John William Harrelson Papers, 1908-1955 MC 00001
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.
Biography/History
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
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.
Arrangement
- MC 00001 Series 1. Correspondence
- MC 00001 Series 2. University Papers
- MC 00001 Series 3. Department of Conservation and Development
- MC 00001 Series 4. Military Records
- MC 00001 Series 5. Membership in Organizations
- MC 00001 Series 6. Personal Papers
Collection Inventory
Correspondence 1923-1955 MC 00001 Series 1
0.5 Linear feetThis 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
[ Box: 1 Folder: 1 ]Congratulatory Letters 1934 July 5 - 1934 July 9
[ Box: 1 Folder: 2 ]Congratulatory Letters 1934 July 10 - 1934 July 31
[ Box: 1 Folder: 3 ]Congratulatory Letters 1934 Aug. - 1934 Dec.
[ Box: 1 Folder: 4 ]Responses to Congratulations 1934
[ Box: 1 Folder: 5 ]General Correspondence 1923 - 1935
[ Box: 1 Folder: 6 ]General Correspondence 1936 - 1949
[ Box: 1 Folder: 7 ]General Correspondence 1953
[ Box: 1 Folder: 8 ]General Correspondence 1954 Jan - 1954 June
[ Box: 1 Folder: 9 ]General Correspondence 1954 July - 1955 Jan
[ Box: 1 Folder: 10 ]University 1921-1955 MC 00001 Series 2
2.0 Linear feetThis 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
[ Box: 1 Folder: 11 ]Alumni Association 1935 - 1944
[ Box: 1 Folder: 12 ]Alumni Association 1952 - 1954
[ Box: 1 Folder: 13 ]Alumni News 1933 - 1934
[ Box: 1 Folder: 14 ]Committee on Consolidation, Letters 1931 - 1932
[ Box: 2 Folder: 1 ]Committee on Consolidation, pamphelets 1931 - 1932
[ Box: 2 Folder: 2 ]Consolidation 1932
[ Box: 2 Folder: 3 ]Consolidation 1933
[ Box: 2 Folder: 4 ]Consolidation Publications
[ Box: 2 Folder: 5 ]Bequest Program Papers
[ Box: 2 Folder: 6 ]General Assembly 1955
[ Box: 2 Folder: 7 ]General Assembly 1955
[ Box: 2 Folder: 8 ]General Assembly budget 1955
[ Box: 2 Folder: 9 ]Speeches and Writings 1935 - 1936 Sept
[ Box: 3 Folder: 1 ]Speeches and Writings 1936 Oct - 1938
[ Box: 3 Folder: 2 ]Speeches and Writings 1940 - 1941
[ Box: 3 Folder: 3 ]Speeches and Writings 1942 - 1944
[ Box: 3 Folder: 4 ]Speeches and Writings 1953 - 1954
[ Box: 3 Folder: 5 ]Retirement 1950 - 1954
[ Box: 3 Folder: 6 ]Retirement, Publications
[ Box: 3 Folder: 7 ]Recommendations and Introductions
[ Box: 3 Folder: 8 ]Recommendations and Introductions
[ Box: 3 Folder: 9 ]Photographs
[ Box: 3 Folder: 10 ]Pictures are of Chancellor Harrelson and President Frank Graham.
N.C. State 50th Anniversary Scrapbook
[ Box: 20 ]Conservation and Development 1929-1941 MC 00001 Series 3
3.0 Linear feetThis 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
[ Box: 4 Folder: 1 ]Conservation and Development correspondence 1930 - 1931 Aug.
[ Box: 4 Folder: 2 ]Conservation and Development correspondence 1931 Sept. - 1931 Dec.
[ Box: 4 Folder: 3 ]Conservation and Development correspondence 1932
[ Box: 4 Folder: 4 ]Reappointment as Director 1932 - 1933
[ Box: 4 Folder: 5 ]Conservation and Development Reports,
[ Box: 4 Folder: 6 ]Conservation and Development, late correspondence 1933 Jan - 1933 Aug
[ Box: 4 Folder: 7 ]Letters Upon Losing Post 1933 Aug
[ Box: 4 Folder: 8 ]Conservation and Development, correspondence after leaving 1934
[ Box: 4 Folder: 9 ]Conservation and Development, correspondence after leaving 1935 - 1941
[ Box: 4 Folder: 10 ]Reports (typed) 1930
[ Box: 5 Folder: 1 ]Reports (published) 1930
[ Box: 5 Folder: 2 ]Reports (typed) 1931 - 1933
[ Box: 5 Folder: 3 ]Reports (published) 1931 - 1933
[ Box: 5 Folder: 4 ]Reports (typed) 1935 - 1937
[ Box: 5 Folder: 5 ]Reports (published) 1935 - 1937
[ Box: 5 Folder: 6 ]Reports (typed) 1939 - 1941
[ Box: 5 Folder: 7 ]Speeches and Writings (1 of 4)
[ Box: 6 Folder: 1 ]Speeches and Writings (2 of 4)
[ Box: 6 Folder: 2 ]Speeches and Writings (3 of 4)
[ Box: 6 Folder: 3 ]Speeches and Writings (4 of 4)
[ Box: 6 Folder: 4 ]North Carolina Club
[ Box: 6 Folder: 5 ]North Carolina Club Publications
[ Box: 6 Folder: 6 ]Atlantic Sportsman
[ Box: 6 Folder: 7 ]Conservation Clippings Scrapbook 1
