine Taylor Fountain. Within the subseries, folders are arranged alphabetically.


    • Subseries 1: Community Involvement, 1954 - 1981
      • Cane Ridge Revival, Christian Church, undated [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 18]
      • D.H. Hill Library, Donation, 1981 Apr. 21 [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 19]
      • Danforth Scholars, Seminar on General Education and Religion and Moral Values, University of Chicago, 1957 June [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 20]
      • Duke Players, Experimental Theatre, undated [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 21]
      • Hillyer Memorial Christian Church, Convention, Charlotte, Visual Records, 1972 [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 22]
      • Hillyer Memorial Christian Church, Newspaper Articles, 1974, undated [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 23]
      • Hillyer Memorial Christian Church, Writings, 1974 - 1978 [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 24]
      • International Ecumenical Institute, Participation, 1954 Sept. [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 25]
      • National Benevolent Association of the Christian Church, Donation, 1972 Feb. 24 [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 26]
      • North Carolina Council of Churches Legislative Seminar, 1975 Jan. [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 27]
      • Sons of the American Revolution, 1976, undated [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 28]
      • Sons of the American Revolution, Photographs, undated [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 29]
      • Sons of the American Revolution, Writings, 1973 July 1 [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 30]
      • Union Chapel Christian Church, Writings, 1979 July 24 [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 31]
      • Wake County Association of Retired Persons, Introduction of Burton F. Beers, 1979 Feb. 15 [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 32]

    • Subseries 2: Correspondence, 1922 - 1989
      • 1922 - 1989 [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 33]
      • Holiday and Special Occasion Letters, 1954 - 1987, undated [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 34]

    • Subseries 3: Family History, 1911 - 1992
      • Family Reunion Newsletters, 1924, 1970 - 1986 [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 35]
      • Genealogy Research Notes, 1920 - 1986, undated [MC 0007 Box 3, Folder 36]
      • The John R. Fountain Family, 1952 Nov. 11 [MC 0007 Box 4, Folder 1]
      • The John R. Fountain Family of Onslow County, North Carolina, 1992 [MC 0007 Box 4, Folder 2]
      • John R. Fountain Family Reunion Assembly Area Dedication, undated [MC 0007 Box 4, Folder 3]
      • John R. Fountain Memorial Plaque Dedication, 1962 Sept. 9 [MC 0007 Box 4, Folder 4]
      • Kit Bryan, 1911 [MC 0007 Box 4, Folder 5]
      • Mattie Ella Moore Taylor: 1879-1962, 1963 Jan. 1 [MC 0007 Box 4, Folder 6]
      • Newspaper Articles, 1971 - 1988 [MC 0007 Box 4, Folder 7]
      • Tom McCrea Poetry, 1925 [MC 0007 Box 4, Folder 8]

    • Subseries 4: General, 1927 - 1962
      • Louisburg College, The Oak Yearbook Page, 1927 [MC 0007 Box 4, Folder 9]
      • Newspaper Articles about Alvin Fountain, 1956 - 1984 [MC 0007 Box 4, Folder 10]
      • Notes, Political Ideas, undated [MC 0007 Box 4, Folder 11]
      • Place Card, undated [MC 0007 Box 4, Folder 12]
      • Playbills and Play Scripts, undated [MC 0007 Box 4, Folder 13]
      • Publications, collected by Fountain, 1931, 1962 [MC 0007 Box 4, Folder 14]

    • Subseries 5: Maxine Taylor Fountain, 1947 - 1989
      • Correspondence, 1948 - 1949, 1988 - 1989 [MC 0007 Box 4, Folder 15]
      • Daughters of the American Revolution, Constitutional Drama, 1987 [MC 0007 Box 4, Folder 16]
      • Newspaper Articles, 1949, 1969, undated [MC 0007 Box 4, Folder 17]
      • North Carolina State College Women's Club, 1947 - 1956, undated [MC 0007 Box 4, Folder 18]

    [Return to Descriptive Summary]


  • MC 7 Series 3:Writings and Publications, 1929-1988


    6 folders

    This series contains Alvin Fountain's writings and publications that do not concern North Carolina State University or his professional and personal affiliations. Folders are arranged alphabetically.

    • Eulogy, Ralph Swann, undated [MC 0007 Box 4, Folder 19]
    • Letters to the Editor, Drafts, undated [MC 0007 Box 4, Folder 20]
    • Newspaper Articles and Letters to the Editor, 1972 - 1988, undated [MC 0007 Box 4, Folder 21]
    • Obituary, Cat, 1973 Nov. 21 [MC 0007 Box 4, Folder 22]
    • Poetry, 1929 - 1984, undated [MC 0007 Box 4, Folder 23]
    • William Norwood Hicks II: An Appreciation, 1974 [MC 0007 Box 4, Folder 24]

    [Return to Descriptive Summary]

Bibliography

Check the NCSU Catalog for these titles


Published Works of Alvin Marcus Fountain
A Study Course in Technical Writing, 1938
Engineer's Manual of English, co-author, 1943
Manual of Technical Writing, co-author, 1957
The English Division of the American Society for Engineering Education: A History, 1961