Guide to the Ralph Clay Swann Papers, 1931

Descriptive Summary

Repository: North Carolina State University Libraries, Special Collections Research Center
Creator: Swann, Ralph Clay, 1912 - 1967.
Title: Ralph Clay Swann Papers, 1931 - 1968
Call Number: MC 69
Extent: 0.5 linear feet, 1 archival box
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 Mrs. Ralph C. Swann, 1973 (Accession no. 1973-0007).
Preferred Citation: Ralph Clay Swann Papers, MC 69, 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.
Processing Information: Processed by Michael Watts, 2006 May

Encoded by Michael Watts, 2006 May

Biographical Note

Born in West Virginia in 1912, Ralph Swann received a B.S. in chemistry from Morris Harvey College and a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dr. Swann was a research chemist and director of research in private industry from 1933 to 1951. He served as Deputy Chief, Assistant Director and Technical Director of the Ordnance Missile Laboratories, Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Alabama, 1953-1961. As Technical Director, he was responsible for the planning and execution of rocket propulsion research and solid propulsion development.

Swann was nationally known for his role in the development of Cold War missile systems. He oversaw the origins of key components used in anti-ballistic weapons during the time he worked at Redstone Arsenal, making major contributions to the propulsion systems employed by Nike Zeus, Nike Hercules, Pershing, and Lacrosse service missiles. Swann maintained professional contact with scientific personnel in universities, government agencies and private industry throughout the nation.

In January 1961, Ralph Clay Swann came to North Carolina State University as Head of the Chemistry Department. He was involved in the publication of hundreds of technical papers and was a formative presence in developing a national profile for North Carolina State University. Swann was an active community member participating in local Rotary Club functions. He also maintained involvement with the Minerva Masonic Lodge in his hometown of Barboursville. W.Va. He worked as head of the NCSU chemistry department until his death, in 1967 at the age of fifty-four . Dr. Swann was survived by his wife Winifred, two daughters, and a son.

Scope and Content Note

This collection chiefly documents Ralph Clay Swann's work as Technical Director at the Redstone Arsenal Ordnance Missile Laboratories in Huntsville, Alabama, where he was responsible for the planning and execution of rocket propulsion research and solid propulsion development. Contained in the files are news clippings, photographs, certificates, citations, lectures and speeches given by Swann. Included are photographs of Dr. Swann at the detonation of the FIZEAU nuclear device at the Mercury, Nevada, test site in September 1957. A few items relate to Swann's education, to his work in private industry, or to his work at North Carolina State College of Agriculture and Engineering (later North Carolina State University).

Organization of the Collection

This collection is organized by subject.

Online Catalog Terms

The following terms have been used to index the guide to the collection in the NCSU Library's online catalog.

Individuals

Swann, Ralph Clay, 1912-1967.

Places

Redstone Arsenal (Ala.).

Corporate Entities

North Carolina State University--Faculty--History--20th century.

Topic

Chemists--United States--History--20th century.
Rocket launchers (Ordnance)--Research--United States--History.
Rocket engines--Research--United States--History.
Solid propellants--Research--United States--History.
Universities and colleges--North Carolina--Faculty--History--20th century.

Detailed Description of the Collection

Academic and professional papers, 1931 - 1945 [MC 69 Box 1, Folder 1]
Harvey Morris College, 1933 - 1963 [MC 69 Box 1, Folder 2]
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1941 [MC 69 Box 1, Folder 3]
Sigma Xi, 1941 [MC 69 Box 1, Folder 4]
Newspaper clippings, 1953 - 1960 [MC 69 Box 1, Folder 5]
Redstone Arsenal - Lectures and Speeches, 1954 - 1958 [MC 69 Box 1, Folder 6]
Redstone Arsenal - Letters of Commendation and Appreciation, 1954 - 1960 [MC 69 Box 1, Folder 7]
Redstone Arsenal - Announcements and Certificates, 1954 - 1960 [MC 69 Box 1, Folder 8]
Redstone Arsenal - Photos, 1956 - 1957 [MC 69 Box 1, Folder 9]
Redstone Arsenal - Bio and Personnel Forms, 1958 - 1968 [MC 69 Box 1, Folder 10]
North Carolina State College, 1960 - 1962 [MC 69 Box 1, Folder 11]

Guide to the Ralph Clay Swann Papers, 1931 - 1968

Collection Number MC 69

Collection Information