[ Box: 17 ]Conservation Clipping Scrapbook 2
[ Box: 18 ]Conservation Clipping Scrapbook 3
[ Box: 19 ]Military 1921-1954 MC 00001 Series 4
2.5 Linear feetThis 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
[ Box: 7 Folder: 1 ]General Records 1924
[ Box: 7 Folder: 2 ]General Records 1925 Jan - 1925 July
[ Box: 7 Folder: 3 ]General Records 1925 Aug - 1925 Dec
[ Box: 7 Folder: 4 ]General Records 1926 Jan - 1926 July
[ Box: 7 Folder: 5 ]General Records 1926 Aug - 1926 Dec
[ Box: 7 Folder: 6 ]General Records 1927
[ Box: 7 Folder: 7 ]General Records 1928 - 1934
[ Box: 7 Folder: 8 ]General Records 1935
[ Box: 8 Folder: 1 ]General Records 1936 - 1937
[ Box: 8 Folder: 2 ]General Records 1938
[ Box: 8 Folder: 3 ]General Records 1939 - 1940
[ Box: 8 Folder: 4 ]General Records 1941
[ Box: 8 Folder: 5 ]General Records 1942 - 1943 July
[ Box: 8 Folder: 6 ]General Records 1943 Aug - 1943 Dec
[ Box: 8 Folder: 7 ]Travel Vouchers 1943 - 1944
[ Box: 8 Folder: 8 ]General Records 1944 Jan - 1944 Apr
[ Box: 8 Folder: 9 ]General Records 1944 May - 1944 June
[ Box: 8 Folder: 10 ]General Records 1944 July
[ Box: 9 Folder: 1 ]General Records 1944 Aug - 1944 Dec
[ Box: 9 Folder: 2 ]General Records 1945
[ Box: 9 Folder: 3 ]General Records 1948 - 1954
[ Box: 9 Folder: 4 ]Reserve Officer's Association 1925
[ Box: 9 Folder: 5 ]Reserve Officers Association 1926 - 1934
[ Box: 9 Folder: 6 ]Reserve Officer Publications 1923 - 1932
[ Box: 9 Folder: 7 ]Military National Defense 1925 - 1933
[ Box: 9 Folder: 8 ]Council of Defense 1940
[ Box: 9 Folder: 9 ]Council of Defense 1941
[ Box: 9 Folder: 10 ]Council of Defense 1942
[ Box: 9 Folder: 11 ]American Flag Materials
[ Box: 9 Folder: 12 ]"The Flag of the United States"
[ Box: 9 Folder: 13 ]Oversized Military
[ flatbox: 16 Folder: 3 ]Membership in Organizations 1929-1955 MC 00001 Series 5
3.5 Linear feetThis 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
[ Box: 10 Folder: 2 ]Chamber of Commerce, Raleigh 1953
[ Box: 10 Folder: 3 ]Chamber of Commerce, Raleigh 1954 - 1955
[ Box: 10 Folder: 4 ]Charlotte College 1954
[ Box: 10 Folder: 5 ]Cotton Grower's Co-op 1939 - 1954
[ Box: 10 Folder: 6 ]Executive's Club 1948 - 1955
[ Box: 10 Folder: 7 ]Farmer's Co-op Exchange 1948 - 1955
[ Box: 10 Folder: 8 ]Gardner-Webb College 1942 - 1945
[ Box: 10 Folder: 9 ]Kiwanis Club 1939 - 1955
[ Box: 10 Folder: 10 ]Merit System Council 1941
[ Box: 10 Folder: 11 ]Merit System Council 1942 Jan - 1942 Aug
[ Box: 10 Folder: 12 ]Merit System Council 1945
[ Box: 11 Folder: 1 ]Merit System Council 1948 - 1949
[ Box: 11 Folder: 2 ]Merit System Council 1950 - 1954
[ Box: 11 Folder: 3 ]Nautical School 1939 - 1945
[ Box: 11 Folder: 4 ]Newcomen Society 1942
[ Box: 11 Folder: 5 ]Pinehurst Preperatory School 1940 - 1941
[ Box: 11 Folder: 6 ]Railroad Centennial, Raleigh 1940
[ Box: 11 Folder: 7 ]Raleigh Sesquicentennial 1941 - 1942 Mar
[ Box: 11 Folder: 8 ]Raleigh Sesquicentennial 1942 Apr - 1942 Oct
[ Box: 11 Folder: 9 ]Ravenscroft School 1951 - 1952
[ Box: 11 Folder: 10 ]Saint Agnes Hospital 1942 - 1953
[ Box: 11 Folder: 11 ]Saint Agnes Hospital 1954 - 1955
[ Box: 12 Folder: 1 ]Saint Agnes Hospital, bookeeper's reports 1954
[ Box: 12 Folder: 2 ]Saint Augustine's College 1937 - 1947
[ Box: 12 Folder: 3 ]Saint Augustine's College 1949 - 1953
[ Box: 12 Folder: 4 ]Saint Augustine's College 1954 - 1955
[ Box: 12 Folder: 5 ]Saint Mary's School 1945 - 1947
[ Box: 12 Folder: 6 ]Saint Mary's School 1948 - 1954
[ Box: 12 Folder: 7 ]State Planning Board 1936 - 1937
[ Box: 12 Folder: 8 ]State Planning Board 1938
[ Box: 12 Folder: 9 ]State Planning Board 1939 - 1941
[ Box: 12 Folder: 10 ]State Programming, television, WRAL 1954
[ Box: 12 Folder: 11 ]State - Professional Engineers of NC 1954
[ Box: 13 Folder: 1 ]Standard Oil Discussion Group 1953 - 1954
[ Box: 13 Folder: 2 ]Watauga Club
[ Box: 13 Folder: 3 ]Other Memberships 1929 - 1955
[ Box: 13 Folder: 4 ]Kiwanis Club Scrapbook
[ Box: 21 Folder: 1 ]Personal 1908-1955 MC 00001 Series 6
1 archival box, 2 albums and 1 artifact boxHarrelson 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.
